(Chicago, IL) -- The Midwest’s premiere boxing promoter announced plans to team up with the region’s premiere entertainment company for a series of bouts beginning Wednesday, November 23 at Club O Arena, the largest adult entertainment complex in the South Suburbs. Two Chicago area championship contenders headline this card of great fights. Club O is located at 17037 S. Halsted, Harvey, Illinois. The fight is being presented by Global Midwest Imports and Main Attraction Promotions.
Headlining the November 23rd card is Chris “Cold Steel” Thomas (16-4-1, 14 KOs). Currently Thomas is ranked no. 2 in the United States (NABF), no. 10 in the world (IBF) and is seeking a title shot for the NABF Cruiserweight title. After a long layoff since his October 2004 victory against Tipton Walker, Thomas is ready for a run at a title belt.
IWBF, WBA, IBA Light Heavyweight and Middleweight Champ Leatitia “Baby Girl” Robinson (13-0-0, 9 KOs) will headline the women’s bouts. Robinson has earned additional notoriety since she knocked out Mónica Núñez in 36 seconds last February in Atlanta. Robinson’s easy win spotlighted on national television upped the buzz on a showdown with Laila Ali. Currently Robinson’s camp is engaged in talks with Laila Ali for a title match in 2006. Former IBO Champ Eddie White (18-0-0, 10 KOs) will also headline.
Chief executive officers Bobby Hitz and Rita Lee respectively of Hitz Boxing and NuFace Entertainment said the effort will allow men and women’s boxing to be marketed and promoted at a higher level to a broader audience.
“I continue my commitment to bring men and women’s boxing to a broader Chicagoland audience and this new series of fights at Club O will uniquely bring new fans to the sport,” said Hitz. “Live adult entertainment has always been synonymous with the boxing experience in Las Vegas but we will be able to deliver both in ways Vegas could only wish for,” Hitz added.
Hitz also said he will continue boxing matches in the south Chicagoland area.
“Last fall Bourbon Street Brawls brought a successful boxing series to the South side,” said Hitz. “We will continue to bring boxing to new areas to increase our fan base across the Chicagoland area. The Southside has die hard sports fans who will bring a great energy to the show.”
NuFace Entertainment CEO and President Rita Lee said this new approach to marketing boxing will create a new trend for a sport which is competing for new audiences, especially women’s boxing.
“These series of boxing events will incorporate music and entertainment never seen before in the sport of boxing,” said Lee. “And our new home at Club O will improve the total experience of boxing exponentially by featuring live adult entertainment in and outside the ring.”
Where: Club O, 17037 S. Halsted Harvey Illinois
Time: Doors open 7pm. First bout 8 pm.
Tickets: General Admission Lightweight - $35. Middleweight - $75; Heavyweight - $150 Limited availability. Call 708/333-8770 or www.HitzBoxing.com
