Two title bouts, five undefeated boxers on eight card bout
Earlier this year, Chicago’s own Chris Thomas came knocking on the door of the cruiserweight division with a second round knockout of highly regarded Rich LaMontagne. On Friday, October 22, “Cold Steel” looks to climb further up the ratings when he fights for the vacant NABA cruiserweight belt 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 action doesn’t end there though, as another cruiserweight belt will be on the line when unbeaten 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 won 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 professional title.
In a six round junior middleweight undercard bout, 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 will try to make a run at a world title in the coming months. Heavyweight Thomas Hayes (15-1, 11 KOs) trained by Kevin Rooney, 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 four unbeaten boxers: 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.
