8 Count Boxing: Andaluz vs. De La Cruz Added To “Windy City Fight Night 4”

Chicagoans Gadiel Andaluz and Oscar De La Cruz will battle in a lightweight cross town showdown this Friday night, July 24th, in the co-main event at the UIC Pavilion as part of an outstanding six bout undercard,

The show is headlined by a ten round heavyweight battle between Chicago’s Fres Oquendo and former world champion Bruce Seldon, is presented by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, the 26 year old Andaluz won his first three professional bouts in Chicago in 2008 before suffering a setback against Dannie Williams in Tacoma, Washington, late last year which moved his record to 3-1-0 (2KO’s).

In his last Chicago bout on May 9, 2008, Andaluz thrilled the crowd at Cicero Stadium taking a four round decision over unbeaten Jose Mandujano of Detroit, a bout in which Andaluz controlled the action from the opening bell.

A native of Mexico City , De La Cruz brings a record of 5-6-0 (2KO’s), into the bout with Andaluz. In the last four years he has battled numerous outstanding young prospects including Matt Remillard, Mike Oliver and Argenis Mendez.

Most recently, De La Cruz battled veteran Leo Martinez at the UIC Pavilion on April 24th, losing a very close four round decision to the more experienced Martinez .

Said Pesoli, “Gadiel wanted a real challenge for this fight, his first in Chicago in over a year. When I asked him about De La Cruz, he said ‘no problem’. Oscar is always in great fights and has fought excellent competition. The fans should see a terrific battle as there’s a lot to be gained for each guy.”

Also featured on the undercard is the return of highly regarded Chicago based super featherweight prospect Noe Perez who will face Diamond Baier of Phoenix, Arizona, in a four round bout.

After winning the Chicago Golden Gloves in 2008, the 21 year old Perez, 2-0-0 (2KO’s) has started off his professional career with a bang scoring knockouts in each of his first two bouts.

At the UIC Pavilion on April 24th, Perez stopped Cincinnati ’s Ronnie Howell in the first round. Perez is the younger brother of Chicago’s “blood and guts” warrior Luciano Perez.

Now based in Phoenix, Arizona, Baier, 0-0-1, started his pro career with a four round draw against Thomas Herrera on May 7th in Scottsdale , Arizona. Last year Baier trained in Chicago with David Diaz in preparation for Diaz’s world championship bout with Manny Pacquiao.

Also returning to action at the UIC Pavilion is Chicago based newcomer Mike Kurzeja who will see action against Minnesota veteran Nick Whiting in a four round super middleweight bout. Kurzeja, 1-0-0 (1KO), won his pro debut in stunning fashion on April 24th with a first round knockout of Tony Dewey.

Making his pro debut is David Latoria of Chicago. Following his amateur success as the 2009 Chicago Golden Gloves Champion, Latoria will face Orlando, Florida’s Christopher Boykins in a scheduled four rounder.

Rounding out the undercard is a four round heavyweight bout between Merrillville, Indiana’s Tyree Ortiz, 2-0-0 (2KO’s) and Eric Crittendon, 2-9-0 (2KO’s) of Clinton, Missouri.

Since turning pro three months ago, Ortiz has impressed Northwest Indiana fight fans with first round stoppages in both of his bouts.

Advance tickets starting at $31, can be purchased through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800 and through Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

The open to the public weigh in will take place at 7pm on Thursday, July 23rd at El Tarasco, 4334 W. 51st in Chicago.

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