Jorge Gonzalez meets Derrick Findley Friday night

Chicago middleweight prospect Jorge Gonzalez (3-0) will take on Derrick Findley (2-0) of Gary, Indiana in a six-round bout this Friday night at Cicero Stadium, it was announced today by Dominic Pesoli, President of 8 Count Productions, HOME OF THE BEST IN CHICAGO BOXING.

The Gonzalez/Findley is part of “HEART AND SOUL,” another evening of world-class professional boxing presented by 8 Count Productions and Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc. along with Miller Lite and TCF Bank.

“It’s a real nice battle between unbeaten prospects,” said Pesoli about the Gonzalez/Findley bout. “Jorge was off for a while with some nagging injuries but he’s ready to have a huge year in 2006. He was a former Chicago Golden Gloves champion and had an illustrious amateur career. He’s looked great in his first three bouts since turning pro at the end of 2004 and our fans have really taken to him.

“Findley has knocked out his first two opponents so this bout has all the makings of a real battle. They’re both young guys – Jorge is 23, Derrick is 21 – but this is really what boxing fans want to see, which one of these guys is ready to take the next step. There’s a lot at stake here for both guys and we’re very happy to present the fight on our card.”

In the main event of the evening, former world champion Kevin “The Flushing Flash” Kelley, (57-6-2, 38 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV will take on perennial world title challenger and former Mexican champion Juan Carlos “Ranchero” Ramirez, (37-8, 16 KOs) of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in a scheduled ten-rounder.

The co-main event features Chicago brawler Luciano “El Mohicano”Perez, 12-3-1 (11 KOs) against St. Louis native Steve Vincent, 8-4 (7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight contest.

The full card is:

Kevin Kelley vs. Juan Carlos Ramirez, ten rounds, super featherweights
Luciano Perez vs. Steve Vincent, eight rounds, welterweights
Jorge Gonzales vs. Derrick Findley, six rounds, middleweights
Humberto Chavez vs. TBA, six rounds, junior welterweights
Jaime Sandoval vs. Reggie Nash, six rounds, super featherweights

Cicero Stadium is located at 1909 S. Cicero Ave., just outside Chicago and is easily accessible from both the Eisenhower and Stevenson expressways.

Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale in advance by calling 312-226-5800.