Hector Velasquez Meets Francisco Lorenzo On Next 8 Count Boxing Card

Super featherweight Hector Velasquez will return to Chicago on Friday, April 13th to face Francisco Lorenzo at Cicero Stadium in the main event of Resurrection, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions.

Tijuana, Mexico native Velazquez, 46-11-2 (32KO’s), riding a four bout winning streak, is coming off an outstanding win over Manny Pacquiao’s brother Bobby on November 16, 2006 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Velasquez was well ahead on points when Pacquiao was disqualified in the eleventh round.

As he showed against Pacquiao, Velazquez is a very tough veteran capable of breaking down opposition with his trademark well placed body shots. His fourteen year career includes battles with numerous champions and highly ranked fighters including Manny Pacquiao, Rocky Juarez, Israel Vasquez, Guty Espadas Jr., Kevin Kelley, Orlando Soto, Robbie Peden and Carlos Rios.

This will be the third visit to Chicago for Velazquez, his most recent battle being a crushing fifth round knockout of Trinidad Mendoza on July 15, 2005 at the Aragon Ballroom. His bout with Robbie Peden took place at the Grand Victoria Casino on April 8, 2001, a terrific war that was abruptly stopped due to cuts in the ninth round.

Velazquez is currently ranked #7 by the WBC, #14 by the WBA and #11 by the IBF. Lorenzo of San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic brings a record of 27-4 (14KO’s) into the battle with Velazquez.

He is coming off a split decision loss to Roman Martinez on February 2, 2007 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a fight many writers and ringside observers felt he won. Prior to that bout Lorenzo won an eight round decision over Cristobal Cruz at Cicero Stadium on December 1, 2006, his first bout in Chicago.

Lorenzo’s seven year career also includes wins over contenders Nate Campbell, Ivan Valle, Genaro Trazancos and Priest Smalls. He has also gone the distance in very close fights with world champion Juan Diaz and highly ranked contenders Courtney Burton and Victoriano Sosa.

Said Pesoli about the main event, “The resume for both fighters speaks for itself. These are outstanding warriors who should provide a terrific battle which our fans have grown accustomed to seeing at our shows.”

The full Resurrection card is as follows,

Hector Velazquez vs. Francisco Lorenzo, twelve rounds, super featherweights
Brandon Rios vs. Anthony Vasquez, eight rounds, lightweights
Donovan George vs. Alberto Mercedes, six rounds, super middleweights
Rudy Cisneros vs. TBA, six rounds, junior middleweights
Ivan Popoca vs. TBA, four rounds, welterweights
Andrzej Fonfara vs. TBA, four rounds, welterweights

More information on this event will be announced shortly.

The weigh-in for this event will take place on Thursday, April 12th at 7pm at Club Aquarius at 2459 N. Pulaski on the northwest side of Chicago.

The Master of Ceremonies for this event will be the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing, Lupe Contreras.

Resurrection, another evening of world class professional boxing is presented by 8 Count Productions, Home Of The Best In Chicago Boxing along with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, TCF Bank and Tecate Beer.

Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson Expressways. Doors for this event will open at 5:30pm with the first bell at 6:30pm. Advanced tickets can be obtained by calling 312-226-5800.