Oscar Duarte Vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. Breakdown

The Oscar Duarte and Kenneth Sims Jr. junior welterweight showdown goes down on August 2, as we preview how the boxers may approach the bout. 

Duarte (29-2-1, 23 KOs) enters with serious momentum. Under trainer Robert Garcia, he’s transformed into a pressure-heavy, power-punching force. Duarte’s path to victory is clear. He will look to close the distance, cut off the ring, and go to the body early to wear Sims down. This will be Duarte’s best chance to try and drag Sims into a firefight. It is hoped that his punching power and work rate could overwhelm the hometown favorite.

The CompuBox from Duarte’s 7th round TKO victory over Miguel Madueno proved the earlier point. Duarte consistently outthrew and outlanded Madueno in total punches. By the seventh round, Duarte had landed 149 of 447 total punches (33.3% accuracy) compared to Madueno’s 89 of 430 (20.7%). Duarte also landed a remarkable 121 power punches out of 310 thrown (39%), while Madueno connected with only 61 of 223 power shots (27.4%). Duarte’s commitment to the body was also shown, landing 49 power punches.

Duarte Vs. Sims Jr.

Sims Jr. (22-2-1, 8 KOs), the slicker of the two, has the skills to neutralize Duarte’s pressure. His six-fight win streak includes impressive tactical displays, most recently a dominant decision over Kendo Castaneda. Sims will aim to use different angles, lateral movement, and a stiff jab to keep Duarte at bay.  Duarte’s forward-marching style can sometimes leave him open to counter-punches, especially if he charges in off-balance. Ryan Garcia’s fight highlighted how a well-timed counter can catch him. If Sims can frustrate Duarte and avoid getting trapped on the ropes, Sims has the tools to outbox the Mexican.

The CompuBox numbers from Sims Jr.’s victory over Castaneda also prove a point. Sims Jr. consistently outboxed and outlanded Castaneda in total punches. By the final bell, Sims had connected on 197 of 629 total punches thrown (31.3% accuracy), significantly more than Castaneda’s 149 of 694 (21.5%).

Sims Jr.’s jab was a critical weapon. He landed 57 jabs out of 253 thrown (22.5%), compared to Castaneda’s 23 of 226 (10.2%). Sims’ power punching also proved decisive. He landed 140 power punches out of 376 thrown (37.2%), while Castaneda landed 126 of 468 (26.9%). These stats show that Duarte vs. Sims Jr. has the potential to be a competitive fight.