Oquendo: Now is my time

09/11/2006

Oquendo: Now is my time

DiBella Entertainment heavyweight contender Fres Oquendo (26-3, 16 KO's) looks to continue on the road to a title shot when he faces former world heavyweight champion Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield on Friday night, November 10th at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas .

 

The "Big O" has turned back such top heavyweights as David Izon and Obed Sullivan during a decade in the pro ring wars, but Holyfield represents the biggest marquee name for Oquendo to tackle.  

 

"This is my time; Holyfield has had his opportunities and runs," said Oquendo.   "Evander was one of the guys I never thought I would be fighting, he's a legend, and come Friday I will be fighting him. This is going to be a very special fight and Friday will be great day in history."

 

Oquendo, a Chicago native of Puerto Rican heritage, is accustomed to being at center stage in the heavyweight division. On September 20, 2003, Fres did everything but beat then IBF champion Chris Byrd, when he lost a controversial 12 round decision at Mohegan Sun.

 

After a two-year hiatus due to management difficulties, Oquendo has won two straight this year to return to contender status in the heavyweight ranks. On May 25, he scored a unanimous decision over Javier Mora to capture the vacant WBO Latino Heavyweight Championship.

 

Holyfield, one of the great heavyweight champions of the modern era, has put forth a stellar ring record of 39-8-2 with 26 victories coming by way of knockout during an illustrious career spanning three decades. A four-time world champion in both  the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, the proud native of Atlanta, Georgia, has turned back the challenges of such boxing greats as Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, Larry Holmes, Michael Moorer and George Foreman.

 

"Many have said that Evander Holyfield is stepping out too strong, and he should take his time in his comeback the way George Foreman did," said Muhammad. "But Evander said all along that it was injury and not age that had derailed him. I want to thank Lou DiBella for bringing Oquendo to this fight because Lou believes that he can stop Holyfield in his bid for a fifth title."

 

Former U.S Olympian Jose Navarro (24-2, 11 KO's) of Los Angeles will also be in action as he faces Gabriel Elizondo (22-1, 10 KO's) in a 12 round NABA Junior Bantamweight Championship bout.

 

"The Final Chapter Continued: Holyfield V" will be presented by M&M Sports and Real Deal Events.  Fox Sports Net (FSN) will provide and distribute the pay per view extravaganza in the United States and Canada under its Special Order Sports pay-television arm. Contact your local cable operators or satellite providers for details. Suggested price is $44.95