10.16.04 – Earlier this year, Chicago’s own Chris Thomas came knocking on the door of the cruiserweight division with a stunning second round knockout of highly regarded Rich LaMontagne. On Friday, October 22, “Cold Steel” looks to break down the door into the top ten when he fights for the vacant NABA cruiserweight crown in the featured attraction on Hitz Boxing’s ‘Ramada Rumble’ at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Rosemont.
Thomas (15-4, 14 KOs) will face an opponent to be announced shortly in the ten round main event.
The world-class fight action doesn’t end there though, as another cruiserweight belt will be on the line when unbeaten prospect Ed Gutierrez (13-0, 5 KOs) and always tough Joseph Awinongya (11-7, 3 KOs) square off for the vacant Illinois State Championship. Both fights head up an eight-bout card that will keep fans on their feet from bell to bell. Doors open at 7:30pm and the first bell rings at 8pm.
Chris “Cold Steel” Thomas, a concussive puncher with either hand, has suffered through the dilemma of being between two weight classes for much of his career. But with a newfound dedication to the sport and a solid commitment to the cruiserweight division, Thomas has been unstoppable in 2004, winning three bouts in a row, all by knockout. Of course, the highlight of his year was the second round stoppage of LaMontagne – an 11-year veteran of the sport – but Thomas hopes to make a new highlight reel on October 22 by winning his first major professional title. As is the custom with Hitz Boxing shows, the undercard is packed with hard-nosed warriors and up and coming stars battling it out in competitive bouts.
In a six round junior middleweight attraction, local favorite Germaine “Silky” Sanders (22-3, 16 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in a year to face an opponent to be determined. A former Illinois state champion, the Chicago native is ready to make a run at a world title in the coming months. Heavyweight Thomas Hayes (15-1, 11 KOs) is garnering rave notices among boxing insiders, and the Kevin Rooney-trained prospect will keep his busy schedule going on October 22 in a six round contest. The Windy City Warrior is coming off the most satisfying victory of his career on August 26, when he knocked out David Cherry in three rounds, avenging his only loss.
Rounding out the card will be four four rounders featuring no less than four unbeaten up and comers. Junior lightweight Jimmy “Superfly” Sandoval (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Miguel Alvarez (4-2, 3 KOs) in a battle of power punchers; welterweight and former Ultimate Fighting champion Jens ‘Lil’ Evil’ Pulver (4-0, 3 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against fellow unbeaten Jeff Hinds (1-0, 1 KO); and 4-0 (3 KOs) heavyweight Malachy Farrell and 7-3 (5 KOs) light heavyweight Wayne Gregory will compete in separate bouts against opponents to be determined.
Tickets, affordably priced at $35 (General Admission), $50 (reserved ringside), and $100 (VIP Ringside – includes access to the Gibson’s Steakhouse VIP room with complimentary food and drink), are available by calling 630-787-6600.