Two of Chicago’s hottest boxing prospects are set to appear at promoter Bobby Hitz’s next installment of his wildly successful boxing series entitled “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” on Friday, February 15, at the Horseshoe in Hammond, Indiana.
Undefeated Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez and Dimar “Strongman” Ortuz will each be featured in separate fights in support of the night’s intriguing main event rematch between Chicago (via Lithuania) middleweight Donatas Bondorovas (16-3-1, 5 KOs) and Evansville, Indiana’s “King” David Thomas (10-3-2, 8 KOs).
32-year-old cruiserweight Ortuz (7-0, 5 KOs) will go six rounds against Memphis southpaw Grover Young (7-8-1, 4 KOs).
Coming off back-to-back sensational victories at the Horseshoe over then-undefeated opponents Donta Woods and Terry Martin, the relentless Ortuz is looking to stay busy while looking forward to his televised debut later this year.
Already a celebrity in his hometown Chicago, 25-year-old super middleweight “Hollywood” Jimenez (9-0, 6 KOs) will continue to ride his massive momentum by taking on local veteran Michael Walker (19-17-3, 12 KOs).
Prior to demolishing over-matched Jordan Brown in two rounds last Friday, Jimenez scored a very impressive stoppage of former world title challenger Antwun Echols last November at the Horseshoe.
“Both these prospects are headed for high-profile main-event fights,” said promoter Bobby Hitz, the Godfather of Chicago Boxing. “This is the year they both will break out into the world scene, so we’re very happy to be featuring them in what will prove to be some of their final preliminary fights. Dimar is already a problem for any cruiserweight in the world. He’s that tough. Just an old-school pressure fighter with heavy hands that could wear down anyone he’s in the ring with. And Mike Jimenez has future star written all over him. He’s flashy and powerful and throws bone-breaking combinations. With both of them, it’s a chance to say ‘I saw them before they became world champions.'”
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In other 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.
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.
