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07/03/2007 Archived Entry: "Photos of Fres as he Preps for Castillo on July 20th!"
Photos of Fres as he Preps for Castillo on July 20th!
By Juan C. Ayllon
Sparring partner Ovi Chereches (right) advances as Oquendo awaits on the ropes
CHICAGO - There was a palpable energy about the gym, as athletes and workers from various callings trained hard. Intermittent electronic chirps marked off three minute rounds. Treadmills hummed, skipping ropes whapped against hardwood floors, gloved fists struck punching bags, mits and, in a ring toward the back of JABB Boxing Gym, hardened flesh. This was not out of control milling, but a discipline of refinement--a refinement of technique and conditioning.
JABB Boxing Gym has a bright, clean and fresh feel to it. It's always been busy, but with the hallowed Windy City Gym now gone, it has arguably become the premiere haunt for boxers and the boxing inclined trainees in the city. And here, this Monday night, heavyweight Fres Oquendo prepared for his upcoming fight on July 20th. At 27-4 with 14 knockouts, he's had several shots at the heavyweight title. Now promoted by DRL, a team that includes all-time great boxer Roberto Duran, he's making another run with a fight against Elisier Castillo being a step closer toward that goal. However, at 29-5-2 with 16 knockouts, Castillo's no slouch. They'll be fighting on ESPN's Friday Night Fights for two minor vacant titles at the Mahai Temple in Miami, Florida--the World Boxing Council's and the World Boxing Organization's Latino Heavyweight Titles. So, Oquendo prepares with a purpose.
Today, Oquendo sparred with heavyweights Boris Powell and Ovi Chereches.
Here are some photos from Oquendo's training session.
Oquendo (right) trades blows with Boris Powell
Powell (right) ducks and grabs as Oquendo attacks
Chereches (left) ducks under a right by Oquendo as referee Geno Rodriguez looks on
Oquendo (right) pops Chereches with a right to the head
Oquendo works the double-ended bag
From left to right: Boris Powell, Fres Oquendo and Ovi Chereches
