Jeff Sims Documentary | Ex-convict turned boxer who ends up murdered on the streets of Miami

A look back at the career of Jeff Sims, a powerfully built ex-convict who entered the famed Fifth Street Boxing Gym upon his release from prison, proclaiming himself to be "The King of Miami Beach".

[@TexasGuitarist]

Ernie Shavers, man, he may have been old, but that power never goes away. Sims did great though.

[@mr.djcooncoon8196]

Shavers was waiting for Sims to gas out and it worked...

[@davidbolen8982]

Shavers right scares fighters watching them miss the target. Ali was never the same after eating those all night.

[@diligentsun1154]

an Effing TANK, without a doubt. excellent effort, by sims, but...

[@slender4]

That Shavers- Sims count was the longest I've ever seen.

[@stephendeluca4479]

Another good one. Keep 'em comin'. Tough to watch Shavers on the downside of his career, but always exciting.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Stephen, will do.

[@brettpaterson8042]

I remember Simms from the 80s, his later fights were recorded in the boxing magazines because of the opponent’s he fought. First time Iv watched footage of him. He had the potential but needed solid guidance and importantly dedication to training. Unfortunately he lived life on the edge, some people just aren’t able to avoid conflict in their life’s. It’s sad to say but his life ending the way it did seems inevitable. Thank you Rich for a sobering mini documentary on a forgotten warrior. It’s fighters like these that are the backbone of boxing.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Brett.

[@paulgentile1024]

he never avoided conflict and in the streets the ending usually is not good

[@crazykocounters4741]

"The second coming of Sonny Liston" quite a cool nickname he had

[@TheTiger2311]

That was and era when heavyweights could really fight and men like Jeff Sims face the best and in some case was the best themselves. I remember him when I was growing up , he was a tough fighter .

[@SuperTommyi]

As a Cooney fan I never knew that they had sparred before. Let alone that there was going to be a fight between them. Keep up the good work Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Tommy, will do.

[@vaneyhag]

Willie boy Johnson wants a rd 2

[@lesteryoung5510]

Another quality docu thanks Rich. I knew very little about Jeff Sims and it saddens me to see him end that way.

[@nyquil762]

Thank you for your work brother. Another great video.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, nyquil.

[@johnjamele]

Sims sounded like he had already taken too many punches in his interview before the Biggs fight.

[@darrickmalloy6909]

You have to imagine those heavyweights didnt use to much defense look at Ali. The heavyweights did more slugging than anything. Can you imagine your brain after ernie shavers young or old went 10 rounds with him. Yeah id have my gun right in my cup or just walk in the ring with it in my hand. The human body not made for that kind of punishment.😞

[@davidford2169]

What a sad end to a brave man.RIP.

[@seanmcaddle6121]

Jeff Sims after Miami was in the Bronx with Renaldo Snipes , Mike Perkins, Robert Evans all heavyweights and Doug DeWitt was there for some time. The gym was on 233rd street and White Plains Road

[@nickharmer3049]

Great stuff as per usual Rich. I love these mini doc's I knew little of Sims & didn't know he'd came to England to spar Frank Bruno. 🤣🤣. I don't know what Sims would've thought to me, as my manners are impeccable.! Great stuff buddy. Bless up 👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

haha, yeah Sims was uncouth but had some serious firepower.

[@toddfrancis8428]

And you're covering much of the subtleties too, I meant to say. Thank you brother.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Todd.

[@benjaminadler6149]

Excellent documentary on Jeff, I recall him very well from within that era.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Benjamin.

[@AgainstTheRopesWithDos]

Best documentaries ever, I keep coming back

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, Against The Ropes with Dos.

[@bigvince6965]

Awesome documentary bro, I look forward to watching this channel grow to 1 million subscribers.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Big Vince.

[@paulhaig2467]

Excellent Rich , you really nailed this one.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Paul.

[@Dadbro]

Great video, once again. We love ya!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, David.

[@michaelferreri1256]

Thanks for another winner Rich. Giving glory to the guys who deserve to be recognized. LOVED the Shavers footage. Earnie was lobbing as hard as I've ever seen him throw. Witherspoon and Bonecrusher ALSO great clips. Horrifying end for Jeff Sims. Kudos sir! Greatly appreciated (and enjoyed).

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Michael. Shavers could still throw those hydrogen bombs.

[@ronaldlevao8251]

It sounded as if he'd had more than enough head blows in the interview before the Briggs fight. Guess there was nothing else he could do. Many ring doctors put the blinders on when a promoter needs a useful opponent.

[@petierican6079]

This has to be the best boxing site your documentaries are incredible 2nd to none you give us history like no other site I've learned so much it's like a boxing course in college and beyond rich your site is so great I've turned on friends and boxing supporters they can't believe the documentaries you have I've never or my friends seen the amazing library you have and documentaries no other have rich your the best at your craft please continue your great work its 2nd to none💯🥊💯🥊💯🥊💯🥊💯 every single documentary you give us is 💯% incredible 😀

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Will continue on. I really appreciate your support, petie rican.

[@petierican6079]

@@RichtheFightHistorian always bro

[@johnpittsii7524]

Great content as always ❤

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, John.

[@NewyorkRicanSoulPodcast]

Sad sad story. I can’t help but believe that his unwillingness to train under a trainer made him undesirable to trainers and promoters alike. Had he been more disciplined he would have gotten far in the sport. He showed signs of pugilistic dementia in his Tyrell Biggs interview. So sad to see.

[@tonyochoa7097]

Nothing sad about it-he was a wild animal,and died like one

[@SuperhumanUnchained]

This channel always brings the best of boxing the best of boxing history and the best of lost and forgotten fighters this is the True scholar of boxing talking on this channel

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Superhuman Unchained

[@samuelmahmud1909]

Great video coverage Rich🥊💪💪🥊 all that potential gone by the wayside with focus discipline HARD WORK and dedication; being under the right camp he could've possibly been heavy weight champion?.. Sad ending

[@xdonjonx9438]

Sports documentary KZbin is my favorite KZbin

[@mosespray9562]

terrible ending to the video “then he was shot at the grocery store” (video stops playing) lol

[@XxTJ1144]

I lived next door to him in Miami. The projects on 59th street.

[@AgainstTheRopesWithDos]

They did him so dirty in that Shavers FIGHT!!! smh boxing is so dirty

[@Licmebalzutube]

I love these "underground" fighter docs.... I should send you my army boxing videos maybe you could do a video someday about Army Boxing.

[@mdndml77]

RIP cousin Jeff

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Deepest respect for Jeff. The guy never got a break . Thanks to Rich he won't be forgotten. He deserves to be remembered..🙏 🇬🇧 !

[@OldSchoolStrength]

Do i sense the " Hatchet man " Documentary coming soon? Great work 💪👊🔥👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That would be a long way into the future, really no film on him.

[@knucklegame2860]

Shavers use to throw those Stiff Solid Shots. Once they connected it was "Lights tf OUT!" lol12:50

[@leejohnson6599]

I remember Jeff and the other boxer from overtown Phil Jackson

[@thomasp3865]

And people thought Fury got a long count that first Wilder fight. That was nothing compared to the one Shavers got in that clip vs Sims.

[@karlyoung5089]

Another great Job Rich!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Karl.

[@jackson76724]

Simms never got a break really. A tough road all the way.

[@mr.vibes938]

Anybody notice Al Sharpton at the Shavers fight?

[@gaddyify]

Damn Shavers was tough.

[@noelrogan4058]

Another brilliant story rich..thanks again..I must say the referee in the shavers fight was completely out of his depth

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Noel.

[@brucekielty8180]

Rich sets a high standard for KZbin documentaries of fascinating boxing figures.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Bruce.

[@smoothmisticmike7040]

Sims, what a true warrior, didn’t back down from no one...

[@joe-qo3qi]

They don't really talk about how brutal boxing really is, In terms of the seedy side of the sport,it's under belly treatment of boxer's and the beatings they take to make it in the big times. No mercy.

[@quentincrisp6933]

So how and why was he murdered??

[@Renwoxing13]

⚫️ 11:20 ⚫️ If there was still 00:55 seconds left in the round why did he send the fighters to the corner !? Was the time off !? I did hear what sounded like a hollow cow bell…

[@cobrasonofraditz5]

Hey mr Rich I’ve been trying to find an album that has your name attached to it as the composer. It’s called “Old school boxer” but im struggling to find it, is there a link you can send for me to purchase it?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I don't think it's available anywhere anymore. That was a long time ago :)

[@cobrasonofraditz5]

@@RichtheFightHistorian do you have the mp3 or wav file? I’ve been looking for that song for years.

[@cobrasonofraditz5]

@@RichtheFightHistorian its just I’ve heard that track in 3 videos of The KZbin Channel “Joe vincent”. Its In his George foreman video when George foreman knocks out micheal moore. Its in his joe louis video when max schmealing is knocked out in the second fight And its in his “miracle on ice” video when the American team ties up the game

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@cobrasonofraditz5 I don't hear it on those videos? Let me get back to you on that song, I'll see if it is still on my Distrokid.

[@kevio6868]

he looks like would be been a great light heavyweight

[@Licmebalzutube]

Id like you to make a Nicolino Locche doc. Id like to learn a little more about him. Info on him is scarce but i know you could find it out

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Ah, I did make on on Locche. It probably didn't show up on your feed.

[@williegordon9188]

Jeff Sims looks similar to Mike Tyson.

[@stevecook9219]

The Fletcher bros would be a good one

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I did Frank...it'll come up under the search.

[@barryconway7058]

Sad waste of talent 🤔

[@goodtrouble7889]

Not the smartest man inda world but thats Mike Tyson father

[@IamKrisAlmighty]

He look like tyson wtf

[@kevinhenderson5520]

I watched this s twice and it is obvious that Sims was having brain decline..

[@kevinhenderson5520]

This man had 30 + fights in prison before even turning pro..🤕

[@rickylmoe4018]

😆😆😆😆😆😆

[@robertstroud7561]

ali was an Unca Tom

[@ScumfuckMcDoucheface]

18:07 Check out the dudes with the shades in the crowd! They look like real life cartoon characters or something eh? hahaha =) Thanks for all the fantastic content man. I was absolutely dying at "Dark Gable" hahaha Edit - Well that was an abrupt, sad ending... admittedly just like soooo many others. It seems like this sport either does or used to really chew guys up and spit them out. The story of the Quarry Bros. was the same way, just absolutely.... sad.

[@jesusvilla6132]

Entourage of 39 people????? Come on man.

[@mackdog3270]

The man had heart, can't take that away. I enjoy these videos. Thanks.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Glad you like them!

[@aitutaki50]

This man had such a hard life! Honestly, I tried to keep up with how many times he'd been shot, but I completely lost track--it happened to him so often!! As he said, his poor mother probably just died young from exhaustion, having to raise ten kids on her own. A life filled with so much violence, & then to die from a gunshot wound to the chest at 39 years old. He was a decent enough fighter too--how many men could stand toe-to-toe with some of the opponents he faced? I really hate to see former pro boxers go out like this...South Florida is a very dangerous place to live, particularly if you're poor. RIP

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

He was a shot a total of 6 or 7 times. Rough life from the jump. Needed that mentor really early on...

[@lowbudget1661]

sad aye

[@jparker19822009]

You have to make good choices in life for yourself and your kids

[@jparker19822009]

@@RichtheFightHistorian yeah like a father to stick around

[@paulgentile1024]

can't be surprised how he went out..

[@christopherbellore3511]

TOO much HEAT from Miami. The king is dead. Poor guy. Sad that he never got right.

[@Cruiserweight190]

Your Documentaries are outstanding and this one is no exception! thank you for showcasing these great fighters who otherwise would most likely be forgotten.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, cruiserweight190, thank you.

[@alasmith7847]

Hey my hat off for the great work put in these otherwise lost knowledgeable history and a thumb up for you in recognizing the fact .

[@GodBlessGodBless1227]

Always wondered why the pedo stache by Ali…

[@mdndml77]

I agree

[@crazykocounters4741]

Thanks for this rich, I am a big fan of Sims's style and been waiting for this for a long time. My friend William Walker said he found the footage if Sims's fight against Jose Ribalta, hopefully he'll post it in KZbin soon. I'm also making a tribute for this guy, hopefully many people would recognize him. Man could fight, but sadly he had demons he couldn't

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, crazyKOcounters. He had a wild fighting style for sure.

[@jamessmith-xq9zi]

How could you say that he had demons hey bud unless you wore his shoes never say he had demons for one his mom died when he was young and being raised in the ghetto it’s very tuff only the strong will survive

[@TheSnoopindaweb]

@@jamessmith-xq9zi =////======> ~ Ya! G-G

[@toddfrancis8428]

Rich, I do not think people realize you point out the reality of boxing, and it also has such an extrapolation upon life in and of itself. Meaning that if you're going to dedicate yourself to something, you need to be a monk at least! you cannot be diverted. But who teaches these young pugilists this understanding? It should be like the Chinese kung fu Masters. At least the ones we used to see run run Shaw movies back in the day. but these people keep getting sidelined. They do not advance their art, because there are not the people surrounding them that will work with their abilities and try to bring the best out of themover the long term, because in boxing, it seems everybody is up for their own hustle. This is more than sad. This is a history of this dynamic art which displays the best and the worst in human ability. As far as combat sports, and as far as captivating the public at large. You point out so many things in your pieces, and I deeply appreciate that this is unlike anything that is out there for the most part. We get see the trauma and the debilitating tidal wave that people come up against when they think they're elevating themselves through their own abilities, But realize that there are really only people feeding off of them. and these people would love to go to the next level, but no one presents the realization of what it takes to get them to that place. It requires so much dedication and focus on the person that is a boxer. It reminds me of Charles Bronson in the movie hard times. We know that this man had a goal. And one goal in and of itself without turning. But in boxing people are turned in a million different directions. And the people that pray off these people, is a sad thing to see. They exploit people. And I am disgusted with it. But I love the pugilistic arts. Though I myself am not a pugilist. Nonetheless I deeply am drawn towards your pieces, because they remind me of when I was growing up and I saw the landscape of all the up and comers, and most of them fell by the wayside, and only a few made it. And we applaud those that make it, and we forget those that fall by the wayside. You point out those that are real human beings and have a life and have a life story, and I think about all we need to learn especially how you were pointing out things in this great package that you do constantly and I applaud you. I think this is one thing that I really am drawn to, that this is a human experience. Part of a human dynamic. That we look towards others and want to imagine ourselves in such a similar roles, but we need to understand that these people have their struggles, are influence by negative and positive forces, but in boxing it always seems to be mostly negative. I applaud you rich. And I'm not saying this to overstate anything, but your gift is apparent at least to me. I pray you will continue to craft your work because there is much work need to be done. you are capturing something, that few people have done, there have been great boxing documentaries in the past. but you are doing something in your progression that enthusiast's need. And I know you will find that and realize that ability that you were displaying to me. Thank you and God bless you.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I really appreciate your kind words, Todd. Thanks so much. Funny you mention Charles Bronson as he's in the poster behind Jeff Sims in one of the stills, ironically. Was also a big fan of the Shaw Brothers movies back in the day!

[@toddfrancis8428]

@@RichtheFightHistorian that's the in betweens. Haha if you get that from the movie.

[@toddfrancis8428]

Didn't realize there was that poster in the background. That's the funny thing about being connected., And there is nothing finer than a '70s or '80s kung fu movie in my estimation of how individuals overcame things though much of it was Fable to say the least. There are other subtleties and there are the in-betweens, you're covering a lot of those in between rich. I just appreciate what you're doing!.

[@chrisl3634]

A sad story, like so many of these guys, but great that you give him his deserved spot here on YT! Gone, but now, not forgotten. Imagine if he had been mentored, looked after and brought on well... He had plenty of skill and fought some of the best in his time.

[@leevancleef358]

Jeff Sims was a legit Badass who could have become a SuperStar if he could have found the discipline to dedicate himself to boxing...as well as had a good management team who cared about him. It was not meant to be...the dude was just a Pure Raw Unrefined Powerful Force of Nature that ran its course. RIP.

[@crazykocounters4741]

You should've talked about the fact that Tyrell Biggs claimed Sims was the hardest puncher he's ever faced and also the story about how Earnie convince Sims to slow down in the middle of their fight to knock him out

[@dougfredricks2017]

Mike Tyson🥊:"Hold my Beer...🍺"

[@crazykocounters4741]

@@dougfredricks2017 wdym?

[@connoisseur9069]

Good one rich 🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Ellis.

[@davidtucker1950]

At 16:26 it is sad how brain damaged he sounds. Boxing took a horrific toll upon him

[@KevinSmith-ki7yl]

It’s weird when you put this video up I’d never heard of jeff sims but i knew all the other fighters you showed him fighting, he had a tough life,so sad

[@benjaminadler6149]

His time in the top 9 (I think it was) was very brief. The historical note was Jones/Rappaport avoiding that quality match up for Gerry Cooney just prior to Holmes title match. A dangerous and avoided fighter with nothing to Lose. Babs McCarthy at 147 was another one of that same ilk who wound up deceased under similar conditions.

[@alexm7140]

You done 2 of my most intriguing heavyweights Jeff Merritt and now Jeff simms thankyou rich!! Looking forward to your next one already maybe Rich Parker the boxing promoter or Ricky Womack well known fighter from the kronk!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Alex. Yeah, I was thinking of doing Womack soon.

[@alexm7140]

@@RichtheFightHistorian I spoke to sugarhill he said the only guy allowed to play hip hop music was womack no one said anything

[@alexm7140]

James Salerno would be a great one to rich

[@Toracube]

Sims thoughts about Bruno made me lol. They always say Shavers hit harder than anyone.. Those bombs against Sims prove it.. yikes… thanks Rich !

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Toracube.

[@johntoomey357]

I still think Foreman hit the hardest just my opinion

[@big3ye378]

Ernie Shavers was tough as nails

[@lefthookbully4793]

Great video, I love learning about these old heavyweight contenders and fringe contenders

[@jessearias2863]

Great job Rich, some times you can't change fate it starts bad and ends up bad in life.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

You said it, Jesse. thanks.

[@countryboyfletcher489]

JEFF REMAINS A LEGENDARY FIGURE IN MY HOMETOWN OF BELLE GLADE FLORIDA. I PROMISE 2 KEEP APPLYING PRESSURE IN YOUR HONOR.. [I WAS HERE NOVEMBER 16, 2023]

[@benjaminadler6149]

Jeff fought in a style similar To Lee Spinks, had (top 5 rated ) Earnie fought Lee in ‘79 (instead of Ali II), Earnie becomes the king in 1st round, one can see his strategy. Great fighter.

[@TheSnoopindaweb]

Mr. Simms had to be tougher than {An old dried-out leather Boot} to live His life. Good on Him. Yup! G-G

[@jamesdean1143]

LOL @ 15:25 “Sims would think that Bruno was a homosexual because he was so polite.”

[@trebor9711]

RIP ❤ 🙏 But it does go to show if you live by the Sword you Die by the Sword.

[@dallaswinston4640]

Simms interview B4 the Biggs fight was CLEARLY an example of taking to many shots to the head. Simms barely could put a word together let alone a sentence.. Very sad to witness.

[@dsmith1888]

Jeff Sims got into an argument with an employee in a grocery store and then got shot in the chest and died?. A police detective spoke to the person who shot and killed him, but didn't file charges?. There must be more to that story, was it an armed robbery that Sims was doing at the grocery store?. I don't understand how Sims could be shot and killed, and police wouldn't file charges?.

[@BBCharger5spd]

Let's assume that Sims threatened to kill the employee so the employee pulled out a gun a shot him. Not sure if the stand your ground laws were present at the time in FL but maybe that was immediately chalked up to self defense by the officers? Could be racism or bias... they check Sims's record and see a multiple felon and they simply say "well... he started it and the clerk ended it" and just move on to the next case. Not saying this is what happened, but it seems plausible considering the context of Sims's decisions/attitude/life choices.

[@minboogie]

Shavers vs Sims, classic fight of 2 hardcore sluggers, boxers today ain't built like this but then again nothing is....

[@johnperkinson2394]

Earnie Shavers was down 14 seconds. WATCH IT.

[@wildtill9]

Yep, before the announcer said anything I realized how slow the ref was counting

[@2383Scorpio]

Actually, I don't know if you get my message, but Shavers was actually 37 not 36 at the time of the fight against Jeff Sims because according to his "Welcome To the Big Time" book, Shavers was born in 1944. Anyways, Sims had a good punching power, but his life ended tragically. Sims fought the murderous row of great contenders, former and future champions in his time.

[@ronaldcrenfro4637]

This was a contender with a hard life...Died age 39 by grocery store employee shooting him in the chest, police didn't file charges...

[@25kronk]

honestly came across this channel by accident but have been listening to every documentary throughout the day. absolutely phenomenal. keep it up

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Jeff. Will do.

[@25kronk]

@@RichtheFightHistorian I was a professional fighter myself a little bit and grew up outside detroit. Training at kronk and have studied several stories and boxing memorabilia from the past. I love it.. I just got done with the Tex cobb documentary. Wow..... Best whiskers and any weight class in any era.

[@shawnthaicon2586]

That's definitely a long count that ref is the worst

[@gavinfox1678]

You make me learn new boxers every day thank you

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Gavin

[@anythinggoesvideospart-2242]

TYRELL BIGGS was considered a "TOUGH FIGHTER" against JEFF SIMS TYRELL BIGGS was considered a "BUM" against MIKE TYSON

[@roberttynski6850]

Tremendous documentary...one of the best...but damn, that shot to the body that Bonecrusher gave Sims was a thing of beauty.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, robert.

[@Aristotelezz]

16:10 IMO, Sims here at age 32, shows already signs of taken too many punches...

[@jimberlygridder183]

Such a sad story. God bless Sims. Hope the Good Lord brought him home and gave him peace and understanding love and blessings forevermore.

[@robash5474]

Watching that guy fight , you're almost guaranteed to see someone hitting the canvas pretty hard.

[@johntoomey357]

This guy had bad luck

[@guywilliams6569]

That ref in the Shavers fight should have been BANNED, that was the LONGEST count I've EVER seen...

[@badcats34]

The referee was a joke he had the fix on Shavers winning that fight that has to be the worst referee I've ever seen

[@-covid-20]

Awe that is sad story on jeff sims...a true warrior ....i remember when simms dislocated the shoulder of tyrell biggs in their fight in the 2nd or 3rd round with a hard hard well timed punch....biggs was forced to dance n jab his way to a victory.....may GOD rest jeff sims soul.....

[@steventhorson4487]

Jerry Quarry knocking out ernie shavers,59seconds into the first round!!

[@TheBatugan77]

Shot in a grocery store after arguing with an employee? What, is the staff issued heat? 😮