8 Count Boxing: Jacobs vs. Varela Added To April 24 Show

Sensational super middleweight prospect Daniel Jacobs will face Nicaraguan veteran Jose Varela in the co-main event on ESPN2’S Friday Night Fights Friday, April 24 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

The 22 year old Brooklyn, New York raised Jacobs has quickly made an impact as an outstanding prospect since turning professional in December 2007. With his fast, powerful hands, Jacobs has stopped nine of his opponents in the first round.

This will be Jacobs’ second trip to Chicago, as the former two-time National Golden Gloves Champion and U.S. Amateur Champion previously knocked out Hector Lopez in the first round on January 25, 2008 at Cicero Stadium in his second pro bout.

The 31 year old Varela, now living in Los Angeles, has faced numerous highly regarded prospects and contenders including Edison Miranda, Joel Julio, Richard Gutierrez and Marco Antonio Rubio.

His biggest win was over former world title challenger Manuel Gomez by twelve round unanimous decision on October 13, 2006.

Said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, “Jacobs is amongst the finest prospects in boxing and we’re thrilled to bring him back. For boxing fans in Chicago, this is truly a must-see fighter.”

Headlining the outstanding fight card is a terrific twelve round junior featherweight match up between El Paso’s Antonio Escalante and Gary “Kid” Stark Jr. from Staten Island, NY.

On the undercard, making his Chicago debut is 2008 U.S. Olympian Deontay Wilder, the only United States boxing medallist from the 2008 Beijing Games, who will see action in a four round bout.

The Tuscaloosa, Alabama heavyweight has won his first three fights in dramatic knockout fashion and is thought by many to be the American heavyweight of the future.

The 23 year old Wilder, 3-0 (3), is trained by 1984 U.S. Olympic Gold Medallist and former welterweight world champion, Mark Breland.

Also returning to the ring will be Chicago favorite, Ivan Popoca. The junior welterweight, 9-0-1 (7), has thrilled the Windy City fight fans with his heavy hands and aggressive style.

In his last bout, he won an early career defining battle over Daniel Garcia by unanimous decision in a six round bout.

Also on the card will be newcomer, 2008 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Noe Perez, who will see action in a four round junior lightweight bout.

The younger brother of “blood and guts” warrior, Luciano Perez, Noe won his first bout on December 12, stopping Elijah Linder in the second round at Cicero Stadium.

Rounding out the undercard will be junior welterweight Ramiro Carillo and Nigerian heavyweight Enobong Umohette who will each make their pro debut in four round bouts.

Presented by Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, tickets, starting at $31, can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Online: www.ticketmaster.com, Phone: 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.