Kenneth Sims Jr. (11-0, 3 KOs) remains an undefeated prospect after a rough and tumble scrap in Atlantic City, NJ against Emmanuel Robles (15-2-1 5 KOs), but there is clearly much to learn before Sims makes the jump in competition.
Sims came out of the gate smoking–with a low KO ratio, it was expected that he’d take this challenge from the outside with a firm jab and a hard straight hand, but Sims closed the door on the phone booth and brawled with Robles for most of the bout.
Early on, Sims put in good work to Robles’ body, but faded in the later rounds. In the second half of the fight, Robles began teeing off on Sims, going so far as to knock the gumshield right from between Sims’ teeth.
Sims, perhaps because he was exhausted, yet again lost his mouthpiece late in the fight, leading referee Benjy Esteves Jr. to take away a point from the young upstart.
When the final bell rang, the scores were 78-73, and 79-72 twice all in favor of Sims. The cards were in typical favor for a young, marketable prospect who clearly gave up a large portion of the second half of the fight, but Sims most certainly did enough to win the bout overall.
Sims showed a number of weaknesses throughout the bout, notably a sub par gas tank and an inability to finish Robles off when he seemed to have him on the hook in both the second and third rounds.
Sims’ punching power doesn’t appear to be lethal. His best shot of the night failed to stop Robles in his tracks, let alone put him on the ground.
Robles on the other hand presented a tough test, and would be trouble for any young up and comer. Sims was perhaps just a bit too crafty.
Photo by Marilyn Paulino/RBRBoxing
