Oscar Duarte narrowly wins on points against Kenneth Sims Jr – super lightweight title ambitions reaffirmed.
Oscar Duarte (30-2-1, 23 knockouts) remains on the rise and was able to further consolidate his position in the super lightweight scene. The Mexican prevailed in a close fight by majority decision against local hero Kenneth Sims Jr (22-3-1, 8 knockouts). The venue was the University of Illinois in Chicago – the fight was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and broadcast live on DAZN.
The judges saw the fight as follows: 115-113, 114-114 and 116-112 – a hard-fought victory for Duarte, who thus notched up his fourth success in a row and climbed further up the WBA rankings. Gary Antuanne Russell is currently the world champion at 140 pounds.
For Sims Jr, it was his first defeat after ten unbeaten appearances – particularly bitter in front of his home crowd. He will have to refocus in order to find his way back to the top of the world rankings.
Duarte was combative and confident after the fight:
“It was the war I expected,” said the 28-year-old Mexican in an interview with Beto Duran as translator. “Kenneth is an intelligent boxer, but I knew I had to put him under pressure. I had to hit him on the body to take his legs away – and break his will. Super lightweight – dress warm. I want the belt. I’m ready for anyone!”