Boxing is full of hard luck stories, however Yonnhy Perez 20-0-1(14) isn’t such a case. The Columbian, is the current IBF Bantamweight champion of the World and has been for nearly a year. He broke away from the pack when he stunned Joseph Agbeko in late 2009. It was an eye opening performance that catapulted him from the fringes to amongst the best Bantamweight division has to offer. Perez 31, has never had anything easy in life. He first moved to America and was guided by Abner Mares father, though they don’t work together anymore. Today Perez is one of the most disciplined fighters around living with his trainer Danny Zamora, off a meagre $400 a month which is for food and rent when in training in Los Angeles, the rest he sends home for his family. While at home in Cartagena, Columbia he lives in the same area he’s always lived in, his home is made of Cinderblock with no windows just spaces with curtains hanging to separate each room. His first defence was ironically against one time friend Abner Mares in chief support to Vazquez-Marquez 4 at the Staples Center in May of this year. It was a hotly contested battle between the more battle hardened, harder puncher Perez and the quicker, better boxer Mares. Depending who’s work would depend on who you though edged it. In the end the 3 judges couldn’t be split and awarded a draw. It appears as though Perez will next be in action on 6 November in a rematch with Agbeko, as part of a mooted Bantamweight tournament that has been mentioned.
Hello Yonnhy, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly, i believe you returned home to Colombia after your fight, how are things?
Yonnhy Perez – I returned to Colombia right after the fight so i can go be with my two sons Yonnhy, Mateo and my wife because its very difficult being without them.
Anson Wainwright – Your back in America now, when do you start light training? You will fight Joseph Agbeko in a rematch, any idea when or where it will be?
Yonnhy Perez – I already started my light training when i got here. When i come to the us it is to train and get ready. About the Agbeko fight or my next opponent i don’t know what’s next for me i just get ready and let my promoters take care of that.
Anson Wainwright – In May you fought your Abner Mares. You seemed the stronger guy and he seemed to box well. How did you see the fight?
Yonnhy Perez – It was a tough fight i fought the fight i had to fight and Abner fought his fight and it turned out to be a great fight.
Anson Wainwright – What can you tell us about your relationship with Abner Mares and his family, i know they had a part of your contract at the start of your career? It must of been hard for you mentally to fight Mares?
Yonnhy Perez – Abner is a great friend because of him i was able to come to the U.S. he treated me very well when i did arrive here in the U.S. His father saw me in the amateurs and was interested in bringing me and that’s how i got here. Mentally i get ready the same way for everybody because i know that there after my title, so i train hard and prepare myself to the best.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team. Who is your manager, trainer & Promoter? Also what gym do you use ahead of a fight?
Yonnhy Perez – My trainer is Danny Zamora, i’m now managed by Frank Espinoza my promoters are Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw I train at the Santa Fe Springs Activity Center.
Anson Wainwright – During the build up to your fight with Mares Gary Shaw spoke very highly of you and how humble you are. He said how you live in a tough neighbourhood and that your home is made of cinderblocks. Can you tell us a bit about how life was for you as a child and how you first got into Boxing?
Yonnhy Perez – I started boxing when i was 8 years old and then was on the national team and then i turned professional. My dad introduced me to boxing. Life was very hard i come from a poor neighbourhood so i saw how hard it was for my parents to give the little that we got but one they always gave me all there love and support and that was motivated me all my career to be the best in the ring so i can give them what they need and also my immediate family. I thank god for everything he has done for me.
Anson Wainwright – Your last 3 fights have all been tough fights Silence Mabuza, Joseph Agbeko & Abner Mares. Who has been the toughest of your career to date? Who was the best boxer & who hit the hardest?
Yonnhy Perez – Silence Mabuza was the hardest hitter and hardest fight Abner was the best boxer.
Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are you hobbies and Interests?
Yonnhy Perez – Listen to music and eat.
Anson Wainwright – What goals do you still have in Boxing? Maybe move up to Super Bantamweight or defend your title in Colombia?
Yonnhy Perez – Continue being a world champion and be a good example to fellow boxers and especially the young kids in my country and to the kids in my community. I would love to fight in my home country it would be a great honour
Anson Wainwright – How popular are you in Colombia? Are you recognised in the streets by fans?
Yonnhy Perez – It seems like everybody knows me in Cartagena when i return from my fights they wait for me at the airport. When i won the title they picked me up in a fire truck and paraded me through the streets.
Anson Wainwright – What would you be doing if it wasn’t for Boxing? What do you intend to do when you retire from Boxing?
Yonnhy Perez – I would still be in the military. Go home and live with my family and spend as much time with them as i can because its been very hard on my family being away from them.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans?
Yonnhy Perez – I would like to thank everybody who has supported me in my career and especially the community of Santa Fe Springs and My home country Colombia and all my fans. Thanks
Thanks for your time Yonnhy, keep entertaining us.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
