8 Count Boxing: Fres Oquendo Celebrates At Chicago Parade

Two time heavyweight world title challenger Fres Oquendo was a special guest this past weekend at Chicago’s Puerto Rican Day Parade on Saturday before tens of thousands who turned out at the annual downtown Grant Park celebration.

‘It was a beautiful day to celebrate with family and friends. Every year it’s a bigger and better celebration.”

Oquendo is currently training for his upcoming ten round WBO Latino Heavyweight Title bout against Gonzalo Omar Basile at 8 Count Boxing’s “Windy City Fight Night 3” at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion on Friday, June 26th.

“I’ve had a great camp and I’m ready to go this Friday night. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in Chicago and it’s going to be a special night for the local fight fans.”

Recently signed to Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC, headed by NBA star and former DePaul and Simeon High School standout Bobby Simmons, Oquendo is looking to make a run at another world title shot by the end of the year. His bout against Basile is his first Chicagoland appearance 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.

Also featured 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 ’ Skylar 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 27th.

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