When it comes to close fights, Oscar Duarte vs Kenneth Sims will go down as one of those that leaves fans split down the middle. On a lively Saturday night in Chicago, Duarte walked away with a majority decision win over hometown favourite Sims Jr., but not without plenty of talking points along the way.
Let’s break down the action, the controversy, and what this means next for both men in the stacked junior welterweight division.
A Fight of Two Halves
From the first bell, Kenneth Sims Jr. looked like a man with something to prove. Fighting in front of a supportive Chicago crowd, Sims started strong – using his slick footwork and sharp jab to frustrate Duarte early on. Rounds one through four largely went his way, with some fans even thinking he might coast to a comfortable decision.
But Oscar Duarte vs Kenneth Sims was never going to be a one-sided affair. From round five onwards, Duarte’s pressure began to tell. The Mexican fighter, known for his relentless style, cut the ring off well and started landing to both head and body. By round seven, Sims looked like he was feeling the pace, and Duarte’s hooks were scoring more frequently.
Did the Right Man Win?
The judges returned a majority decision: two scores of 96–94 for Duarte, with one judge calling it a 95–95 draw. While some neutral fans agreed with the result, others – especially Sims’ supporters – were left frustrated.
There’s an argument that Sims did the cleaner work in the early rounds and arguably banked enough to nick it. But equally, Oscar Duarte vs Kenneth Sims became a fight about momentum, and Duarte’s late surge clearly impressed two of the three officials.
It wasn’t a robbery – let’s be clear – but it was close enough to spark debate.
What’s Next for Oscar Duarte?
This win positions Duarte nicely in the junior welterweight ranks. He’s now knocking on the door for a world title shot – maybe not next, but certainly within the next couple of fights.
Whether it’s a crack at someone like Subriel Matías or an eliminator with a fellow contender, Duarte’s aggressive style makes him must-see TV. He’s got the kind of engine and fan-friendly approach that promoters love.
Don’t be surprised if Golden Boy try to push him into a headline slot soon – especially after how vocal the Mexican-American fanbase was in Chicago.
And What About Kenneth Sims Jr.?
Sims doesn’t come out of this looking bad – far from it. Yes, he lost, but Oscar Duarte vs Kenneth Sims showed he belongs at this level. He’ll need to tighten up his stamina and maybe tweak his strategy for high-pressure opponents, but there’s no shame in this defeat.
A rematch wouldn’t be the worst shout – or maybe Sims takes a step back and regroups before going again. Either way, his stock hasn’t dropped too much. He’ll just have to take the long road back now.
Final Thoughts
Oscar Duarte vs Kenneth Sims might not make every Fight of the Year list, but it was a proper scrap with real implications. Duarte gets the win, the momentum, and possibly a title shot down the line. Sims gets a tough lesson – but he’ll be back.