In a gripping encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Oscar Duarte emerged victorious over Kenneth Sims Jr. in a WBA super lightweight eliminator. The fight, characterized by its intense back-and-forth action, saw Duarte clinching a majority decision with judges' scores of 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112. The slight lean towards Duarte in two of the scorecards seemingly acknowledged his aggressive approach, a factor often favored by boxing adjudicators, particularly when an opponent, like Sims, opts for a more defensive stance against the ropes for extended periods.
The night also featured a compelling clash between seasoned veterans, with Regis Prograis securing a decision win against Joseph \"JoJo\" Diaz. The judges' tallies of 96-94, 96-94, and 98-92 reflected a fiercely contested bout. While some observers might argue for a closer score or even a draw, the wider margin on one scorecard suggests a notable advantage for Prograis. Despite Diaz's power, which visibly troubled Prograis and made his legs unsteady at times, Prograis's ability to remain upright and execute effectively, particularly with his jab, ultimately swayed the decision in his favor.
Following their arduous battles, both Prograis and Diaz demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship, expressing mutual respect without any signs of animosity. Prograis, despite being open to a lucrative rematch, articulated a clear ambition to pursue another world title. Diaz, on the other hand, displayed an unexpectedly positive demeanor for a fighter who had just lost a contentious decision. Highlighting his personal growth and renewed focus, Diaz affirmed his commitment to continue fighting, indicating potential future bouts at either 135 or 140 pounds, signaling his determination to rebound from a series of recent setbacks.