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JD NXTGEN: Anthony Sims Jr to make Joshua Buatsi wait for fight after moving to super-middleweight

The American has stepped down a division for fight on JD NXTGEN bill on March 2, live on Sky Sports

Anthony Sims Jr
Image: Anthony Sims Jr returns on JD NXTGEN bill on March 2, live on Sky Sports

Anthony Sims Jr says Joshua Buatsi must wait for a future fight, but expects a likely showdown with Chris Eubank Jr at super-middleweight.

The unbeaten American has previously fought at light-heavyweight, but is moving down to the 168lb division for his next fight on the JD NXTGEN bill in Peterborough on March 2, live on Sky Sports.

A rivalry with Buatsi had been welcomed by Sims Jr, although a battle between the unbeaten prospects is not in the short-term plans of the man nicknamed 'The Magician.'

Joshua Buatsi
Image: Joshua Buatsi had been named as potential rival for Sims Jr

Sims Jr told Sky Sports: "As a fighter, I think he's an all-around sharp fighter. As a person, I think he's an even better individual. He's quiet, clean cut, a good role model.

"Towards boxing, I'm always going to talk my junk, but just as an individual, I respect what he stands for, and what he does."

Asked about a potential fight, he added: "If I fight at light-heavyweight, which I probably will, but right now my main focus is fighting at super-middle. He can wait for the magic."

Learning the sport in Las Vegas, Sims Jr trained alongside Eubank Jr at Floyd Mayweather's gym, and the 23-year-old has raised concerns before his former sparring partner battles James DeGale on Saturday.

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But Sims Jr has still welcomed the opportunity to trade punches again with Eubank Jr.

James DeGale, Chris Eubank Jr
Image: Chris Eubank Jr (right) faces James DeGale at The O2 this weekend

"I used to spar with Chris Eubank," said Sims Jr. "He's a good puncher, but I don't think his experience, he's green compared to DeGale. DeGale is a veteran in the game, he's a doctor in the boxing world.

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"He was 18 and we were both training with Floyd Mayweather Sr in Vegas. We was around each other all the time, talking, hanging out. I used to hang out with him and his brother. We sparred and it was fun.

"I have a background in boxing. He does also, but mine is far more superior. His father, a big time fighter, but I've been fighting way longer than he has.

Anthony Sims Jr
Image: Sims Jr has racked up 17 successive victories since turning professional

"I know they'll cross [paths] for a fact. It's more than likely it's going to happen.

"I'm basically a Brit now, so I would love for it to happen here."