Manny Perez: Thankful Times
by Eric ‘Sugar Foot’ Duran
As family and friends gather around the nation to share thankful memories and delicious food, Manny Perez has a few new things to be thankful for. On November 1st, Perez decisioned Cesar Holguin over ten, beautifully boxed rounds. In the process, he picked up the UBF Welterweight title, adding to his WBC Continental, Latin American, Youth and NABA Championships, ” It was an honor to fight for the UBF title, it was fantastic to win it and bring it home.”
It wasn’t winning the belt that he was more impressed with though, it was his performance and how he won it. “My last performance showed I have a lot left in the tank and more great fights to give”. Perez put on a clinic that night, using his experience and a educated defense to escape pretty much untouched.
After such a rejuvenating performance, Perez quickly returned to the gym for nothing other than love for the sport. No fight contracted. And for a fighter who has seen it all, battling the demons of unjust decisions, he understood the big phone call can come at anytime. So when the phone call came to face Victor Ortiz, Perez was quick to answer the challenge, “He’s standing in the way of where I want to be.”
Considering Perez had just competed in a ten round bout two weeks prior and with the bout roughly four weeks away, Perez isn’t concerned with the timing, “My last fight left me hungry. I’ve never been more focused and ready in my career. I need to knock this guy out.”
Perez isn’t concerned with the high profile name of Ortiz, he’s tangled with Brandon Rios and Mercito Gesta, drawing with Rios and losing a highly disputed decision to Gesta. Perez certainly understands the importance though, “This is it, make or break. I know a loss probably means never getting another high profile opportunity”. He certainly can care less about the judging, he understand his only job is to perform.
So as Perez sits down with his family this thanksgiving, he does so with a big smile and a life changing opportunity ahead of him, “My life is good, my health is good and I have a beautiful family. Now, I get to perform on the big stage once again.”
Manny Perez faces “Vicious” Victor Ortiz on December 13th as part Showtime’s card headlined by Amir Khan facing off against Devon Alexander. The telecast also features Interim WBA Welterweight Champion, Keith “One Time” Thurman.