Jakubowski ready for return to ring

Local card set for Feb. 13
BY KERRY MITCHELL
Times Correspondent

EAST CHICAGO -- Octavious James is sure that after boxing fans come to the Radisson Star Plaza on Feb. 13 they will want to come back for more.

"We want to take local boxing to the next level," said James, CEO of One In A Million Boxing. "When fans come out to one of our shows we want them to be entertained by quality fights. We want them to see evenly-matched fighters in exciting fights. And when they come to one of our shows that is exactly what they will see."

One In A Million, in conjunction with the Radisson and Harrah's Casino, is staging a series of four shows beginning Feb. 13. All the prime participants, including the headlining boxers, were at a press conference Tuesday night at Harrah's Casino.

The Feb. 13 card will feature the return of Whiting's Marty Jakubowski to the ring. Jakubowski (110-7-0) will take on John Hoffman of St. Paul, Minn., in a scheduled eight-round match of welterweights. It will be Jakubowski's first fight since December of 2000, and the former USBA lightweight champion is eager get back into the ring.

"The excitement is back," Jakubowski said. "I am glad to have this opportunity to get back in there. I like what Octavious is doing here with regards to putting together a quality card, and I hope I can help them put on a good show."

Jakubowski is the superintendent of Whiting Parks. One of the people in his corner will be Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura., who will be joined by Jakubowski's brother, Eric, when the bell rings on Feb.13.

"The addition of Marty to this card will help make it a success," James said.

Also on the card will be Jimmy Holmes from DeMotte, who sports a 3-0 record.

"I'm excited to be a part of this card," said Holmes, who is an elementary school teacher. "I've worked hard for this opportunity, and being a part of this card is a great chance for me to show what I have learned."

The opportunity for Holmes, Jakubowski and the others came about last spring when Mike Wallace and James first forged the idea for the series.

"The Radisson is happy to host these shows," said Mike Wallace, the hotel's point man in the local promotion. "They put on exciting shows and take care of all the details. We provide the venue and they make sure that everything else is done in a first-class way."

Future shows are planned for April, July and October.