Local boxing superstar back in Chicago for heavyweight title - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Local boxing superstar back in Chicago for heavyweight title

A local boxing favorite stepped back into his hometown ring for one last shot towards a world heavyweight title Friday night.

But FOX Chicago News learned that Fast Fres Oquendo's fiercest fights were growing up on the streets of Humbolt Park.

There is still a hole left by a bullet aimed at Fres Oquendo nearly 20 years ago.

"Just a testament that God's got me here for a reason," Oquendo said. "That's to chase that elusive heavy weight title, to prevent youth violence through boxing."

Visits to streets that were once unsafe to play on, now become reunions with neighbors and friends who've watched Fres Oquendo become a fighter few rivals want to step into the ring with.

Over a 15-year professional career, Fast Fres has 33 victories - 21 by knock out. But the last decade has been tougher for the Puerto Rican. Five of his seven career losses have come in judges decisions that didn't go his way.

"It could have been worse," Oquendo said. "I've got my health. A lot of other boxers don't and I'm still here. Look where they're at. Here I am today, for the heavy weight championship of the world."

At 39-years-old winning a world title would only be part of his story. Oquendo's real passion is his boxing academy. He hopes boxing will knock out youth violence in Chicago's neighborhoods through the Fres Oquendo Boxing Academy.

"It's just sad that a lot of these kids don't have the right direction to say no drugs and gangs," Oquendo said. "That's why my brother and I orchestrated this to help these kids…do what boxing did for us."