Rishon Sims’ Boxing Path and His Pursuit For Gold

Rishon Sims stands in the boxing ring at just 18 years old and is making a name for himself within the USA Boxing program. Sims has overcome plenty of adversity and many obstacles to get where he is today, but his faith has guided his path along the way.

Rishon’s boxing journey began at the age of 13, inspired by his brother. Rishon’s sport of choice at the time was basketball, but after joining his father and older brother to a boxing gym one day, he made the decision to turn his attention to the ring and has never looked back.

Sims began studying George Foreman highlights to build his style and has since used the legend as inspiration on the canvas.

“I respect not only his boxing legacy but his full story and how his faith grew,” Sims stated. “He is obviously one of the best boxers to ever fight and I can relate to his story in some ways because of his faith.”

Sims has since dominated in the ring and has earned many national boxing recognitions since beginning the sport, but his journey is about much more than wins and losses. He reflects on the challenges he faced as a child, particularly the loss of his mother when he was just five years old.

“She was a strong woman,” he explained. “I remember all the happy moments we shared, and I remember how strong she fought and how strong she was, and I carry her strength into the ring with me.”

Rishon finds strength in his faith, which becomes his anchor during adversity. As he trains, Rishon turns to God and stays focused and disciplined. Whenever adversity strikes, he turns to prayer.

“I know that God chose me,” he says with certainty. “I feel blessed to be where I am. It’s an honor. God hasn’t brought me this far just to bring me this far though, I am on a mission, and I give Him my full trust every day.” 

His impressive 23-1 amateur record speaks to his hard work, yet he remains humble and aware of his journey ahead. Sims was selected to represent Team USA at the 2024 World Boxing U19 Championships in the 90 kg weight class after he won the 2023 USA Boxing National Championships.

Rishon Sims is once again ready to showcase his skills on an international stage and claim his medal. Sims earned a position on the Youth High Performance team last year and won gold at the 2023 International Invitational in Germany. Sims plans to use his international experience to win gold again but this time on the bigger stage.

“I have the mindset that God chose me for this,” he insists. “I am going in every fight and fighting my fight and boxing my style. I am going to do what I do and that is win. I want to get gold. I have to fight one day at a time and one fight at a time and the rest will take care of itself.”

Sims will begin his journey to another gold medal on Monday, Oct. 28, in Pueblo, Colo..  To stay up to date on Sims and his American teammates click here!