GODFATHER OF CHICAGO BOXING RETURNS ON VALENTINE'S WEEKEND WITH HUGE NIGHT OF OLD-SCHOOL BOXING

Bobby Hitz, the "Godfather of Chicago Boxing" will return on Friday, February 15, 2013, with his own version of a St. Valentine's Day massacre in the form of another of his jam-packed nights of old-school professional boxing at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. Fresh off an extended recurring role on the Fox series Mob Doctor where he played right hand man to the mob boss played by William Forsythe, Hitz will continue his series of Horseshoe boxing shows that are known for consistently delivering all-action fights to the sold-out crowds who flock to this Indiana casino just 20 minutes outside Chicago. The first main event of the year will feature the rematch of an explosive war held last November at this very same venue, as Chicago (via Lithuania) middleweight Donatas Bondorovas (16-3-1, 5 KOs) will once again face Evansville, Indiana's "King" David Thomas (10-3-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round battle. In their first encounter, Bondorovas had to get off the floor and survive several shaky moments before storming back to win via a come-from-behind (and some would say early) stoppage in round two. Plenty of doubt remains and both fighters are eager to do it again and prove their superiority once and for all. Several Chicagoland favorites are scheduled to appear in supporting bouts including Chicago's red-hot undefeated Dimar "Strongman" Ortuz (7-0, 5 KOs), who will go six rounds in the cruiserweight division. Ortuz is coming off back-to-back sensational victories at the Horseshoe over then-undefeated opponents Donta Woods and Terry Martin.   Also returning for a six-rounder is wildly popular Chicago super middleweight prospect Mike "Hollywood" Jimenez (8-0, 5 KOs), who is fresh off his very impressive stoppage of former world title challenger Antwun Echols last November at the Horseshoe. Jimenez will fight twice this month and is looking to have a breakout year in 2013. In matches already finalized, Hammond, Indiana's own heavyweight powerhouse David Martin III (6-0-1, 5 KOs) is coming back for a six-rounder against Chicago tough guy Felix Abner (3-2, 2 KOs); and 21-year-old Rockford, Illinois, lightweight Anthony Linenfelser (3-3, 3 KOs) will bring his brand of excitement to bear against explosive Chicago native Russell "Rocky" Fiore (6-2-1, 6 KOs) in a four-rounder. In another six-round bout, talented Hitz Boxing prospect Prenice Brewer (16-3-1, 6 KOs) will return to action in a welterweight match-up. Popular locals also featured in four-round fights will be junior welterweight Genaro Mendez (5-1-1, 3 KOs); pro super flyweight and former National Jr. Olympic Champion Johnny "WiteBoi" Determan (5-0, 4 KOs) from Nebraska, as well as the other heavily decorated Chicago-based amateur he is on a collision course with: 21-year-old super flyweight prospect Adan Ortiz (5-0, 4 KOs); welterweight "Irish" Jimmy Murphy (1-0, 1 KO) and the second fight of welterweight Nick Ramirez (0-0-1).   All opponents not specified will be announced shortly. The high-class atmosphere and luxurious surroundings the Horseshoe has to offer make their boxing shows a Las Vegas-style night of boxing that Chicago-area fans don't have to get on a plane to enjoy.    The Horseshoe Casino has an intimate, comfortable venue with luxurious seats, a spectacular gaming area, free parking, exquisite food and all the amenities -- and is just 20 minutes from Downtown Chicago. Tickets are priced at $90 Ringside & $40 Orchestra and available at all Ticketmaster outlets and ticketmaster.com. On fight night, doors open 6:30 pm and the action starts at 7:30. All bouts are subject to change.

BURGOS DESTROYS VAZQUEZ IN THREE

Title shot up next for Tijuana Jr. Lightweight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAUGHLIN, NV (JULY 20, 2012)—Juan Carlos Burgos emphatically showed the world that he is ready to become a world champion as he stopped previously undefeated Cesar Vazquez to retain the WBO Latino Jr. Lightweight championship in round three of a scheduled ten round bout at the Edgewater Hotel Resort in Laughlin, Nevada.

The card was promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing & JEG Boxing and was seen all over the country on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

After an up tempo first two rounds, Burgos rocked Vazquez with a hard left that drove Vazquez into the ropes.  Burgos jumped all over Vazquez and landed a plethora of thudding shots that pounded off the head of Vazquez until the bout was stopped at 1:50 of round three.

With the win, Burgos, who is ranked number-two by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) is now in line to fight for the world championship which was ironically vacated earlier in the day when champion Adrien Broner failed to make weight for his Saturday night fight with Vicente Escobedo.

“I am so proud of Juan Carlos performance”, said Banner Promotions CEO Artie Pelullo.

“There was a lot on the line and the kid just took the bull by the horns and showed the world that he belongs at the top of the Jr. Lightweight rankings and we will look forward to seeing him win the world championship in the coming months”

With the win, Burgos impressive ledger now reads 30-1 with twenty knockouts while Vazquez is now 25-1.

In the eight round co-feature, Aaron Martinez of East Los Angeles, California moved to 18-1-1 with a split decision victory over Prenice Brewer (16-3-1) in a Welterweight fight.

With his legendary uncle looking on, It was an explosive pro debut for Brazilian Jr. Lightweight Vitor Freitas Jones as he needed just 2:11 of the first round to take out Rocco Espinoza (3-6) in a scheduled four round bout.

Freitas, who is the nephew of former four-time world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas showed the tremendous power that looks like he will carry on the tradition of the fighting family.

"Young Freitas impressed us tonight and he is just nineteen years old.  We look forward to getting him back in the ring quickly and I am excited on watching him develop into a great fighter like his uncle", said Pelullo

2012 U.S. Olympic Alternate Brett Rather thrilled his legions of fans as the former UNLV Boxing star scored a four round unanimous decision over Jamal Woods (2-4) in a Heavyweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on two cards and 39-37 for Rather.

Other ResultsGeovanny Serran  (3-4, 1 KO) scored a second round stoppage over Benjamin Lee (1-3) in a scheduled four round Heavyweight bout.

Brice Ritani-Coe (3-0-1) suffered the first blemish of his career when he and Kourtney Boden (3-5-1) battled to a four round draw in a Heavyweight bout.

For the second time in a week Chico McQeen (2-0) scored a four round unanimous decision over Jorge Soto (0-2) in a Jr. Welterweight bout