Gary Shaw Productions and Antonio Leonard Promotions have just signed two of the top U.S. amateur boxers in Kenneth Sims Jr. and Eduardo Martinez. Both fighters who hail from Chicago, IL, were brought to the professional ranks by manager James Prince and are trained by Kenneth Sims Sr.
Kenneth Sims Jr. (198-21) is a highly decorated amateur standout with over 200 amateur fights. Having become a 2-time National Pal Champion, Sims Jr. was also the 2013 USA National Champion, a Silver Gloves Champion, a Junior Olympic Bronze Medalist, a 3-time Ringside World Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials Semifinalist. At age 20 and Standing 5’10, while competing in the lightweight division, Sims Jr. has all tools to become something special in the sport.
“I started boxing at age 9 and I fell in love with the sport after winning my first trophy,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “My dad forced me to start boxing because I was the smallest kid in my class and the rest is history. I feel I made the right decision signing with Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard, along with my manager James Prince. Together they know the game and boxing is a business and I believe they can lead me in the right direction. With Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard and James Prince guiding my career, I truly believe I can become the best.”
After winning numerous amateur tournaments, Eduardo Martinez (85-10) won the 2013 USA Boxing National Championship. At age 21, Martinez stands 5’6 and fights in the bantamweight division. With power in both hands, Martinez is tailor made for professional boxing.
“It’s been my dream to become a professional boxer since I started boxing at age 13,” Eduardo Martinez said. “My motivation comes from my family as my parents always pushed me to be the best. To sign with big time promoters like Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard is incredible because I know they’ve guided the careers of many world champions. I want to thank my manager James Prince for turning me pro with Shaw and Leonard. I know they will do a great job taking me to the top. I believe I’ll do well in the pros because I’m a big puncher and I feel this move will get my career off to a tremendous start.”
“These two kids have remarkable talent,” said Gary Shaw. “I want to thank my good friend James Prince for bringing me these two top fighters from the amateurs. Antonio Leonard, James and I will once again start another journey together as we did in the past with the late Diego Corrales and many others. We will go far with these two young men.”
“With Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard and I coming together once again it’s a very powerful unification,” stated James Prince. “I know together we can take Sims Jr. and Martinez to the top. Both these fighters have tremendous character and I’m happy to bring them to the professional ranks with the best promoters in the business.”
“Sims Jr. and Martinez are close friends and they both have big dreams to become world champions,” said Antonio Leonard. “Gary, James and I are becoming a powerful force in boxing once again and the future looks bright for everyone involved. I can’t wait to see these two kids ascend to the top of the boxing world.”
