Boxing News Boxing News
Amid a flurry of fight week media activities, two-time heavyweight world title challenger Fres Oquendo has wrapped up training in his hometown of Chicago just days away from his showdown against former world champion Bruce Seldon set for this Friday night, July 24th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.
The Oquendo/Seldon ten round main event for the NABA Heavyweight Title headlines a seven bout card of world class professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions.
Oquendo has been training for the last three months at Chicago ’s JABB Boxing Gym. “Fres has been training here every afternoon after he runs in the morning. I’ve had a chance to watch him spar and he looks very sharp,” said Pesoli, co-owner of JABB.
Born in Puerto Rico, Oquendo has called Chicago home since he was a small child. He recently signed a management deal with Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC, headed by NBA Star and fellow Chicagoan Bobby Simmons. Simmons, currently playing for the New Jersey Nets, starred at De Paul University and Simeon High School before entering the NBA.
“I’ve seen Fres training for the last few weeks, he’s really peaking right now. He’s definitely put the work in ahead of this fight with Seldon and the fans should see a great performance on Friday night,” said Simmons.
The co-main event features an outstanding lightweight battle between Chicagoans Gadiel Andaluz and Oscar De La Cruz.
Puerto Rican native Andaluz brings a record of 3-1-0 (2KO’s) into the scheduled five rounder against the Mexican born De La Cruz, 5-6-0 (2KO’s).
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, the 26 year old Andaluz won his first three professional bouts in Chicago in 2008 before suffering a setback against Dannie Williams in Tacoma , Washington .
In his last Chicago bout on May 9, 2008, Andaluz thrilled the crowd at Cicero Stadium taking a four round decision over unbeaten Jose Mandujano of Detroit, a bout in which Andaluz controlled the action from the opening bell.
A native of Mexico City, De La Cruz brings a record of 5-6-0 (2KO’s), into the bout with Andaluz. In the last four years he has battled numerous outstanding young prospects including Matt Remillard, Mike Oliver and Argenis Mendez.
Also featured on the undercard is the return of highly regarded Chicago based super featherweight prospect Noe Perez, 2-0-0 (2KO’s) who will face Diamond Baier, 0-0-1, of Phoenix, Arizona, in a four round bout..
Also returning to action at the UIC Pavilion is Chicago based newcomer Mike Kurzeja, 1-0-0 (1KO) who will see action against Minnesota veteran Nick Whiting in a four round super middleweight bout.
Making his pro debut is David Latoria of Chicago. Following his amateur success as the 2009 Chicago Golden Gloves Champion, Latoria will face Orlando, Florida’s Christopher Boykins in a scheduled four rounder.
Rounding out the undercard is a four round heavyweight bout between Merrillville, Indiana’s Tyree Ortiz, 2-0-0 (2KO’s) and Eric Crittendon, 2-9-0 (2KO’s) of Clinton, Missouri.
Advance tickets starting at $31 can be purchased through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
The open to the public weigh in will take place at 7pm on Thursday, July 23rd at EL Tarasco, 4334 W. 51st in Chicago.
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
