Oscar Duarte and Kenneth Sims Jr. are set to face off in the ring this Saturday, August 2, at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. The boxers will fight for glory, fame, and a chance to climb up the rankings.
Duarte's guaranteed purse for the fight is $300,000, a step up from his last bout in February against Miguel Madueño, where he earned $275,000. Sims Jr., the local favorite from Chicago, will take home a guaranteed $100,000. That's a significant increase from his previous fight against Kendo Castaneda, which netted him $60,000.
While there's no title belt on the line, both fighters have a lot to gain. Duarte aims to climb the media and financial ladder, while Sims Jr. looks to raise his profile and boost his earnings. Sims Jr. might even see his purse grow if he manages to knock out his opponent, though the exact amount of this potential bonus hasn't been disclosed.
The fight will be available on pay-per-view, but it's not clear if the fighters will get a cut of those sales. Given Sims Jr.'s lower guaranteed purse, it's assumed he's not included in any PPV percentage deal.
Chicago fans will likely rally behind their hometown hero, Sims Jr., as he steps into the ring at Credit Union 1 Arena. The local support could give him an extra edge as he faces the challenge from Duarte.
Both boxers have shown steady progress in their careers, with this fight representing a significant step up in terms of exposure and earnings. As they lace up their gloves on Saturday night, they'll both be fighting not just for the immediate payday, but for future opportunities and bigger purses down the line.
