So You Think You Can... Box? Oh... Wait.
By Kate Gardiner in News on Apr 16, 2009 2:45PM
There are finals all over the city tonight - or in least two contests we're aware of: stripping and boxing. Both have male-dominated audiences, but the latter is probably a little more socially acceptable -- and something your significant other is inclined to let you go out and see.
And there's cheap beer.
Highlights of tonight's fights include a face-off between the experienced, yet still amateur boxers Junior Wright Jr. (yes, his dad's name is Junior Wright, Sr.) and Derek Zugic, in the 178-Open.
The pair are known for their personalities -- both are vivacious, enthusiastic fighters -- and for their strategies. Together, they hold five Chicago Golden Gloves titles and both fought at the nationals last year in Michigan. For the past two weeks these friends have been doing something a little more unusual: thinking about the way to best beat the crap out of their opponent -- buddy or not. Luckily, they're pretty well-matched.
Zugic, 27, (6' 4", 178 pounds) is ranked ninth nationally in his division, and has won the Chicago Golden Gloves title three times and lost in the semifinals for the national title last year.
Wright, 22, (5'11", 172 pounds) recently moved up from the 165-Open, which he's won the title for twice.
The pair fought off some serious competition April 3rd to get to the finals, and leapt into the ring to celebrate on the day (photo, above).
As has the rest of Chicago's boxing community.
The fight tonight should be great to watch -- as long as Zugic's "knock 'em out" strategy doesn't kick in too early. Bouts are on from 8 p.m. through Saturday at St. Andrew's Gym (Addison & Paulina) in Lakeview.