Boxing News Boxing News
Two time heavyweight world title challenger Fres Oquendo will face Gonzalo Omar Basile in the new ten round main event on Friday, June 26th at the UIC Pavilion, it was announced today by Dominic Pelosi’s 8 Count Productions.
Recently signed to Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC, Oquendo is looking towards another run at a world championship bout in the near future.
The bout against Basile, for the WBO Latino Heavyweight Title, is Oquendo’s first hometown bout in nine years.
Oquendo, 29-5-0 (18KO’s) is coming off a highly controversial split decision loss to former world champion James Toney on December 13th. The bout, broadcast from Cabazon , California on Versus, was thought to be amongst the worst decisions of 2008.
Basile, a native of Buenos Aires , Argentina , brings a record of 41-4-0 (19KO’s) into the battle with Oquendo, having won his last nine bouts, five by stoppage.
He won the WBO Latino Heavyweight Title on February 14, 2009 by stopping Daniel Frank in the third round in Buenos Aires .
Said Pesoli, “An already excellent card just got a great deal better. Fres hasn’t fought in Chicago in a long time and I know he and the Chicago fight fans will be looking toward a great performance from him on June 26th. Fres was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Chicago so he has legions of fans all across the city.”
Already announced is an outstanding eight round junior welterweight showdown between undefeated Chicago fan favorite, Ivan Popoca and Tulare , California ’s Hector Alatorre.
An additional eight round bout is a super middleweight title fight between Chicago ’s Andrzej Fonfara and Rockford , Illinois ’ Skyler Thompson for the WBF All-Americas Super Middleweight Title.
In a special feature attraction, Chicago fan favorite Rita Figueroa and Lynnwood , Washington native Tammie Johnson will square off once again in a rematch of their draw on March 27.
The undercard features Chicago natives; highly touted junior welterweight prospect Ramiro Carrillo, featherweight Juan Bailon along with welterweights Ryan Smedick and Achour Esho in separate bouts.
Tickets, starting at $31, are on sale now through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
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
Additional information on this card will be announced shortly.
