Chicago Olympic Hopeful Headlining January 20 Card
FIGHT NIGHT FOUR (Chicago) – Chicago boxer Shawn Simpson plans to represent his country this summer at the London Olympics.
But first he and other Chicago boxing stars will appear in front of his hometown crowd at Mike Cericola’s FIGHT NIGHT FOUR on Friday, January 20, 2012 at the El Rey Ballroom (3504 South Western Avenue) in Chicago. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first bout is at 7 p.m.
Simpson, 18, a senior at Chicago Vocational High School, is the reigning National Police Athletic League and Chicago Golden Gloves flyweight (114 pound) champion and was also the 2009 Junior Olympic National Flyweight Champion. Simpson intends to compete in the light flyweight (108 pound) weight class at the upcoming USA Boxing National Championships February 27 – March 3 in Colorado Springs as part of qualifying for the London Olympics.
FIGHT NIGHT FOUR will be Simpson’s final bout in preparation for the Nationals.
“I plan on representing Chicago and America in the Olympics this summer and I am excited about fighting in front of my hometown crowd on January 20 one last time before I start my Olympic journey,” said Simpson.
FIGHT NIGHT FOUR promoter Mike Cericola commented: “We are very excited about our latest edition of FIGHT NIGHT which will as always entertain the fans and also help provide resources to disadvantaged youths through our sponsorships and proceeds from the event.”
Simpson is trained by 1996 Olympic heavyweight bronze medalist Nate Jones, who is part of pound-for-pound champion and former Olympic teammate Floyd Mayweather’s training team.
2011 Chicago Golden Gloves Champion Nick Aiello (147 pounds) and reigning Illinois Silver Gloves champions Diego Chavez (139 pounds) and Yousif Saleh (115 pounds) are also scheduled to appear on the card. Chavez and Saleh have a busy January as they are appearing on the FIGHT NIGHT FOUR card while pursuing berths in the National Silver Gloves Championships February 1-4.
*
Shawn Simpson video:
At the 2010 National Junior Olympics at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. At 114 lbs., Simpson (in red) beats Jaime Estrada of New York 7-4 in the quarterfinal.
–
In the finals, Simpson loses 15-3 to Gary Salazar of Fresno.
–
Comments welcome.
Posted on January 13, 2012