15.04.04 – Junior welterweight Rafael Ortiz arrived in Chicago on Wednesday for his battle with Al “Speedy” Gonzales this Friday night, April 16th at the DePaul Athletic Center. The scheduled eight rounder headlines Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions’ “Chicago’s Thunder” an all action packed card brought to you by Chicago’s premier boxing promoter. Tickets, starting at $25 can be purchased in advance by calling 312-226-5800.
After landing in Chicago, the hard throwing Mexican native Ortiz spoke about his previous trip to Chicago and his eight round war with Humberto Chavez last September at the DePaul Athletic Center, “they called it a draw but I clearly won the fight, the huge crowd booed the decision and chanted my name afterwards which felt good but I really wanted the W. This time I’m going for a KO to take the judges out of it. Speaking of the fight fans in Chicago, Ortiz stated, “they were terrific last time and I look forward to putting on a great performance again.”
About fighting Gonzales, Ortiz said “he’s the best guy I’ve fought, very fast and hard hitting but usually the tougher the opponent the better I fight. I heard he wants to come right at me and slug which is perfect for me, I don’t want to have to run after him.”
About his preparation, Ortiz said, “I’ve had great sparring the last few weeks and a win over Gonzales would be huge for me. Its going to be a tough fight but I think we’ll both put on a good show.”
On paper this fight has all the makings of a war. Gonzales is coming off a terrific performance against Jessie Feliciano this past February and with Gonzales’ growing reputation of providing all action fights and Chavez’s ability to press the action throughout the fight, this bout should provide fireworks from the opening bell.
Also appearing on the card are local favorites, junior middleweight “Macho” Miguel Hernandez, welterweight Luciano “El Gallo Bravo” Perez, junior middleweight David “The Weasel” Estrada and welterweight Trinidad Garcia. Also making his pro debut is kickboxing champion lightweight Tommy Bach.
The DePaul Athletic Center is located at 2323 N. Sheffield in the Lincoln Park section of Chicago. Doors open at 7pm, first bell is 8pm.
Bernie Bahrmasel
Publicist/8 Count Productions
www.8countproductions.com
bbahrmasel@aol.com