Hitz Boxing marks a milestone next Saturday, November 29th, when it closes out its fifth year of its partnership with the Horseshoe Hammond. A Chicago staple for more than twenty years, Hitz continues its commitment to local boxing, with a stacked card headlined by Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (15-0, 10 KOs) vs. Ghanan knockout artist Sena Agbeko (15-1, 15 KOs). The North American Boxing Association (NABA) Super Middleweight Title will be on the line when the two clash.
Jimenez isn’t deterred by Agbeko’s impressive knock-out ratio. “I’m mentally and physically ready. I’m ready for war. I have had great sparring partners, and I train with some tough guys. If he thinks he’s going to look for that one big punch and knock me out, he’s going to be disappointed. It’s going to be a short night for him. I’m going to get in there, kick this guy’s butt, and go home with the victory.”
Jimenez, who got a late start in the sport at the age of 20 after playing college football, works full time, and is a member of the Local 63 Iron Workers union in Chicago. “Chicago is a strong union town. The guys from my union are like my brothers,” said Jimenez of the union’s support. “People I haven’t even met come out to support me, and I have people wishing me luck at job sites all the time. They know I work my tail off, and represent Chicago to the fullest.”
In the co-main event, Genaro Mendez (8-2-1, 5KO) faces Nashville’s DeMarcus Rogers (4-2-1, 1KO). Mendez is coming off a fourth round knockout win over Alfred Hall in August, in a fight where his propensity for pressuring his opponent caught the eye of reporters. Rogers, who had an extensive amateur career with over eighty fights, also scored a knock-out win in his last bout.
Fight Night at Horseshoe Hammond features a stacked card, packed with Chicago talent. Local fighters Ricardo Chavez (4-1, 3KO) and Nick Asberry are featured in separate heavyweight bouts. Recent Cameron Dunkin signees Fidel Navarette (6-0-2, 3KO) and Jose Arambula (7-0, 3KO) will be in the ring. Navarette will fight for the fifth time in 2014 against a to-be-named opponent. Samuel “The Russian Concussion” Horowitz (1-0, 1KO), Jose Arambula (7-0, 3KO), Ramiro Carillo (5-0, 3KO), Ricardo Chavez (4-1, 3KO), Frank Scalise (9-1, 9KO), Joey Hefferle (3-0, 3KO) and Will Coix (4-0, 4KO) round out the card in separate bouts.
Detroit’s Raeese Aleem (4-0, 2KO), also a member of the Dunkin stable of fighters, makes his much-anticipated ring return as well, facing Posen, IL’s Carl Currie (0-1, 0KO).
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Horseshoe Hammond for the fifteenth time,” said promoter Bobby Hitz. “It’s a great venue, not a bad seat in the house. It’s a great place to showcase the best fights that Chicago has to offer. We’re looking forward to closing out 2014 with another solid card.”
