Floyd Mayweather Jr.; Roy Jones Jr.; Zab Judah — they’ve had their time in the limelight, only this time, the spotlight will soon be on one from Indianapolis — Anthony Sims Jr.
The 13-year-old may appear to be your average teenager going through the normal motions of school, chores and after school activities. While Anthony may do such things, what puts him in a class of his own is his passion for boxing.
As a young boy, Anthony began on this path by practicing karate. He wasn’t satisfied with the inability to execute face blows to his opponent so someone suggested to his mother, Tohana Sims, that he should try boxing.
“His father was an alternate on the 1980 Olympic team, but didn’t want Jr. to box. Once his father passed away, I had to make a decision; do I follow what his father wanted or do I follow what Jr. wants. After careful thought, I took him down to the gym, gave him a chance and he seemed to show instant talent and ability,” said Sims.
That instant talent and ability has won Anthony boxing championships in Indiana, holding the state’s Jr. Golden Gloves, Jr. Olympics, and Silver Gloves State and Regional titles.
“My first belt was from Memphis, Tenn. I had to fight two fights for the title championship and I won. My second big tournament was the Ringside Summer Classic and I knocked my guy out in the first round in the first 43 seconds,” said Anthony. “I lost in Las Vegas for the National Golden Gloves, but I’ll come back and win it this year. My newest belt was from Missouri for the World Tournament.”
Confidence coming from a young man who “doesn’t get hit much” doesn’t totally come from natural ability. Although attending Avon Middle School with a B average and a football and basketball player; he also practices with his coach five days a week.
Boxing may appear to be a waltz among men prepared to knock their adversary to the ground, but to get where Anthony is today and further, it takes good stamina, agility, timing and footwork.
“You have to know when to throw the punch and when not to. Some people say it’s more mental than physical. You have to think more in boxing, it’s not just about who’s the hardest hitter. A boxer can be a brawler any day, but you have to think in the ring,” said Anthony.
Boxing has enhanced Anthony’s life skills such as discipline and self-control, but also awarded him the opportunity to go to Las Vegas and train with Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Anthony is already on his way to being listed amongst the boxing gods such as Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, but he still has his sights set on another goal — going to the Olympics in 2012.
“My coach is a 1988 Olympic coach and he’s teaching me right now what to do,” added Anthony.
That coach is none other than Hank Johnson. Johnson, who once worked with the likes of Ray Mercer, Evander Holyfield, Murray, Al Cole, his brother Marvin Johnson among others, believes in Anthony’s ability and makes certain the teenager rises to greatness the right way.
“People don’t realize boxing is boxing, whether it’s amateur or professional; you’re still getting hit, the brain is still getting rattled,” said Johnson. “I told his mother, once he becomes good like he is now, she has to be careful. They’re going to want him to take trips all around the world to fight. I would not have Anthony fight in any tournament that didn’t lead to a bigger tournament.”
Subdued in life but a beast in the ring, with Anthony’s support network and his quiet determination, this young prince is well on his way to becoming king of the ring.
“This is the first young man since Marvin Johnson that has the potential to become an Olympic gold medalist and world champion. I’d like to see Indiana get behind this young man,” said Johnson.
