06.08.04 – KO Artist Luciano “EL GALLO BRAVO” Perez, 9-0 (8KO’s) battles for the Illinois State Welterweight Championship next Friday night, August 13th as Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions and Miller Lite presents Hawthorne Heat, an action packed card of Chicagoland’s finest professional boxing at the Hawthorne Race Course. Tickets starting at $25 are on sale in advance of the event by calling 312-226-5800.
The Hawthorne Race Course is located at 35th & Laramie on the Chicago/Cicero border, just minutes from the Eisenhower and Stevenson expressways. Doors open at 7pm, first bell is 8pm. The ring will be set up on the beautifully manicured infield of the race course, with contingency plans having been made indoors in the case of rain.
Speaking after a 90 minute sparring and training session at JABB Boxing Gym on the near Northwest side of Chicago, the twenty-six year old Perez spoke of his career so far, “its been a good run, at first because I didn’t have much of an amateur career I was trying to knock everyone out, but now I’m more confident in my boxing skills.” The Mexican born Perez was a late starter to boxing with just a two year amateur record of 20-3 before turning professional thirteen months ago.
Talking about his career so far, Perez said, “its been great, I’ve been very pleased with Dominic and 8 Count and I look forward to tougher fights and tougher opponents.” Although his opposition is not yet confirmed, the fight for the state title will be Perez’s toughest to date. “Juan Aguilar was my toughest opponent, although I won a split decision I’d like to fight him again in an eight rounder at 147.” Indeed the four round “Solo Boxeo” nationally televised war this past February had a packed DePaul Athletic Center on their feet from start to finish as they cheered on both warriors.
Making his pro debut on the card is Puerto Rican bantamweight sensation Ivan Rodriguez in a special attraction four rounder. The twenty-two year old Rodriguez is a two-time Golden Gloves champion and sports a tremendous amateur record of 109 wins and 11 losses.
Also appearing on the card is headliner Illinois State Middleweight Champion “Macho” Miguel Hernandez, 11-1 (7KO’s), fast rising prospect middleweight David “The Weezel” Estrada, 5-1 (3KO’s) and local favorite, welterweight Trinidad Garcia, 3-0.
Additionally making his pro debut is former amateur featherweight standout, Francisco Tafoya. Additional information on these bouts will be announced shortly.