Boxing News Boxing News
While visiting his original hometown of Chicago yesterday in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday celebration with family, super middleweight contender Joey Gilbert stopped at Wrigley Field to offer his assistance with the century long World Series drought for his beloved Chicago Cubs.
“I was born in Chicago and lived here until I was twelve spending many afternoons in the bleachers,” said Gilbert, a former high school athlete at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in Reno. “The last two years the Cubs have had trouble with West Coast teams in the playoffs, Arizona in 2007 and the Dodgers this year.
“Now that I’m based in Reno and Big Bear, it’s my obligation to help them out.
‘It was always my dream to play for the Cubs, but boxing really took a priority. Hopefully, the Cubs will let me throw some pitches for them after the Brinkley fight. They open up camp in late February so the timing would be perfect.
Gilbert is scheduled to face Reno cross-town rival Jesse Brinkley in early 2009, details of which will be announced shortly.
After his time in the batting cages at Wrigley, Gilbert posed for pictures with his longtime girlfriend Molly Mentaberry and Cousin Joey. “I hit the ball pretty good against the machine, let’s see how I do against Carlos Zambrano at spring training. Hey, they let me keep the jersey and bat, all I need are the pants and shoes and we’re ready to go.”
Before leaving town, Gilbert is also scheduled to address the Oak Park River Forest High School wrestling team as they prepare for their season opening meet with rival St. Patrick on Wednesday, November 26.
Said Chet Koerner, President of TKO Boxing Promotions, “Joey can hit in the ring and looks pretty solid with the bat. The Cubs needed some offensive help against the Dodgers and he might be perfect for them.”
