Interview with Bobby Hitz

By Ed Ludwig

25.01 - Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Chicago based boxing promoter, Bobby Hitz. On Friday January 25th Bobby Hitz Boxing Promotions Inc. in association with Art Pelullo / Banner Promotions and Budweiser will feature a double main event from Rosemont Illinois to be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2. Both fights will be for the number one contender slot in the IBF rankings. The main event of the ESPN telecast will feature Reggie “Sweet” Johnson (42-6-1 24 KO’s) vs. Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (18-1 16 KO’s) in a Light Heavyweight bout. The main event of the ESPN2 telecast will pit Jr. Welterweights, Ben “Wonder” Tackie (23-2 14 KO’s) vs. Teddy Reid (19-4-1 13 KO’s). This is a must see show as both bouts could be showcasing two future world champions. I would like to thank Bobby for taking the time from his busy schedule to let me conduct this interview.

Ed Ludwig: Can you tell me about the big fight card that is to be held this Friday January 25th that will be broadcast by ESPN and ESPN2?

Bobby Hitz: This is a major event. Two big match ups with mandatory rankings on the line. The two main event bouts will feature Reggie “Sweet” Johnson (42-6-1 24 KO’s) vs. Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (18-1 16 KO’s). Ben Tackie (23-2 14 KO’s) vs. Teddy Reid (19-4-1 13 KO’s). This will be like a Las Vegas event in Chicago. We have people coming from all over the country that will attend.

EL: Is this card your debut on national television?

BH: No, it is not. I have been involved in many events. The Tackie vs. Reid fight was supposed to take place last year on this very day but Tackie had to pull out due to personal problems and it was cancelled.

EL: You are a former fighter turned promoter. Did your in ring experience help you at all with your transition into promoting?

BH: Absolutely. It has helped. Business philosophies are different on each side and I have been on both so I can walk the walk and talk the talk.

EL: Your thoughts on Angel Hernandez recent NABF Jr. Middleweight title victory over J.C. Candelo?

BH: It was real exciting. I have NABF Cruiserweight champ, O’Neil Bell and NABF Jr. Middleweight champ, Angel Hernandez in my stable. Along with Anthony Jones. We groomed Angel from the beginning and he worked very hard. He was a huge underdog but everyone in our camp knew he had the ability to do it. The victory was very special especially when people didn’t think he could do it. I was in the corner for James Toney when he beat Michael Nunn and it felt good and the feeling when Angel won was great. We are very proud of him.

EL: Has Angel’s next opponent been named yet?

BH: He would like to fight the winner of Oscar De La Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas. Angel wants to fight the best. If that does not happen we would look at Yory Boy Campas or Ike Quartey as possible opponents.

EL: What is next for NABF Cruiserweight champ, O’Neil Bell?

BH: Right now we have a few things on the table. He might defend his title against Dale Brown or he may challenge WBO champ, Johnny Nelson.

EL: What inspired you to become a promoter?

BH: Boxing is the only thing I know. When I stopped boxing I wanted to stay involved and give something back to the sport.

EL: With all the new boxing promotions popping up, is it difficult for you and other promoters to get their fight cards televised?

BH: Honestly, television hasn’t been part of what we do. It is very hard to get the dates. When we can, we are there. We are fortunate and we continue to work hard.

EL: Is there anything a promoter can do to protect himself from losing a fighter to a rival promoter?

BH: You need to know your job and be honest with a fighter. A contract is only as good as the person who signs it. You can protect yourself by being honest. People will see the honesty and integrity. You have to treat everyone the same. Society today is all about me, me, me. It is acceptable to be cutthroat in this business but that’s not what I am about. It’s all about honesty.

EL: What do you look for when signing a boxer to a contract?

BH: I look for a good clean-cut kid who is a gentleman and who has talent and desire. It’s like being a baseball scout. I know what I am looking for. Champions are born. A good work ethic and desire will take you a long way. I take guys I know I can be close to. James Toney is a really good guy and so is Angel Hernandez. After his last fight he gives me a big hug and says thank you. To answer you in one word, desire.

EL: Was the Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson scuffle the other day another black eye for boxing or was it something to draw attention to the fight?

BH: Neither. I think it is the people who surround the fighters. Lennox Lewis’ bodyguard pushed Mike Tyson. Why does the Heavyweight champion of the world need a bodyguard? Fighters with a big entourage always seem to find trouble. When it happened with Morales-Barrera and De La Hoya-Vargas, the media pretty well ignored it. If I were the champ I would want to be out there shaking hands with the fans and signing autographs. You need to give back to the people. The media can help you or hurt you. They are making a big deal of it.

For more information on Bobby Hitz Boxing Promotions, Inc, please visit www.bobbyhitzboxingpromotions.com