8 Count Boxing: Junior Welter Prospect Ivan Popoca Added To “Cicero Fury”

Coming off two devastating first round knockout wins, undefeated junior welterweight sensation Ivan Popoca will be featured at “Cicero Fury” on Friday night, October 17 at Cicero Stadium.

Popoca will face Louisville veteran Cesar Vega in a scheduled six rounder, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions.

The 26 year old Popoca, 8-0-1 (7), a training partner of former WBC Lightweight Champion David Diaz, has been the talk of Chicago ’s boxing scene since making his professional debut in February, 2007.

The bout against Vega will be the sixth contest for Popoca, who has kept up a very busy pace in 2008.

“It’s been a busy schedule but it’s been perfect for me as my full time job,” said the Guerrero, Mexico native. “I love to train and I love to fight. I stay busy in the gym and working with Mike [trainer Mike Garcia] has allowed me to learn a great deal this year.”

About his last two fights resulting in first round knockouts, Popoca said, “Mike always draws up a game plan for the fight but if I get the other guy hurt, I generally go quickly for the knockout.”

In regards to his growing recognition in the Chicagoland area, Popoca commented, “It’s nice to get recognized, the fans in Chicago have been terrific. But I’m pretty grounded and I know I have a lot of work to do.”

Said Pesoli, “Ivan’s had a great year, he’s worked very hard and is a true professional to work with. Training with Mike this year has really helped him. The fight fans in Chicago have really taken to Ivan, they love his knockout power.”

Headlining “Cicero Fury” is an outstanding Chicago light heavyweight showdown between Mike “The Hammer” Nevitt, 15-1 (6), and Marvelous Shay Mobley, 17-9-1 (17), in an eight round bout.

The co-main event will also see longtime Chicagoland favorite, featherweight Jose Hernandez, 22-4 (14), battle in an eight round bout. The Round Lake Beach resident returns to the ring following his terrific war with former world title challenger Rocky Juarez on May 5, 2007 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in the co-main event to the Pay Per View record setting Oscar De La Hoya/Floyd Mayweather bout.

Also appearing at is undefeated Chicago featherweight Juan Bailon in a four round bout. Bailon, 3-0 (1), is coming off a four round unanimous decision win over Gerardo Alarcon on June 20 at the Aragon Ballroom. He will face Chicago resident Barbaro Zepeda in a scheduled four round..

Rounding out the card, Chicago newcomer Ryan Smedick will return in a four round welterweight bout against Chicago area native Gustavo Palacios. Smedick, 1-0 (1), scored a third round knockout of Eric Bradford on August 15 at the Aragon Ballroom.

More information on this event will be announced shortly.

The public pre-fight weigh-in for “Cicero Fury” will take place at Maricosos El Veneno, 6651 S. Pulaski in Chicago, at 7pm on Thursday, October 16.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be noted boxing ring announcer Thomas Treiber.

Advance tickets for “Cicero Fury”, presented along with Budweiser, TCF Bank, Jack Daniels and EL Jimador Tequila, are on sale in advance by calling the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800. Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Laramie . Doors for this event will open at 7pm with the first bell scheduled for 8pm.