My First Time Ringside: An Unforgettable Night of Boxing at Credit Union 1 Arena

Last night was nothing short of electric. For the first time in my life, I attended a live boxing match, and let me tell you—I wasn’t ready for the kind of energy that would hit me before a single punch was thrown.

The fight was held at Credit Union 1 Arena, tucked right off Racine at 525 South Racine in Chicago. I’ve driven by that building countless times and never really gave it a second glance. But walking in last night? It felt like I was stepping onto the set of a movie. The crowd, the lighting, the buzz in the air—everything was larger than life.

I had never seen a boxing ring in person before. Sure, I’ve watched plenty of matches on TV, in movies, and even in slow-motion highlight reels online. But nothing compares to seeing that square platform under the brightest lights in the room, sitting dead center like a throne in a palace. The lights were so sharp, they cut through the air. Every rope, every corner, every padded post shimmered like it was meant to be admired.

And I was close—so close, I could hear the impact of every jab, every hook, every body shot. The kind of close where you can hear a fighter’s breath change or the sweat hit the mat. You really start to understand what it takes to get into that ring and stand toe to toe with someone whose only mission is to drop you. It’s respect on a whole new level.

A Huge Thank You

This night was made possible by the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, and I don’t take that lightly. They didn’t just book the tickets—they made it an experience. They organized a night at the fight night with ILBCC members after having a spectacular radio show about the upcoming convention in September 2025. It wasn’t just an event—it was a moment, and they made sure we were part of it.

Let’s Talk Concessions

Now listen—I was fully prepared to be robbed blind at the concession stand. You know how it is. Stadium food usually comes with a side of buyer’s remorse. But I was pleasantly surprised.

I wandered over to the food lines, and it felt like Black Friday on the Eve of Black Friday. Packed. Everyone was hungry, buzzing, loud, trying to get back to their seats in time for the next fight. I thought I’d be paying $20 for a small soda and some stale popcorn. But to my surprise, nachos were only $9—and not just nachos with plastic cheese, but loaded, crunchy, saucy, stadium nachos. And the fries? $5. Hot, crispy, salty, and so good I almost missed the next round trying to savor every bite.

But don’t get me wrong—they got their money somewhere. A single can of beer? $15. The beer guy shouted that price like he was giving out gold. That’s where they make their profit, no doubt.

The Crowd

Let me tell you, Chicago shows up. The place was packed with folks from all walks of life—families, die-hard fans, influencers, locals, and out-of-towners. But when it came time for Oscar Duarte vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. (aka “Boss Man”), the energy shifted.

The crowd split like a river. On one side, Latin fans screamed “Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!” with rhythm and pride. The other side chanted “USA! USA! USA!” with equal intensity. The arena pulsed with this back-and-forth chant that turned the fight into a cultural clash—a celebration, not just of sport, but of identity.

And Boss Man? The Chicago crowd rode for him. You could hear it in the cheers, see it in the t-shirts, feel it in the chants. It made every jab he threw land a little heavier in the hearts of his fans.

The Fights

Let’s run through some of the night’s action:

🔥 Super Lightweight – Oscar Duarte vs. Kenneth Sims Jr.

This one had the whole arena on edge. I mean, Duarte came to fight, and Sims Jr. had the home crowd behind him. The decision? A tight majority decision:

114-114, 116-112, 115-113.

People were debating that outcome all the way to the parking lot.

🥊 Main Card – Regis Prograis vs. Joseph Diaz Jr.

This was the one I was most excited about. I’ll admit it—I put my money on Joseph Diaz Jr.. I liked his style, his grit, and I was ready to bet on the underdog. But Regis Prograis came through with precision and power, taking the unanimous decision:

98-92, 96-94, 96-94.

Still, I have no regrets. The match was a chess game with gloves, and it was a thrill to witness.

💥 Cruiserweight – Tristan Calcaruth vs. Devontae Williams

This one was over fast. A second-round corner retirement, also known as a TKO. You could see Williams just didn’t have enough left to continue.

🚨 Heavyweight – Joshua Edwards vs. Kamen Ady

This was pure chaos in the best way. First-round total knockout. The crowd exploded.

💡 Light Heavyweight – Yair Gallardo vs. Quentin Rankin

It went the distance, but Gallardo dominated with a unanimous decision:

80-71, 79-72, 79-72.

🔦 Prelims

• Super Bantamweight – Gael Cabrera vs. Richard Reyes Diaz ➤ First-round knockout
• Lightweight – Minky Phillips vs. Joseph Ricardo Cruz Brown ➤ Second-round total knockout

These weren’t just warm-ups. These prelims were fire. I saw knockouts that belonged on highlight reels, and punches that echoed across the arena. The night just kept building and building.

A Night I Won’t Forget

I left with a full stomach, a sore throat from yelling, and a memory I’ll never forget. I may have come for the fights, but I gained so much more: a sense of community, culture, and appreciation for the sport of boxing that you just can’t get through a screen.

Even though Boss Man didn’t win, I did. Because now, I can say I’ve been to a real boxing match. Right here in Chicago. Right off Racine. At a place I’ll never drive by the same way again.

If you’ve never gone to a live boxing match—go. And if the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce is involved? Even better. They know how to deliver an unforgettable night.