By Joe Harrison
 
This Friday, “MACHO” Miguel Hernandez and Luciano “EL GALLO MICHOACANO” Perez will meet in the main event of “Windy City Fight Night” at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, IL. Hernandez holds a record of 20-8 (10 KOs) while Perez brings a record of 16-9-1 (14 KOs). The bout is scheduled for ten rounds and will be for the World Boxing Federation Americas Middleweight Title.

The 34 year-old Hernandez has engaged in wars with former world champion Raul Marquez and Yory Boy Campas. In 2004, Hernandez decisioned Jonathon Corn to win the Illinois State Middleweight Title. Two years later, in 2006, Hernandez won the WBC United States Middleweight Title from Ryan Davis with a majority decision. In his last outing, Hernandez dropped a decision to Derrick Findley in May 08. He hopes to rebound from that loss with a victory this Friday.
 
“I wanted to take some time off after my last fight. Findley was prepared, he came in shape. There was no motivation for me. However, I never lost the love of the sport. I’ll always love boxing. I just wasn’t motivated.”

“I work two jobs, a full time job and a part time job. I had to learn how to juggle my jobs and my training all at one time. That was the hardest part. I learned a valuable lesson, that this is not a joke and it’s serious. I promised my oldest son that if I was going to fight that I would be in shape. He’s been with me and he knows I’m in shape and ready to go.”

“I wanted three titles, one for each of my sons. This opportunity came along, a fight with Luciano Perez, and I said let’s do it. I’ve been in the gym training since January. It’s going to be good, I’m excited.”

When Hernandez faces Perez on Friday, he knows that he will have a very determined opponent in front of him. A man who has battled names such Jesus Soto Karass and Carlos Baldomir, plus a blood-filled war that he won over Francisco Rincon in Chicago back in 2006.

“Perez, I’ve been a great fan of his. He comes to fight. It’s going to be an all action fight. He’s got power but so do I. So it’s going to be a fun fight.”

“Fighting at the UIC Pavilion is a privilege, and I want to thank Dominic Pesoli from 8 Count Productions. I’m going to have a lot of fans there. I’m amazed that there’s always a big turn out. On March 27th, I want to give them something back.”

The Hernandez-Perez bout will highlight the nine bout card that evening. The other fights are listed below.
 
Henry "THE WESTERN WARRIOR" Coyle, 9-1-0 (8 KOs) vs. Dave Saunders, 9-6-0 (6 KOs).
 
“POLISH PRINCE” Andrzej Fonfara, 11-2-1 (3 KOs) vs. Kendall Gould, 11-13-1 (6 KOs).
 
Rita "LA GUERA" Figueroa, 10-0-0 (3 KOs) vs. Tammie Johnson, 3-2-0.
 
Danny Williams, 7-0-0 (5 KOs) vs. Jose Guzman, 5-1-0 (4 KOs).
 
Foster Nkodo, 2-0-0 (1 KO) vs. Lamar Harris, 5-0-1 (3 KOs).
 
Juan Bailon, 3-1-0 (1 KO) vs. Marsay Buggs, 1-6-0.
 
Sergio Montes De Oca, 1-0-0 vs. David Cano, 0-3-0.
 
Mike Kurzeja, 0-0-0 vs. Tony Dewey, 0-0-1.
 
Tickets for “WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT” are now on sale through the UIC Pavilion Box Office (312-413-5740) and through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
 
The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine, at the corner of Harrison and Racine in the West Loop area of Chicago. Doors on the evening of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm.
 
Further details, including directions to the UIC Pavilion, can be obtained through their website at www.uicpavilion.com