Boxing News Boxing News
Two-time world champion Jesus Chavez will return to action on Saturday, September 26th against former lightweight world champion David Diaz in the ten round main event at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion, presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions.
“I’m very happy for this opportunity that Dominic has given me, it means a great deal for me to finally fight in my hometown of Chicago ” said the Austin, Texas resident. “I have a lot of friends and family back home and it’s going to be a special night for me to fight there.”
‘I’ve known David since we were kids; we grew up in the amateurs together. There’s a mutual respect for each other but once the bell rings we both have to take care of business. It’s a great fight for the Chicago sports fans,” continued Chavez.
The 36 year old Chavez defeated Sirimongkol Singwancha on August 15, 2003 for the WBC Junior Lightweight Title in Austin, Texas. He won the IBF Lightweight Championship on September 17, 2005 by stopping Leavander Johnson in the 11th round in Las Vegas.
On April 4th of this year Chavez faced off against Australian Michael Katsidis in a scheduled ten round bout. Although badly cut in the fourth round from a clash of heads, Chavez battled valiantly for three rounds with Katsidis despite a constant stream of blood flowing into his left eye. The bout was finally stopped by Chavez’s corner after the seventh round.
Said Chavez, “The cut just became too much of a problem, but it has no impact on me now. Fernando has set up a great camp here in Austin and I feel 100% in my training.”
Chavez has been with longtime trainer Fernando Castrejon since 1998.
Said Pesoli, “Jesus and David are true warriors in the sport, the perfect title was ‘Warriors Collide’, which they will on September 26th at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion”.
The co-main event will feature Chicago fan favorites Jose Andres Hernandez, 22-4-0 (14KO’s) and Juan Carlos Martinez, 16-11-1 (7KO’s) in a ten round junior lightweight bout.
Also on the undercard, Chicago based undefeated junior welterweight prospect Ivan Popoca, 11-0-1 (7KO’s) will face heavy handed Puerto Rican veteran Mike Gonzalez, 10-6-1 (9KO’s) in an eight round bout.
Also announced is exciting newcomer Diamond Baier, 1-0-1, who will appear in a four round junior lightweight bout.
Tickets for priced at $151, $101, $76, $51 and $31, are now on sale through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com, e UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and the 8 Count Productions Office (312-226-5800).
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
