8 Count Boxing: Escalante vs. Stark Could Be Fight Of The Year Candidate

ByBoxing Press

Boxing fans in Chicago are talking “Fight of the Year” candidate about this Friday night’s battle between junior featherweights Antonio Escalante and Gary Stark in the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights main event at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Said Dominic Pesoli of 8 Count Productions, “Since we announced the fight, I’ve had many people who know both fighters tell me their styles make for an outstanding fight.

“Escalante has only lost once in the last five years. He’s shown numerous times, particularly against Jose Hernandez at Cicero Stadium three years ago when he was hurt badly early in the fight, that he’ll do whatever it takes, absorb whatever punishment to win a fight.”

“About four months after the Hernandez fight, Antonio came back to Chicago and beat Juan Ruiz for the NABO belt in a fantastic war. This is his fourth fight in Chicago and he’s obviously very popular amongst the local fight fans.”

The 23 year old Escalante has won five in a row, brings a record of 19-2-1 (12) and is ranked #6 by the WBA.

The New York native Stark, making his first Chicago appearance, brings a record of 22-2-1 (8) into the twelve round battle with Escalante. He’s won four in a row, most recently a unanimous decision over Leiva Brea in New York City.

Continued Pesoli, “I’ve seen Stark fight a number of times on TV and what always strikes me is his exceptional spirit in the ring. Two fights ago he had a rematch against a tough Colombian, Andres Ledesma, who had knocked him out a couple of years ago.”

“But there’s Gary telling his promoter, ‘Get me Ledesma again’ a year later. And in the second fight which I just watched again his right eye was swollen for most of the fight.

“Even after the eighth round when the doctor almost stopped the fight because he could barely see, Stark kept attacking Ledesma and got his well deserved revenge taking the decision.”

“Both of them are true warriors and these are the types of fighters I’m honored to promote for the Chicago fight fans and the ESPN2 audience.”

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

Also returning to the ring will be Chicago favorite, Ivan Popoca. The junior welterweight, 9-0-1 (7), will square off against Canadian veteran Sebastien Hamel, 10-17-1 (1), in a scheduled six rounder.

Rounding out the card is 2008 U.S. Olympian Deontay Wilder, and Chicago natives lightweight veteran Leo Martinez and newcomer Noe Perez.

Also featured on the undercard will be pro debuters; junior welterweight Ramiro Carillo and Nigerian heavyweight Enobong Umohette.

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 8:15pm. 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