8 Count Boxing: Ivan Popoca Added To April 24 Chicago Fight Card

Sensational junior welterweight prospect Ivan Popoca will face Canadian veteran Sebastien Hamel on April 24 at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion in a scheduled six round bout, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions.

The Popoca/Hamel bout is part of an ESPN2 Friday Night Fights card presented by Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and 8 Count Productions.

Headlining the terrific night of world class professional boxing is an outstanding junior featherweight twelve round bout between EL Paso native and Chicago fan favorite Antonio Escalante and New York City’s Gary “Kid” Stark.

Said Pesoli, “It’s going to be a terrific night of fights on April 24th and I’m very happy to add Ivan to the card. With his aggressive all action style, the fans in Chicago have really taken to him since he turned pro two years ago.”

A native of Guerrero, Mexico, now living in Chicago, Popoca, 11-0-1 with seven knockouts, is coming off his finest win to date, a sixth round unanimous decision win over Daniel Garcia on January 23 at Cicero Stadium.

Finishing up a heated sparring session with welterweight contender David Estrada, Popoca spoke about the coming year. “This is my last six rounder, after this I want an eight rounder on TV. Whether it’s a fight in Chicago or if I have to go on the road, I want to fight another undefeated prospect or someone people feel are better than me.

Said Pesoli “Now that’s he dropped down to junior welterweight, Ivan has retained his speed and power and should be even more effective and successful. Daniel Garcia was a strong, skilled fighter and Ivan really won the battle on the inside.

“Ideally, I’d like to get Ivan in an ESPN2 co-main or something on Azteca America or Shobox. He’s ready, he’s proven himself. Give him a month to prepare and he’ll go anywhere and fight any other junior welterweight prospect. The fans in Chicago know how good he is and we’re ready to prove it to the rest of the country”.

Popoca is guided by Chicago based trainer Mike Garcia. “Mike’s really been working with me on being smart in the ring,” said Popoca.

“He wants me to box a little more, don’t fall in love with my power so much and he’s right about that. It doesn’t mean the knockout won’t happen, it just means we’ll take a little more time and a few less chances.”

The 29 year old Hamel brings a record of 10-17-1 (1) into the battle with Popoca.

Said Pesoli, “Hamel will be a tough test for Ivan, he’s a lot more experienced and has fought very good competition throughout his career.”

In the co-main event, sensational super middleweight prospect Daniel Jacobs, 14-0 (13) of Brookyn, New York, will face Jose Varela, 23-5 (16) in the eight round co-main event.

Rounding out the card are 2008 U.S. Olympian Deontay Wilder and lightweight veteran Leo Martinez and newcomer Noe Perez.

Also featured on the undercard are junior welterweight Ramiro Carillo and Nigerian heavyweight Enobong Umohette, both making their pro debut.

Further information on this event will be announced shortly.

Tickets, starting at $31, for can be purchased through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com or 312-559-1212 and through the 8 Count Productions office at 312-226-5800. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7:30pm with the first bell at 8:30pm.
The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 N. Racine, at the corner of Harrison and Racine in the downtown West Loop area of Chicago.

Further details for the UIC Pavilion, including directions, can be obtained through their website at www.uicpavilion.com