8 Count Boxing: George vs. Naugler Headlines UIC Pavilion Tonight

Finishing up a lengthy training camp over the last couple of months, Chicago’s Donovan “Da Bomb” George is “primed and ready” to take on Canada’s Jason Naugler tonight, in the ten round super middleweight main event at “Windy City Fight Night 7” at the UIC Pavilion.

Presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, the George vs. Naugler showdown headlines a terrific evening of action packed professional boxing.

The 24 year old George spoke about his upcoming bout after finishing one of this final workout sessions leading up to Friday night.

“This is the best I’ve felt going into a fight, I’ve been on weight for a few days now and just feel very strong. These last couple of weeks we’ve been pushing harder every day in the gym” said the lifelong Chicagoland resident.

George brings an undefeated record of 17-0-1 (15KO’s) into the battle with the 31 year old Naugler sporting a record of 18-10-1 (11KO’s).

Speaking specifically of facing Naugler, George said, “I need to use my jab and control the fight. I’ve been sparring with numerous fighters who have been coming forward to get me used to Naugler style. I feel pretty good that we’ve prepared well for this fight and will be ready for whatever he tries,’

About his absence on the local boxing scene for the last twenty seven months, George stated, ‘I’m thrilled to be back fighting in Chicago. It will be terrific to fight in front of a large, raucous crowd at the UIC Pavilion.”

Discussing his future, George dropped a bit of a bombshell, “My plan is to fight at 160 in the near future. I’m positive I can fight at that weight and still be strong. Not sure when or how many more fights at 168, but this is going to happen in the next twelve months.”

Along with being co-promoted by Chicago ’s 8 Count Productions and Seminole Warriors Boxing, George is managed by Mike Michaels of Cestus Management.

Said Michaels, “Donovan really is in the best shape of his career. The fans at the UIC Pavilion on Friday night should be prepared to see a great fight as Jason Naugler is no pushover. However, we’re confident that the jaws of boxing fans will drop when they see what Donovan is able to accomplish against Naugler.”

“Donovan is a great prospect at 168, but he will be a powerhouse at 160 in the future.”

The outstanding undercard will feature hard hitting Chicago based junior welterweight Rita Figueroa, 10-1-1 (3KO’s) taking on Kita Watkins, 3-5-0 (1KO), of Camden, Arkansas, in a six round bout.

In a special attraction lightweight bout, Chicagoans Antonio Avila, 1-0-0 (1KO) and Juan Gonzalez, 0-1, will battle in a scheduled four rounder.

Also returning to the 8 Count Productions’ ring, junior welterweight newcomer Ryan Smedick, 3-0-1 (1KO) will face veteran Jeremy Marts, 5-8-0 (3KO’s) of Ottumwa, Iowa, in a four round bout.

Rounding out the undercard is returning heavy handed lightweight prospect Russell Fiore, 2-0-0 (2KO’s) who will see action in a four round bout against Puerto Rican native Jose Hernandez, 0-1-0.

Advance tickets starting at $31 are available through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com the 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

The UIC Pavilion is now serving alcohol at all boxing events.