"Macho" Miguel Hernandez, 11-1 (7KO's) returns to the ring on Friday, August 13th at the Hawthorne Race Course in Chicago as Dominic Pesoli's 8 Count Productions and Miller Lite present another action packed card featuring Chicagoland's finest professional boxing. Hawthorne Race Course is located at 35th and Laramie just minutes from the Stevenson Expressway. Tickets starting at $25.00 call be purchased in advance by calling 312-226-5800.

Local favorite Hernandez is anxious to get back in the ring to continue his five fight win streak and spoke of the status of his career. "It was nice to have the time off, the ten weeks is the longest break of my career and after having five fights already this year my body needed the rest. Each fight this year has been different with each fighter bringing something different and the whole process has been a learning experience. Conteh was awkward and slick, Lopez was a tough inside fighter with lots of power and Martin was both awkward and tough."

Speaking of his last bout against Martin in which he won the Illinois State Middleweight Championship, Miguel said "my son Josh fought earlier on the card in an amateur bout and that took so much out of me to watch him and then I had to fight later on, it made for a long, emotionally strenuous night. From now on we fight on different nights", he said with a laugh." Macho also wanted to thank the fans for all of their support on the June 4th 8 Count Productions'  Latin Explosion card for both him and his son, "it was great fighting on the same card as Josh and winning the state title, the fans that night were terrific to both of us."

Talking about his future bouts, Hernandez said, "I'm looking to improve as a fighter and the best way to do that is to step up the competition, its a little difficult at this stage because getting tape on your opponent is hard, a couple of more fights and I'll be able to know more about them earlier on." While not wanting to name any opponents wanted, Miguel said, "I've got a pretty good record so I'm looking to fight guys with similar records, I also wouldn't mind fighting Chris Troupe again, he beat me last year and I'd welcome another shot at him if the fight could be made."

Speaking of his dream bout, Miguel said quickly, "Camacho Sr, being of Puerto Rican heritage he was always my favorite fighter and it would be an honor to face him, I'm sure it would draw a huge crowd also."

Lastly, Miguel spoke about the new venue at Hawthorne Race Course, "its a little closer to my fan base on the South Side of Chicago and as always 8 Count Productions puts on terrific events and this should be no different. Should be a great night."

Other fighters appearing on the card include local favorite and KO artist welterweight Luciano "El Gallo Bravo" Perez, 9-0 (8KO's), middleweight David "The Weezel" Estrada, 5-1 (3KO's) and welterweight Trinidad Garcia, 3-0. Making their pro debuts are former amateur standouts bantamweight Ivan Rodriguez and featherweight Francisco Tafoya.

Said Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions; "its a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy a terrific night of boxing. The ring will be set up in the infield on the beautifully landscaped grounds of the race course. Just in case, we've made contingency plan to hold the event inside at Hawthorne in the case of rain. I'd encourage fight fans to order tickets in advance by calling me this week." Doors open at 7pm, first bell is at 8pm.
 

8-4-2004