Professional boxer and Indianapolis native Anthony “The Magician” Sims Jr. recently launched his business Magic Promotions, which is bringing him back home to promote local boxers.
“I’ll be promoting my first fight December 9, set at Tech High School. I’ve traveled all around this world boxing, and I realized Indianapolis had lacked the proper resources to have the right platform for these fighters,” said Sims.
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He honed his skills under famed trainers Roger Mayweather and Emanual Steward. Sims went on to become the youngest boxer to ever earn a medal at the U.S. Olympic trials, and he signed a deal with Don King Promotions at 21 years old.
The second cousin of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Sims made his professional debut in April 2014 when he scored a four-round unanimous decision over James Lee Guy in Indianapolis.
“Anthony Sims is an outstanding young man and extraordinary fighter. The type of kid who possesses magnificent skills with raw talent and personality that can help transcend the sport,” said Don King at the time.
Sims is coming back home to give fighters opportunities to showcase their skills on a professional platform.
Anthony Sims Jr.
“I think Indianapolis deserves it. These are all Indianapolis-based professionals. To be honest, I’ve boxed with them coming up from the age of six. I’ve crossed these guys and been in the same gym. Only difference is that I was able to leave the state, country and travel,” said Sims.
Sims was born in Plainfield, Indiana, and grew up in the Indianapolis area.
He highlights comedian and entertainer Mike Epps, another Indianapolis native, as an example of what it should look like when you make it out of your city.
“Always come back. I plan on doing a lot more fights. I want to have a fight at least every three months in Indianapolis. It’s important we highlight Black-owned vendors and organizations too,” said Sims.
“I’ve been through all of the organizations like 100 Black Men that made it possible for us to leave the city and the state and be successful. This will be a kid-friendly event so families can be able to have a good time.”
Naptown Rumble will be held at Arsenal Technical High School, located at 1500 E. Michigan St., on Saturday, Dec. 9. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the fight starts at 7:15 p.m.
You can purchase tickets HERE.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at (317) 762-7853 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON
