Fres Oquendo

Fres Oquendo was born April 1 1973 in Puerto Rico, and is a professional heavyweight boxer. Although a he had a successful amateur background and has shown huge potential as a pro, Oquendo has yet to win a major title and has drifted off the radar screen in the heavyweight division.

Amateur career

As an amateur, Oquendo was the 1993 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion.

Professional career

Known as "Fast Fres" and "The Big O", Oquendo turned pro in 1997 and won his first 22 bouts, including impressive victories over Duncan Dokiwari, Bert Cooper, Clifford Etienne, David Izon, and Obed Sullivan. In 2002, while at his peak, Oquendo took on fading David Tua. Oquendo controlled the fight until the late rounds, and Tua stopped him in the 9th. In 2003 Oquendo came from behind to TKO Maurice Harris in the 10th, setting up a shot at IBF Heavyweight Title holder Chris Byrd. Byrd took a close decision. In 2004, Oquendo got another shot at a belt, WBA Heavyweight Title holder John Ruiz. In a close fight, Ruiz was able to come up with a late surge to stop Oquendo in the 11th. Oquendo then took a two-year hiatus from the ring, returning in early 2006.

Oquendo lost a controversial unanimous decision to four-time former world heavyweight chamipion Evander Holyfield on November 10, 2006 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

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