RITA FIGUEROA BATTLES EVA LIDIA SILVA ON FRIDAY MARCH 17th AT CHICAGO’S ARAGON BALLROM
March 9, 2006 - Chicago female boxing sensation Rita Figueroa
returns to the Aragon Ballroom on St. Patrick Day, March 17th when she faces
Mexican veteran Eva Lidia Silva, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli,
President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.
The six round Figueroa/Silva lightweight is part of the action packed MADNESS IN
MARCH professional boxing event presented by 8 Count Productions along with Bob
Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated, Miller Lite and TCF Bank which will be
internationally televised by Telefutura’s Friday Night Fight series, SOLO BOXEO
De Miller.
The Aragon Ballroom is located at 1106 W. Lawrence Avenue on the north side of
Chicago. Doors for this event will open at 6pm, with the first bell scheduled
for 7pm. Tickets starting at $25 are available in advance by calling
312-226-5800.
Speaking about her upcoming fight Rita said, “I’ve heard she’s a very tough girl
from Ciudad Acuna, Mexico and I know I’ll have to be at my best next Friday
night. I’ve gotten great sparring with Leticia Robinson and Nora Reyes along
with Emmanuel Hernandez and Miguel Figueroa.”
Discussing her career which sports a 6-0 (2KO) record since turning pro 17
months ago, the Chicago native said “It’s all about getting better with each
fight and stepping up the competition. The fans here in Chicago have been very
supportive. The 8 Count crowds really know the sport and they appreciate good
fights and Dominic does a great job on the promotion end.”
In regards to the upcoming 8 Count Productions’ event on March 25th at the Grand
Victoria Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana headlined by a women’s world championship
bout between Sumya Anani and Terry Blair, Rita said, “Sumya’s the real deal, she
beat Christy Martin when Martin was the best fighter in the world, she’s been
ducked and dodged by almost everyone. But Blair’s a real tough girl herself, I
remember her from the amateurs, it should be a terrific fight.”
Stated Pesoli about Rita and her relationship with the 8 Count fans, “Rita has a
strong and loyal following that is steadily growing, she has really captured the
hearts of the Chicago boxing fans. She’s a warrior who is highly skilled and has
a tremendous level of pride, dedication and heart.”
About her boxing skills, Pesoli continued, “She’s able to overcome obstacles in
the ring and is very good at quickly and successfully adapting to different
styles. She’s always very well prepared and gives 120% in her fights.”
Discussing her future Pesoli stated, "After this fight, Rita will move up to 8
round fights. Our goal is for a title shot by the end of the year. I am
incredibly proud of Rita and look forward to great things from her"
The main event of MADNESS IN MARCH features Chicagoland’s most popular boxer,
1996 Olympian David Diaz, (29-1-1, 16 KO’s) will face Silverio Ortiz, (16-8, 7
KO’s) of Merida, Mexico in a ten round lightweight battle.
The co-main event features two welterweight prospects as Chicagoan Gilbert
Venegas, (9-1-2, 6 KO’s) battles Mexican Francisco Rincon, (10-3, 5 KO’s) now
fighting out of Dallas, Texas in a scheduled eight round bout.
In a special St. Patrick’s Day attraction, undefeated Chicagoland fan favorite
and Illinois State Light Heavyweight Champion “IRISH” Mike Nevitt, (11-0, 5
KO’s) will appear in a six round bout.
The full bout lineup is
David Diaz vs. Silverio Ortiz Jr. ten rounds. lightweights
Gilbert Venegas vs. Francisco Rincon, eight rounds, welterweights
Tavrois Cloud vs. Terrence Jones, eight rounds, light heavyweights,
Mike Nevitt, vs. Jesse Sanders, six rounds, light heavyweights
Jose Manuel Ortega vs. Gonzalo Bonilla, six rounds, junior welterweights
Rita Figueroa vs. Eva Lidia Silva, six rounds, lightweights
Barbaro Zepeda vs. Miguel Angel Figueroa, six rounds, featherweights
Wilton Honirio vs. TBA, four rounds, super featherweights
The Master of Ceremonies for this event will be the internationally recognized
voice of Latino boxing, Lupe Contreras.