Ortiz is Fighting At “Date With Destiny” In Honor of High School Friend Marine First Lieutenant Jared Landaker Who Was Killed In Action Two Years Ago - Tickets On Sale Now!

Pictured Above: (Left Ty Ortiz in the Board Room of the One In A Million Offices, Right Advisor Marty Jakubowski and Ortiz working focus mitts in preparation for "Date With Destiny")

March 19 (Merrillville, In) – If there was ever someone that was destined to be a professional boxer it would be “Big” Ty Allen Ortiz. Ortiz who has spent his last several years as the General Manager/Site Coordinator for Octavius James’ One In A Million Inc, has boxing flowing through his veins, but the 25 year-old heavyweight has never had a professional or amateur fight until he steps into the ring on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 for “Date With Destiny” at the Hammond Civic Center 5825 Sohl Ave.

Pictured Above: (Left Ty Ortiz and Advisor Marty Jakubowski, Right Ortiz and Trainer Carlos Jones)

“He is a good guy, you like him when you meet him. Polite and he’s very well spoken”. Jakubowski said. Jakubowski finished with 114-7 career record and has now taken on the role as special advisor to Ortiz. “It’s an honor to be involved with (Ortiz) he has above average skills for a heavyweight,” said Jakubowski “His trainer (referring to Carlos Jones) is a very capable and will we all on the same page, Tyree will be ready”.

“This is a chance for me to live out my childhood dream and it will be a dream come true with an opportunity to carry out a proud family tradition at the same time,” added Ortiz. “This whole boxing career has been inspired by one of my friends First Lieutenant Jared Landaker who passed two years ago while fighting for our country in Iraq. I have spoken with his parents and with their permission I want to show respect for him and his family and honor his memory.”   (Pictured left: 1st Lt. Jared Landaker)

“When I told my dad that I wanted to (turn professional), he asked me what Octavius thought first,” said Ortiz. “I was blown away that Richard (Ortiz) left the decision up to me and at the same time I was honored,” said James. “It’s scary because this is one place I can’t go for Ty, once he steps into the ring against another heavyweight he is on his own, but we will support him in anything he chooses to do.” Ortiz’s father Richard has trained the likes of The Contenders Joey Gilbert, MMA star Diego Sanchez and any many more, but now his son becomes his next top prospect. “For me it’s wonderful to see him (boxing) and it’s an honor to wrap his hands and be in his corner on fight night,” said Richard Ortiz. “My son is a very cerebral fighter and very bright, those are the toughest types of fighters.” (Pictured: Coach Richard Ortiz right with Contender Joey Gilbert)

After Ortiz, who has sparred with former world champion Andrew Golota and former MMA champion Rico Rodriguez as a teenager decided he was turning professional; he called upon the help of people starting with his father Richard, former world class fighter Marty Jakubowski, trainer Carlos Jones & Octavius James. “To have my dad, Team One In A Million, Carlos &Marty behind me, definitely makes me feel confident going into this fight,” Ortiz said.

Tickets for “Date with Destiny” can be purchased at VIP $100, VIP ringside $75, ringside $50, and general admission $30 and they are available from any Ticket Master location at (219) 791-1234, (312) 559-1212, (866) 438-7372 or www.TicketMaster.com and at the Hammond Civic Center Box Office.

The Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave. just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago, will open doors at 6 p.m. with the first bout at 8 p.m.

Contact:
Aaron Pineda
Publicist/Media & Public Relations
One In A Million Inc.
apineda@oneinamillionboxing.com

# # #