Boxing News Boxing News
Two time world heavyweight title challenger Fres Oquendo is busy in Chicago training for his upcoming showdown with former heavyweight world champion Bruce Seldon on July 24th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.
Training at JABB Boxing Gym, Oquendo gave his thoughts on his training, the upcoming fight with Seldon and fighting back in his hometown of Chicago.
“We’ve had a great camp, training at home has been outstanding for me. I’ve had some terrific sparring and Doc and Nate have really helped me out,” said the Puerto Rican born Oquendo. Co-trainers in camp have been former longtime heavyweight contender Danell Nicholson and 1996 US Heavyweight Olympian Nate Jones.
Speaking about Seldon, Oquendo said, “I’m very aware of his level of experience and the great shape he’s been in for his last couple of fights. But my time is now and I’ll be fully prepared to do whatever it takes to win on July 24th.” Oquendo said his weight was a little under 220 today when he weighed in.
“It’s always great to fight in Chicago. Last month was my first time in nine years so this is another terrific opportunity to fight in front of the fans that have been so supportive of me throughout my career.”
Last month, Oquendo beat New Jersey native Mark Brown with a crunching third round knockout at the UIC Pavilion.
The undercard is headlined by a terrific lightweight bout between Chicagoans Gadiel Andaluz and Oscar De La Cruz.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, the 26 year old Andaluz won his first three professional bouts in Chicago last year before suffering a setback against Dannie Williams in Tacoma, Washington late last year which moved his record to 3-1-0 (2KO’s).
A native of Mexico City, De La Cruz brings a competitive record of 5-6-0 (2KO’s) into the bout with Andaluz. His eleven pro bouts include battles against outstanding young prospects Matt Remillard, Mike Oliver and Argenis Mendez.
Other newcomers include super featherweight Noe Perez, 2-0-0 (2KO’s), super middleweight Mike Kurzeja, 1-0-0 (1KO) and the pro debuts of heavyweight David Latoria and junior middleweight Nate Mohr in separate bouts.
The Oquendo/Seldon scheduled ten round bout for the NABA Heavyweight Title headlines an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions.
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.
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.
