Chicago native and New Jersey Nets forward Bobby Simmons has a boxing dream, but he won't be turning pro in the ring anytime soon.
Simmons is an avid boxing fan and will be on hand Friday night at the UIC Pavilion in a professional capacity, but he'll be there as a manager for Chicago heavyweight Fres Oquendo. It's a new venture for Simmons, whose entrepreneurship under the auspices of Simmons Entertainment Marketing LLC includes a clothing store (SuccezZ on South Michigan Avenue).
"I'm really excited," Simmons said. "I love boxing. I train and box myself. And gradually my passion got me motivated to get more involved and see the inside of the sport."
Oquendo is 29-5 with 18 knockouts. He'll be facing Mark Brown, 15-1-0 with 7 KOs, in the main event of the "Windy City Fight Night 3" card.
The 36-year-old Oquendo is a former title challenger with decision losses to Evander Holyfield, James Toney and Chris Byrd. Simmons is confident that despite Oquendo's age, he may get another title shot.
"The next couple of fights will be big, and then maybe he can get a shot against Wladimir Klitschko, or whoever is champion at the time," Simmons said.
Simmons also is building a boxing facility in Chicago that may be finished by October. He's been training with former Olympic bronze medalist Nate Jones, but Simmons said he harbors no desire to turn pro as a boxer.
That's probably good news for the Nets' management. Simmons has one more season left on his contract, and he said an extension currently is being negotiated.
"My boxing facility is going to be aimed at helping kids stay off the streets and out of trouble," Simmons said. "And one of the reasons I got involved with Fres is because he loves kids and has the same passion and motivation that I do.
"I'm managing Fres and teaching him the business aspect of entertainment. It's the process of being involved in the community and being a positive role model, as well as marketing. I want him to be a guy who can speak to a group at a women's shelter, or juvenile delinquents. Fres is a great guy."
Simmons is hoping Chicago lands the 2016 Olympics and that it has a positive impact on his boxing venture.