Fres Oquendo has a lot of past to look back on, but when it comes to the future, the 39-year-old Chicago heavyweight said, “I want to get my top-five world ranking back.”
A big part of that past has been missed opportunities. With a 33-7 record and a long list of opponents who were current or former world champions, Oquendo has a resume dotted with controversial losses going back to his amateur career, which ended in 1996 when he lost in the Chicago Golden Gloves finals to Nate Jones.
Jones, who went on to win a bronze medal in the 1996 Olympics, now trains Oquendo at the Chicago Fight Club Gym at 4835 N. Elston. Oquendo fights Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell on Friday night at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
One of Oquendo’s most disappointing losses was his first championship fight against Chris Byrd in 2003. He called the decision a “fiasco” and blamed promoter Don King. The other defeat that bothers him most is a 2008 loss to James Toney for the vacant WBO title.
“I outhustled him, outpunched him and they robbed me,” Oquendo said. “That’s why I love fighting in my backyard. That’s where all my people come out for me. I thank (promoter) Bobby Hitz for putting me on this show against a decent opponent.”
Abell has a good resume with a lot of knockouts, but Oquendo noted the difference in their level of competition. The few “name” fighters on Abell’s 28-5 record have walked away with victories. Besides, Oquendo said, he has sparred with Abell, so he knows what to expect.
Oquendo has seen it all and remains resilient, mentally and physically. He hopes a victory Friday will lead to a fight on HBO against an up-and-coming young heavyweight such as Seth Mitchell or Bryant Jennings.
For almost 10 years, Oquendo has been on a health regimen that keeps him looking much as he did in his amateur days. He eats no dairy, only grass-fed beef and is into organic food.
“I’m always in condition,” he said.
Oquendo said his post-boxing life will be aimed at helping young people. He said he’s partnering with Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th) to start the not-for-profit Fres Oquendo Boxing Academy in the Humboldt Park Field House, 1440 N. Sacramento.
“This is my last hurrah,” Oquendo said. “I’m taking one more try to get that elusive championship I deserve, and then I’ll call it a day after that and transition to my new passion: giving back to the youth. I’m going to use boxing to teach young people to say no to gangs and drugs.”
