WBA Light Middleweight champion Travis Simms (25-0-19KO) is gearing up for his first title defense against Joachim Alcine (28-0-18KO). The fight is scheduled for July 7th, 2007 at the Harbour Yard Arena, in Bridgeport, CT.  Travis grabbed the world title back in January by totally dismantling then champion, Jose Antonio Rivera.  Recently Simms sat down with Boxingtalk and talked about his upcoming title defense, and he makes it clear that he wants to unify the division.

BC - The last time I saw you, you took apart then world champion Jose Antonio Rivera.  What have you been to up as of late?

TS - Well I have been staying busy in the gym, working on my craft.  I am looking to unify this division, and I am getting ready for my match against Joachim Alcine.

BC - So the fight against Acline is a done deal?

TS - Well as far as I am concerned we are a go for July 7th here in CT, and it's going to be on Showtime.  I am looking forward to putting on a tremendous showing.

BC - That performance against Rivera was unbelievable.  Did you think it was going to be that easy?

TS - Well going into that fight with Rivera, I got some rounds in which was great.  I got back into the gym and worked on my craft since then, and I pray to God that I can put on another performance like when I go up against Alcine.

BC - What is the mood with you and your camp going into this fight against Alcine?  The mood going into your fight against Rivera was hunger and frustration because of what happened before that fight.

TS - Well just like any other fight, whether like Rivera or like in my pro debut.  I always come out with hunger, and I always try to be the best.  My focus is to put on a brilliant performance so that the boxing world will mandate a Travis Simms vs Floyd Mayweather fight.

BC - Obviously you would love to get a crack at Mayweather, how do you see yourself matching up against him?

TS - I think I match up great against Floyd Mayweather.  He is an awesome fighter, and I am an awesome fighter.  I think it would be an awesome fight, even better than the fight against De La Hoya.  I look forward to one day having that opportunity to fight Mayweather, and I will be ready for it.

BC - What are your thoughts on the Mayweather vs Oscar De La Hoya fight?

TS - There are many variations that go into a fight of that magnitude.  Floyd fought a brilliant fight, and I think Oscar gave him too much respect, and didn't throw enough.  Oscar was looking to outpoint him, instead of just beating him up.  I think he had the wrong strategy.

BC - How has life changed for you since grabbing the world title?

TS - Well not too much, I am right back in the gym, still hungry, still fighting.  I am not going to be satisfied until I am the undisputed Light Middleweight champion.

BC - Unifying the titles is difficult these days with promoters, and sanctioning bodies.  How realistic do you think it is to unify these days?

TS - I think it's realistic, it's to a point where enough of these fighters not competing with each other.  I think it's rightfully owed to me by my promoter to secure those fights.  Part of the unification will be easy to make because Cory Spinks and I are both with Don King.  Once I get both titles I will have the demand to unify the titles, by me winning an extra title, it will solidify my position on wanting the big fights.

BC - I took some heat by scoring Cory Spinks as beating Jermain Taylor, I just thought he did what he needed to do in order to win that fight.  Who do you think won that fight between Spinks and Taylor?

TS - I agree with you, I had Spinks winning that fight by a close margin.  I hope that he will give me the same opportunity.

BC - How do you see yourself matching up against Cory Spinks?

TS - Well Cory is a southpaw, and I am a southpaw.  I think physically and athletically I have the advantage.  I think I would have to do what Zab Judah did to him, same approach.

BC - Now that you mention Zab Judah, who wins between him and Cotto?

TS - Well Zab is a great fighter, he's experienced as well.  It's all about Zab's focus, and I think he's out to prove a point.  I think we are going to see the best Zab Judah yet.  I think he will surprise everybody, and he will give Cotto more than a run for his money.  Cotto is a great fighter in his own right, but like most pressing fighters they have problems with fast fighters that can pop, Zab has both.  I see Zab overwhelming him in this fight.

BC - You have a twin brother in Tarvis Simms, he's a real prospect as well.

TS - Yes, my brother Tarvis just signed with a new promoter.  Tarvis is 21-0 and he has beaten very good fighters in his past.  Tarvis has great talent, and I think he can be a world champion.  I would love to go down in history as two brothers being world champions at the same time.

BC - Before I let you go, what are your thoughts on the tragic passing of Diego "Chico" Corrales?

TS - That is a horrific situation.  Diego and I were in the amateurs together, so when I got the news of his passing it really hit home.  I want to pass on my condolences to his family, it was so unfortunate at such a young age to go like that.   I think he will go down in history as one of the greatest Lightweights ever.

BC - Do you have any closing thoughts for your fans?

TS - I want to thank my fans for their continuing support.  I look forward to seeing them on July 7th to watch me defend my title against an undefeated challenger.  This guy is hungry to take my title, and I am hungry to defend and keep my title.  This is the first ever world title fight in Fairfield County, Ct and I am the first ever world champion from Fairfield County, Ct.  It sort of goes hand in hand.

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