Walter Sarnoi gives new insider’s view into Yonnhy’s victory!
As a member of the Yonnhy Perez camp, fighter Walter Sarnoi got the chance to travel across the globe to the continent of Africa for Perez’s matchup against South African boxer Silence Mabuza. Behind on scorecards, the Colombian fighter scored a TKO in the twelfth round in an exciting win for the L.A.-based boxer. His gym mate and sparring partner, Sarnoi, was in Johannesburg for two and a half weeks–and was there to share in the team’s big win. In our first interview posted a week ago, the super bantamweight Sarnoi spoke of being in a foreign land and enjoying the local hospitality, the native cuisine, and the animal wildlife.
In this brand new follow-up, Sarnoi is now back on U.S. soil and has had time to reflect on his stablemate Perez’s upset over local hero Mabuza in this IBF bantamweight title eliminator bout which took place at the end of May. The young boxer, just starting his pro career (3-0) has earned his nickname of the “Schoolboy.” He’s hitting the books again on the way to his MBA, but looks forward to climbing back into the ring in August.
You will see some of Walter’s personal photos from his trip with Team Perez, who is made up of Coach Danny Zamora, Joel Diaz, and Thompson Boxing Promotions’ Alex Camponovo. Perez is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Gary Shaw. You will also read about Yonnhy’s victory, of the country’s famous diamond mines, and what meeting Miss South Africa was like! WALTER,
WELCOME BACK TO L.A.! WHEN DID YOU GET BACK? HOW WAS THE RETURN TRIP–30 HOURS AGAIN?
We came back last Sunday and our trip wasn’t as bad as when we first arrived there. We all enjoyed our trip back happy to be go home and celebrate the victory.
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TO TEAM PEREZ’S VICTORY. TELL ME ALL ABOUT THE FIGHT.
We all knew it would be a tough fight; the fight was dramatic as the fight went back and forth. Going into the last round, we knew he was down and needed a KO to win. Out of nowhere, he timed Mabuza with a perfect jab to the jaw and dropped him. He (Mabuza) got up on wobbly legs and Yonnhy finished him off. When the referee waived it off, we all came up in the ring and carried Yonnhy, hugging him celebrating the hard-earned victory.
YONNHY WAS BEHIND ON ALL SCORECARDS GOING INTO THE 12TH ROUND, HOW DID THE CROWD REACT TO HIS WIN?
The crowd was really surprised, they were all chanting Silence and cheering their home countryman.
WHAT WAS THE VICTORY PARTY LIKE?
By the time we came back, it was 2 a.m. and we didn’t have too much time to celebrate. But we had a great late dinner, and Yonnhy thanked everyone for supporting him.
YOU SHARE A TRAINER WITH HIM. DO YOU KNOW WHO HE WANTS TO FIGHT NEXT?
I know that Yonnhy is the #1 Contender for the IBF Title and will fight the winner of Darchinyan-Agbeko in July. I believe both fights will be exciting!
WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT HAVING TRAINING CAMP IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Adjusting to the time in a short amount of time, and adjusting to the altitude.
WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVANTAGE ABOUT HAVING TRAINING CAMP IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Being around a different environment as we were training. Usually, I’m used to having my favorite meals like Thai, Mexican food, but this time it was African food after finishing training.
DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE WITH TEAM PEREZ.
As a sparring partner of Yonnhy, I give him as much work as I can. We run together, spar, and eat together.
IS SOCCER OR BOXING MORE POPULAR IN SOUTH AFRICA?
I’d have to say soccer, but the locals love boxing here also.
DID YOU STAY IN JOHANNESBURG? WHAT WAS YOUR HOTEL LOCATION LIKE?
Yes, we stayed in suburb of Jo’burg as the locals call it. We stood in Sandton, one of the richest areas in the city.
HOW’S YOUR ZULU NOW? DO YOU THINK YOU WILL RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY?
My Zulu is good enough to hold a short conversation…It’s funny to see many of the locals reaction.
ON A SERIOUS NOTE, THE COUNTRY HAS THEIR HISTORY OF APARTHEID AND A CHRONIC PLAGUE OF HIV/AIDS. DID YOU OBSERVE ANY OF THESE TWO ISSUES WHILE VISITING THERE?
Yes, not too much on HIV issue but more on the apartheid…It’s kind of hard to believe that just a few years ago that the locals were second-class citizens to the whites. They could not walk in the same line, neither could they vote.
ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE, I KNOW YOU HAD SOME GREAT EXCURSIONS OVER THERE. TELL ME ABOUT THE DIAMOND MINES YOU VISITED?
I learned so much how they manufactured diamonds as I was able to see them cut by lasers, shaped, and polished. If i ever buy any diamonds, it will be in Africa!
TELL ME ABOUT MEETING “MISS SOUTH AFRICA”!
I met her at the boxing fights and had a chance to speak with her for a little bit. She told me she was getting ready for Miss Universe. She was very beautiful. Actually, I believe she has a big chance in winning Miss Universe: She’s tall, smart, and gorgeous!
DID YOU GET A CHANCE TO TASTE ANY OTHER EXOTIC NATIVE DISHES (BESIDES WORMS)?
Just Scopo (cow brains) and Mohodu (intestines).
NOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR OWN BOXING PATH–YOU HAD A GREAT AMATEUR CAREER AND YOU’RE STILL INVOLVED WITH IT. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DENVER TRIP AND WORKING WITH USA BOXING.
I am a member of the Athlete Advisory Council and will be at the US Championships in Denver, Colorado. I will be meeting with other members of the council to discuss any issues on improving USA BOXING’s current status.
AND YOU’RE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL–HOW DID YOUR ORIENTATION GO?
It went great, it’ll be a busy month for the School Boy, but I can’t wait to get back in the ring as I will represent my alma mater. I know many of the staff and classmates at Azusa Pacific already want to go see me fight!
WALTER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! AND EARLY HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO YOU! (Sarnoi’s birthday is June 23).
Thank you, Michele! Thanks for taking the time to interview me. I’m thankful we made it back home safe, and looking forward to a busy year of fighting after August!
Photos courtesy of Walter “School Boy” Sarnoi: Team Perez in the ring with Yonnhy; The knockdown by Perez; Diamonds in Africa; Miss South Africa; Walter celebrates with team!