Oscar Duarte won a 12-round majority decision over hometowner Kenneth Sims Jr. in a grueling junior welterweight fight at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago
It was a fight fought at close quarters throughout with Duarte constantly pushing the fight and Sims back to the ropes. Sims also fought well with quick combinations. Duarte was proficient with his body work and for most of the fight had Sims fighting Duarte’s fight. The two exchanged in entertaining fashion which made for a fan-friendly fight.
Each fighter landed 220 punches. Duarte threw 900 while Sims threw 669.
Duarte, 139.8 lbs of Parral, MEX won by scores of 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 and is now 30-2-1. Sims, 139.8 lbs of Chicago is 22-3-1.
“I am very happy, it was a great fight, a war,” said Duarte. “I am very happy about this victory and I am very happy to be closer to be fighting for a world title. Sims Jr. brought much experience and had great conditioning. He came very prepared. However, I felt that I was very prepared and that I was in control of the rounds. It was a fight where I learned a lot. I am ok with doing a rematch with him, wherever he wants to do it. If he wants to run it back in Chicago, we can do it here again too, but I would come ready to knock him out.
“I thought I won. It was a good fight, tough fight, but I thought I won.” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “He brought pressure like I expected. Relentless pressure. It was nothing that I didn’t expect. I mean, I could’ve sharpened my defense. It was a good fight. He’s a tough fighter. It was amazing (the fans). I love my hometown, I love my city. It’s good to see they love me too. Absolutely (run it back). I want it right back because I won that fight. It was a close fight, but I won it. We can go right back to it.”
Prograis Decisions Jojo Diaz in War
In a back and forth bloody brawl, former world champion Regis Prograis was able to win a 10-round unanimous decision over Joseph Diaz Jr.
In round one, Diaz rocked and hurt Prograis with a hard left. In round four, Diaz was cut badly oover the left eye from an accidental headbutt. It seemed like every time Diaz landed a hard punch Prograis seemed off balance. Prograis fought well in sports, but Diaz landed the more telling blows. The two exchanged in the center of the ring and it seemed that Diaz may have done just enough to win the fight or have a draw.
Prograis landed 224 of 895 punches. Diaz was 197 of 510.
The three judges scored it 98-92 and 96-94 for Prograis,
Prograis,142 lbs of New Orleans is 30-3. Diaz, 143.2 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 34-8.
“It was like when you have the jitters coming into a fight, then after that you get hit with the first one — and then it’s a fight,” said Prograis. “I knew it was gonna be a fight with him. I went to my corner and they said, ‘Listen, just keep your jab out.’ And that’s what I did. That’s how I got the job done. People are gonna say what they wanna say, but I felt like I needed this. JoJo’s a veteran. He’s real tough, and he came to fight. We went 10 rounds — 10 hard rounds — and that’s something I definitely needed in my bag,” he added. “For me, I want to get back to being a champion. I want the big money. Big money or a world championship — that’s what I want next.”
Kalkreuth Stops Williams After 3
Tristan Kalkreuth stopped Devonte Williams in round three of their 10-rpind cruiserweight bout.
In round two, Kalkreuth landed two lefts to the body and Williams kneeled to the canvas. Williams decided that he had enough and the official time was one second of round three.
Kalkreuth, 198.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 16-1 with 11 knockouts. Williams, 196.2 lbs of Houston is 13-3.
Edwards Stops Audie in 1st
Joshua Edwards stopped overmatched Cayman Audie in the opening round of their six-round heavyweight bout,
In round one, Edwards dropped Audie with a counter right. Edwards then landed a hard right that spun Audie inro the ropes that was followed up by two more shots and the fight was stopped at 1:29.
Edwards, 228 lbs of Houston is 4-0 with four knockouts. Audie, 242 lbs of Hinckley, MIN is 4-2.
Gallardo Decisions Rankin
Yair Gallardo won a eight-round unanimous decision over Quinton Rankin in a light heavyweight bout.
In round six, Gallardo dropped Rankin with a left to the body. In round eight, Rankin had swelling of his right eye.
Gallardo landed 144 of 399 punches. Rankin was 69 of 275.
Gallardo, 175 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 80-71 and 79-72 twice and now is 10-0. Rankin, 174 lbs of Gastonia, NC is 21-10-2.
