CHICAGO (November 20, 2006) — Popular Chicago middleweight Freddie Cuevas has retired from the squared circle after an eleven year professional career, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING. Said the classy Cuevas, “It’s been a good run and it’s been an honor to fight in front of the fans of Chicago..
“They were always there for me. I’d also like to thank 8 Count, my trainers Al Ortiz and Al Jr. and the rest of the local fighters who have performed so well on cards I’ve fought on.”
Said Pesoli about working with Curvas, “Freddie was one of the first fighters we signed. Our fans loved him, he was a true warrior and always was a class act in and out of the ring. It was a pleasure working with him and 8 Count wishes him all the best.”
Cuevas, who finishes his career with a record of 27-9-1 (17KO’s), was amongst the most popular of Chicagoland fighters since his professional debut in February 1995.
His biggest win was an internationally televised seventh round knockout of former world champion Wilfredo Rivera on July 19, 2002 at the DePaul Athletic Center in Chicago. Three month earlier he had knocked our former world champion Charles Murray in Chicago. Both knockouts cemented his position as a heavy handed junior middleweight contender and made him a top attraction in Chicago boxing.
On August 8, 2003, Freddie faced current middleweight champion Jermain Taylor in Little Rock, Arkansas. Although losing a twelve round decision, Cuevas was the first to battle to the distance with Taylor, currently ranked #4 pound for pound by ESPN and Ring Magazine.
Cuevas’ last fight was at Madison Square Garden on June 10, 2006 where he battled the popular New York City based Irish fighter John Duddy. The fight was stopped due to cuts before the eighth round began.