Kenny Sims Jr., a rising star in the boxing world, has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled fight against Oscar Duarte on November 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 30-year-old Chicago native, who has been on a winning streak, sustained a knee injury during training, prompting his decision to pull out of the highly anticipated "Latino Night" card.

Sims' Promising Career Sidelined by Injury Setback

A Winning Streak Interrupted

Sims, with a professional record of 21-2-1 (8 KOs), has been on a roll, winning eight consecutive fights since his 2018 loss to Samuel Teah. During this impressive stretch, he has upended previously unbeaten prospect Elvis Rodriguez and title contender Botirzhon Akhmedov, solidifying his status as a rising force in the sport. Earlier this year, Sims signed with Golden Boy Promotions and delivered an impressive performance in August, stopping former titleholder Jonathan Romero in five rounds.

Disappointment in Riyadh

Sims was eager to make his debut in Saudi Arabia, as part of the "Latino Night" card in Riyadh. However, his plans have been derailed by a knee injury sustained during training. In a statement shared on social media, Sims expressed his disappointment, saying, "I'm really disappointed as I was excited to make my Saudi debut. I suffered a knee injury in training and was forced to pull out of the fight."

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Despite the setback, Sims remains optimistic about his future. He has already started the rehabilitation process and is making "great progress," according to his statement. Sims expects to return to training by the end of the year, with his sights set on making a strong comeback in 2025. "I'll be back stronger than ever at the top of 2025," he assured his fans, promising to put on a show when he returns to the ring.

Replacement Bout Announced

In the wake of Sims' withdrawal, the organizers have announced that Botirzhon Akhmedov, a former title challenger and Sims' previous opponent, will step in to challenge the 28-year-old Duarte, who holds a professional record of 27-2-1 (22 KOs). This replacement bout is sure to generate excitement among boxing enthusiasts, as Akhmedov and Duarte look to seize the opportunity to make their mark on the "Latino Night" card.

Sims' Promising Future

Despite the disappointment of missing the Riyadh event, Sims' career remains on an upward trajectory. His impressive performances and winning streak have earned him a contract with a prominent promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, and have positioned him as a rising star in the sport. With his determination to return stronger than ever, Sims' fans can look forward to seeing him back in the ring, ready to continue his pursuit of boxing glory.