CHICAGO, IL (June 10, 2009) Two time heavyweight world title challenger Fres Oquendo will face Gonzalo Omar Basile in the new ten round main event at “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” on Friday, June 26th at the UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pelosi’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.
Recently signed to Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC, Oquendo is looking towards another run at a world championship bout in the near future. The bout against Basile, for the WBO Latino Heavyweight Title, is Oquendo’s first hometown bout in nine years. Tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3”, starting at $31, are on sale now through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com..
Oquendo, 29-5-0 (18KO’s) is coming off a highly controversial split decision loss to former world champion James Toney on December 13th. The bout, broadcast from Cabazon , California on VERSUS, was thought to be amongst the worst decisions of 2008.
Basile, a native of Buenos Aires , Argentina , brings a record of 41-4-0 (19KO’s) into the battle with Oquendo, having won his last nine bouts, five by stoppage. He won the WBO Latino Heavyweight Title on February 14, 2009 by stopping Daniel Frank in the third round in Buenos Aires .
Said Pesoli, “An already excellent card just got a great deal better. Fres hasn’t fought in Chicago in a long time and I know he and the Chicago fight fans will be looking toward a great performance from him on June 26th. Fres was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Chicago so he has legions of fans all across the city.”
Already announced for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT 3” is an outstanding eight round junior welterweight showdown between undefeated Chicago fan favorite, Ivan Popoca and Tulare , California ’s Hector Alatorre.
An additional eight round bout is a super middleweight title fight between Chicago ’s Andrzej “THE POLISH PRINCE” Fonfara and Rockford , Illinois ’ Skyler Thompson for the WBF All-Americas Super Middleweight Title.
In a special feature attraction, Chicago fan favorite Rita “LA GUERA” Figueroa and Lynnwood , Washington native Tammie “THE TASMANIAN DEVIL” Johnson will square off once again in a rematch of their draw on March 27th at the inaugural “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT”.
The undercard features Chicago natives; highly touted junior welterweight prospect Ramiro Carrillo, featherweight Juan Bailon along with welterweights Ryan Smedick and Achour Esho in separate bouts.
Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine , just one block south of the Eisenhower Expressway. For further information, please visit their website at www.uicpavilion.com
Additional information on this card will be announced shortly.
8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland.. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia, opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.
KINGPIN HONORED AT 20TH ANNUAL BOXING HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND
This Friday, June 12th, Star Boxing’s undefeated heavyweight contender Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (22-0-1, 9KO) will be honored at the 20th annual Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.
Johnson, who is ranked as the WBA #4, WBC #10, and IBF #13 rated heavyweight in the world, will be part of the “Night of Rising Stars” ceremony being hosted by Legendary Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. Some of boxing’s hottest young stars and champions will be honored at the ceremony. Joining Johnson will be WBO junior middleweight champion, Paul “The Punisher” Williams, IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute, WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto, two- time welterweight champion Kermit “The Killer” Cintron, and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder.
Johnson who is widely considered to be the top American heavyweight prospect, is coming off an impressive 6th round TKO victory over previously unbeaten and highly regarded 2004 Olympic Team Captain, Devin Vargas on May 15th.
“I am very honored that I was asked to take part in this wonderful ceremony,” stated Johnson. “This is a dream come true for me. It’s a walking fantasy to take part in the Hall of Fame Induction weekend.”
“We are very proud of Kevin’s accomplishments and are looking forward to him becoming the next American Heavyweight champion,” stated Johnson promoter Joe DeGuardia, CEO and founder of Star Boxing. “We are very happy that the prestigious International Boxing Hall Of Fame has honored Kevin and we want to thank them for all their support.”
For Johnson, who is an avid student of the game, it will be his first time visiting the BHOF. “I am very excited to get up there and get a chance to see the memorabilia from these all-time great fighters. I have watched so many films of these guys, I am really am just looking forward to walking around and taking everything in.”
“I know that very soon I am going to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and I think that me being asked to attend this ceremony is a testament to the fact that many other people in boxing feel the same exact way. I really can not express enough how honored I truly am. This is one of the proudest moments of my entire life.”
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 20th Annual Induction Weekend, you can call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com
WBC NAMES SERGIO MARTINEZ SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION
The World Boxing Council has officially named Sergio Martinez the super welterweight champion of the world. Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KOs) won the interim version of the title last October, stopping well-regarded veteran Alex Bunema in 8 rounds.
In a statement released by the WBC on May 20, President Jose Sulaiman praised former champion Vernon Forrest for his commitment to the sport, but was adamant about the need for Martinez to take the reigns as champion in the division.
“Sergio Martinez is one of the most loyal fighters I have ever met as WBC President,” said Sulaiman. “[Sergio] is now regarded as a new sensation of boxing and I am sure that he will proudly represent the WBC.”
Obtaining ownership of the title was a long time coming for Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KOs).
After winning the interim title 8 months ago, Martinez has been trying to get Forrest in the ring, biding his time with a defense vs. Kermit Cintron in February. Once Forrest pulled out of their scheduled August 1st contest, the WBC made its ruling.
“I’m very proud of the WBC,” said Martinez. “I would’ve been happier winning the title in the ring, but I deserved this honor.”
With the famous green belt now solely in his possession, Martinez, widely regarded as one of boxing’s budding stars, is ready to take on all comers in the welterweight division.
“I’m not running away from anyone,” said Martinez. “Now that I have the green belt, I plan on keeping it for a long time. And if Vernon ever decides to get his title back, I’ll be there.”
No one is happier to hear those words than his promoter, Lou DiBella, who is ready to move his fighter’s career forward.
“It’s a pleasure to promote a fighter who will take on any challenge,” said DiBella. “We’re pursuing all opportunities for Sergio Martinez.”
There is still a chance the bout with Forrest will happen. As part of the WBC’s ruling Forrest is entitled to a shot at his old belt if and when he deems himself healthy enough for active competition.
Team Martinez is not only prepared to finally step into the ring with Forrest, but is welcoming the opportunity to get their long awaited showdown.
“Sergio is looking to defend his title anytime, anywhere,” said Martinez manager Sampson Lewkowicz. “If Vernon Forrest decides to step to the plate, Sergio will be waiting for him.”