Boxing News Boxing News
Super middleweight prospect Donovan George will face off against Minnesota’s Phil Williams on Friday, January 29th in the main event at “Windy City Fight Night 8″ at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions and Leon Margules, Executive Director of Seminole Warriors Boxing.
“With 26 knockouts amongst their 29 victories these two should provide an all action fight from the start,” said Pesoli. “This truly is a crossroads fight for both guys, for each one it’s the toughest test of their careers.”
Amongst the most popular fighters in Chicago the 25 year old George, 18-0-1 (16KO’s), is coming off his finest performance to date, a brutal fourth round stoppage of Jason Naugler on November 6th at the UIC Pavilion.
With all three of his fights in 2009 ending by knockout, George has become one of the hottest prospects in boxing and a must-see attraction in Chicago.
The 32 year old Williams, 11-2-0 (10KO’s), has been a pro for four years, with his heavy handed knockouts being his calling card for boxing fans in the Twin Cities area. Following a three bout winning streak, he battled veteran contender Matt Vanda on November 13th, losing a hard fought ten round split decision.
The co-main event brings the return of power punching Chicago based prospect Ivan Popoca in an eight round welterweight battle against impressive Michigan newcomer Federico Flores Jr.
Popoca, 12-0-1 (8KO’s), is coming off a sixth round stoppage of Mike Gonzales on September 26th, his fourth win in 2009. With his devastating power in both hands and willingness to trade inside, the 27 year old Popoca has been amongst Chicago ’s most popular fighters since turning professional three years ago.
The 21 year old Flores, 6-3-0 (2KO’s), fought three times in Chicago in 2008 and was victorious each time, including wins over Guadalupe Diaz, Gustavo Palacios and Joshua Rodriguez.
Said Pesoli, “ Flores jumped at the opportunity to fight Ivan. Federico loves fighting in Chicago and truly earned the respect of the Chicago fight fans with his three victories here against hometown kids. Ivan will have to be at his best or Flores will play the role of spoiler once again.”
Also just added, undefeated Chicago welterweights Ryan Smedick and Achour Esho will square off in a scheduled six rounder, the first for each prospect.
The 27 year old Smedick, 4-0-1 (1KO), has won over local fight fans with his terrific boxing skills since turning professional in the summer of 2008. In his last start on November 6th, Smedick once again impressed the UIC Pavilion crowd with a four round decision over veteran Jeremy Marts winning by scores of 40-35 on all three scorecards.
The heavy handed Esho, 5-0-0 (4KO’s), has fought twice at the UIC Pavilion with knockout victories over Dontre King and Ricky Thompson coming in 2009.
Continued Pesoli, “The Smedick/Esho bout is a real test for both guys. They have contrasting styles with Smedick being more of a boxer while Esho is a real heavy handed kid who loves to come right at his opponent. They both have huge fan bases so it should make for a great environment for the fight.”
Also on the undercard, super bantamweights Sergio Montes De Oca and Sergio Cristobal, will attempt to settle their cross town score. The 23 year old Montes De Oca has impressively moved to 3-0-0 since turning professional twelve month ago.
In his last bout, Montes De Oca won a hard fought four round decision over LaShaun Blair at the UIC Pavilion on May 29th. On the same card, Cristobal lost a very close majority decision in his pro debut to Juan Carlos Fernandez.
Also featured on the undercard is undefeated Puerto Rican junior welterweight prospect Kenny Galarza, 11-0-0 (11KO’s), Chicago heavyweight David Latoria, 4-0-0 (2KO’s), lightweight Bobby Jaskierny, 4-2-0 (2KO’s), of Chicago along with lightweight Antonio Avila, 2-0-0 (1KO), also of Chicago.
Advance tickets presented in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing, 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).
