Making a Name in the Game          Go to blog and comment on this story

By Moncayo Blackbull (Click on picture for larger view)

DENVER (IB - December 27, 2007) - Manuel Perez is the quiet guy in Colorado, that doesn’t talk a lot of smack and doesn’t walk around with a chip on his shoulders. And because of this, the hater crews (and every city has them) really don’t know much about Manny, so you don’t read and hear all the hate reports but brace yourselves, the hate crews despise success in the boxing business.

Manny has quietly positioned himself as a player in the game, winning his last five contests.

The string of wins shows the heart and determination of Perez as Perez’ boxing career looked a little ominous after a back-to-back-to-back losing streak.

Perez started his professional career with a string of six victories and all seemed to be going just great for the Hawaiian born Coloradoan featherweight. Feeling pretty good about his boxing career Perez stepped into the ring for his seventh bout against undefeated Rashiem Jefferson only to suffer his first defeat as a pro.

With a good performance against Jefferson, Perez continued with his quest to emerge as contender. His ensuing contest following the Jefferson loss would take him to Las Vegas where he engaged in a fist battle against a 16-2 Eduardo Escobedo. The result would have Perez looking at back-to-back losses.

Coming off two losses, it was time to regroup and Perez would take a tune-up fight against Juan Jaramillo who was 6-4-1 at the time. Again, Perez would drop a decision and things did not look good for the future of Perez. However, it was this fight that was the revelation for Perez “My first two losses were against good fighters, it was my third loss that was the eye opener. I no longer could be a one dimensional fighter.”

While the national attention amongst Colorado fighters went and continue to go to contenders Mike Alvarado, Donald Camarena, DaVarryl Williamson, Stevie Johnston and Verno Phillips, Perez’ future looked uncertain to say the least… but not the dream.

I would venture to say that many gave up hope on the 6-3 Perez’ future but in reality there never was much talk about Manny the fighter. Not many people outside of Perez’ training team and family are very familiar with this pugilist.

That’s history, now let us talk about an 11-3 champion, and let us talk about today…

Perez has knocked off 5 opponents since his last loss and has picked up some credibility on the way.

Perez picked up the vacant WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title when he beat Lenny DeVictoria on June 30, 2007 and in his last outing defeated an undefeated Victor Barela for the WBC World Youth featherweight title. Not too bad for a guy who might have been on his way out.

Perez has made adjustments to his training and his mental point of view toward boxing and with a quintet of victories, it shows. Perez felt he was a one dimensional fighter, he felt he was always banging and looking for a knock out. Perez - “No more looking for a knock out, we're content with a victory. There is a lot more discipline in our training.”

Another major adjustment came more in a lifestyle change, “Boxing wasn’t my job, so I made the decision to quit my job of five years to train full time.” Perez picked up a part time job to make ends meet and now boxing can become a priority.

Now one would think after making such a nice recovery to his boxing career, Perez would simply slow down and milk his titles while he’s on the upswing. Many fighters would but Manny is not many fighters and has elected to continue to tread in deep waters.

“We can’t pick and choose our fights, so we have to take the hard road, I accept that. Without a promoter, it’s the only way, every fight from here on out will be a tough fight.”

“If I can’t be the best, I won’t kid myself. So if every fight is against an undefeated fighter, so be it.”

Perez’ next fight is scheduled for January 25^th, when he will travel to Connecticut and face undefeated Matt Remillard in defending his WBC World Youth title.

Perez doesn’t spend time worrying about what his opponents bring to the ring, instead says he prepares to deal with whatever the fighter brings. You won’t find Perez studying film but that does not mean he goes in blind. Perez said he knows Remillard was a good amateur, he has experience in the ring, and he’s trained by Micky Ward. Perez tells us he will go into every fight giving 100%, expecting nothing but expecting everything.

Giving inspiration to all the fighters around the world that find themselves in the same boat, Manuel sends out this message: “It’s not the end of the world if you don’t get a promoter. You will be a better champion because of the hard road. Have patients and never give up.”

In Perez you will find a very proud man, not only of his boxing but in his heritage as well. Perez’ mother is Chinese- Samoan and his father is Mexican American. Perez makes it a point to wear his pride into the ring. Now when you see his attire in the ring, you can say “That guy is a Mexican-Chinese-Soman!”

In a boxing arena filled with prospects and contenders unwilling to face tough or equal opposition, it’s hard not to become a fan of fighters like Perez.

The contest against Remillard will be held at the Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut. For fight/ticket information you can call 401-724-2253 or the Foxwoods Resort Casino at 800.200.2882.

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