FNF: Michael Simms vs. Felix Cora for the USBA Cruiserweight Title

23.06.04 – Expelled 2000 Olympian Michael Simms (13-1-1, 11 KOs) faces Felix Cora (13-0-2, 7 KOs) for the USBA Cruiserweight title on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights from The Ramada Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois this Friday, June 25th. In addition, the six-bout card includes Chicago fan favorites Heavyweights Carl Davis and Chris Riley in separate bouts along with Junior Welterweight Jemaine Marks and Super Middleweight Oscar Bravo.

The 6′-2″ southpaw Simms’ outstanding amateur record includes national titles and over 130 wins.

During the 2000 US Olympic box-offs, Simms twice defeated Army’s Olanda Anderson to earn his place on the US Olympic Team. With his 1999 Amateur World Championship in hand, Simms was the frontrunner for Olympic Gold at Light Heavyweight in Sydney.

Shortly after earning his place on the US Olympic Team, Simms was abruptly expelled from the team after being sited for missing curfew by 20 minutes and being late for training.

“As the World Champion, I was their best bet to win a Gold medal for the US. We’re 12 young men on the Olympic Boxing Team. You think I’m the only one who broke a minor rule? Getting kicked off the team cost me a million dollars (signing bonus),” Simms said.

Simms continued, “Anderson lost in his first Olympic fight and hasn’t been heard from since. I’ve been forced to come up the pro ranks the hard way while I see my Olympic teammates fighting on television for big money. This Friday is my chance to show that I’m a world-class fighter. I will be a World Champion again soon!”

Hitz Boxing returns to the ESPN2 airwaves this Friday after presenting an action packed edition of ESPN2’s ‘Tuesday Night Fights’ from suburban Chicago on June 15th.

All fighters available to the media by contacting Trayce Zimmermann at 773/294-4498.

All bouts are subject to change without notice.

Doors open at 6:30 P.M., first fight at 7:00 P.M. Central Time.

Ticket prices: $35 – general admission, $50 – reserved ringside, and $100 – VIP reserved ringside.

Tickets: Hitz Boxing – 630-295-9800, or online at www.HitzBoxing.com.