In a fight shortened from ten to eight rounds, 38-year-old heavyweight Robert Simms (12-3-1, 3 KOs) ended the unbeaten streak of Kenzie Morrison (20-1-2, 18 KOs), the son of former world heavyweight champion Tommy "Duke" Morrison at the "Sons of Legends" boxing bout Saturday at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas.
Simms, who appeared to be overweight, showed good defense, a good jab and a strong chin. Morrison boxed well, but Sims' technique was vastly superior to his. As a result, the judges counted 78-74 three times in favor of Sims, who eventually won the USNBC belt.
Welterweight debutant 19-year-old Steve Cunningham Jr. defeated 33-year-old fellow debutant Andre Scott by knocking him out in 16 seconds.
Featherweight Jose Luis Castillo Jr. (25-3, 19 KOs) defeated James Roach (6-6, 5 KOs) in the first round. Castillo sent Roach to the floor twice until the fight was stopped at 2:11.
Welterweight Jake Robinson (6-2-1, 3 KOs) defeated Alcibiad "Roberto Duran Jr." Duran (9-3, 7 KOs) by unanimous decision after six rounds. Robinson achieved an insurmountable advantage, and then almost lost by knockout to Duran in the final round. Judging scores: 59-55, 59-55 and 60-54.
Light heavyweight Yavontae Christopher (3-0, 2 KOs) had a tough fight with the previously undefeated Gerald McClellan Jr. (2-1, 1 KOs) and won by unanimous decision after four rounds: 40-36, 39-37, 40-36 .
Thus, three of the five "sons of legends" were defeated that evening.
