Ticket Alert For Solo Boxeo In Chicago On August 15th

CHICAGO, IL (July 25, 2008) Former lightweight world champion Carlos “FAMOSO” Hernandez will return to the ring in Chicago on Friday, August 15th in the SOLO BOXEO TECATE televised ten round main event of “ON FIRE/EN FUEGO” at The Aragon Ballroom, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli’s 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING, along with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions..

Tickets for “ON FIRE/EN FUEGO”, an outstanding evening of world class professional boxing, can be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com , 312-559-1212) or through the 8 Count Productions offices at 312-226-5800. The Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., adjacent to the corner of Broadway and Lawrence. Doors will open at 5:30pm, with the first bell at 6:15pm.

Hernandez, 42-7-1, the former IBF lightweight champion, returns to the ring after a two year absence. The native of El Salvador, now living in Los Angeles, Hernandez has long been known as an international fan favorite for his numerous televised bouts displaying his relentless perseverance.

Hernandez won the IBF title by stopping David Santos on February 1, 2003 in Las Vegas, NV. After defending it against Stevie Forbes, Hernandez dropped a very close decision to Eric Morales on July 31, 2004. His illustrious career also includes outstanding battles with world champions Floyd Mayweather Jr., Genaro Hernandez, Jesus Chavez and Kevin Kelley.

The ten round co-main event will feature the return of Chicago fan favorite, junior featherweight Antonio Escalante. In January 2006, Escalante, 18-2 (11KO’s) made his first Chicago appearance, winning a “Fight of the Year” style ten round classic battle over local favorite Jose Hernandez, a bout in which the El Paso native also made his first televised appearance.

Since becoming a SOLO BOXEO staple, Escalante has fought two additional times in Chicago, winning a twelve round decision over Juan Ruiz in May 2006 to capture the WBO/NABO title and suffering a knockout loss to former world champion Mauricio Pastrana in January 2007, a fight that Escalante was far ahead on points before the one punch knockout came in the eighth round.

Escalante has won his last four bouts, all of which have been broadcast on SOLO BOXEO, culminating in his most recent win, a devastating third round knockout of David Martinez on May 16th at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, California.

He is currently world ranked # 7 by the WBO and # 10 by the WBA.

The outstanding undercard of “ON FIRE/EN FUEGO” will feature undefeated welterweight prospect Ivan Popoca. Since bursting onto the Chicago boxing scene in February 2007, Popoca, a native of Guerrero, Mexico, has run his record to 7-0-1 (6KO’s) while quickly becoming a favorite amongst local fight fans for his aggressive, power punching style. Popoca will battle in a scheduled six rounder.

Also on the undercard is junior featherweight Eric “EL LOCO” Estrada. The 20 year old former amateur standout brings a record of 4-0 (2KO’s) into the ring.

Making his pro debut will be welterweight Chicago native Ryan Shmedick in a four round bout.

Much more information on “ON FIRE/EN FUEGO” will be announced shortly.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Lupe Contreras, the internationally recognized voice of Latino boxing.

8 Count Productions was started by Dominic Pesoli in 1998 and has consistently presented the highest quality professional boxing events in Chicagoland. In 2003, Pesoli along with former featherweight contender Mike Garcia opened JABB Boxing Gym, a 6,000 square foot venue dedicated to the finest Chicagoland boxers of all talent levels.

To view the seating chart and poster for this event or for more information on 8 Count Productions and JABB Boxing Gym, please visit www.8countproductions.com and www.jabbboxinggym.com

For more information on Carlos Hernandez, Antonio Escalante and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com