24.06.04 – In Friday’s co-featured fight, NABF super lightweight champion Terrance “Heat” Cauthen, 25-1, with 7 knockouts, of Trenton, New Jersey, will face Roberto Ortega, 17-9-2, with 13 knockouts, of Miami, Florida, in a nontitle bout scheduled for 10 rounds. Cauthen, ranked No. 8 in the world by the WBC and WBA, and No. 10 by the IBF, has won 10 fights in a row.
He was originally scheduled to defend the NABF title on this fight card against Omar Weis, but Weis withdrew from the fight and was replaced by Ben Tackie. Tackie has also withdrawn and been replaced by Ortega.
This fight is a rematch – Cauthen defended the NABF title against Ortega in Rosemont, Illinois, on March 28, 2003, and won by 12-round decision.
Ortega, a tough 7 ½ year professional veteran, has impressive wins to his credit against veteran Lemuel Nelson (25-5-1), previously undefeated Henry Bruseles (16-0), and prospect Manuel Rodriguez (13-1).
The main event is a sensational matchup – Felix “Bad News” Cora Jr., 13-0-2, with 7 knockouts, of Galveston, Texas, will fight Michael “Famous” Simms, 13-1-1, with 11 knockouts, of Sacramento, California, for the vacant United States Boxing Association cruiserweight title, scheduled for 12 rounds. Cora and Simms fought to a 10-round draw in an exciting battle in Chicago on March 15, 2003.
More exciting bouts will complete the card, and feature some of Chicago’s top boxing talent. Super middleweight Oscar Bravo, welterweight Jermaine “Money” Marks, and heavyweight Carl “Ironfist” Davis will appear in separate fights. In a four-round cruiserweight bout, Chris Riley of Chicago will fight R.C Pettigrew of Rockford.
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 can be purchased by telephone at Hitz Boxing – 630-295-9800, or online at www.hitzboxing.com.