ALFREDO ANGULO: “Perro is Back”

Finally Released from Detention Center!

The dog is out.

Alfredo “Perro” Angulo celebrated his release from the El Centro Immigration Detention Facility at a special media lunch hosted by Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions. Held at the La Serenata de Garibaldi in Los Angeles, the junior middleweight received a warm welcome from the press who joined this fiesta on Tuesday afternoon.

After a work visa expired and immigration issues continued, Angulo turned himself in to the detention center in January of this year. While questions remain on why he was held there so long, some answers were revealed during the gathering.

Spending the last few months locked up was not easy, said the Mexicali slugger (20-2, 17 KOs). His body language said it all. Greeting the media and family members, the boxer beamed with joy that he is free once again. I had wondered how his mood would be, if it would be awkward to get right back in the boxing circles? Released just last week, Angulo told me it took a few days to adjust. “It’s different on the inside,” he said.

From the fame and limelight of being a professional prizefighter to a stringent and sparse environment, the ex-champion told me he’s getting used to being on the outside once again. He’s shaved that beard he grew while being held, but kept his long hairstyle. A remnant of his days as “top dog” is back on his wrist: a bone shaped and diamond-encrusted bracelet declaring “EL PERRO.”

Now “Perro” has been released–and says he’s ready to be unleashed in the ring.

De La Hoya said Alfredo is hungry and they support him 100% in his return to boxing. They hope to have him in a fight in the next couple of months.

First things first, though. Angulo’s last bout was a November 2011 defeat at the hands of James Kirkland.

Hoping to bounce back soon, the former Mexican Olympian told me he is still deciding on a trainer. It definitely won’t be his former trainers Clemente Medina and Nacho Beristain he confirmed. “The last time I had a terrible training camp,” Alfredo said, shaking his head.

So who will train “Perro”? How will his conditioning be after serving time in the detention facility? And will he get a rematch with James Kirkland?

The puncher said he wants revenge on Kirkland and hopefully after a couple of tune-up fights will get the chance. Alfredo patted his stomach and told me he stayed in pretty good shape while in El Centro–but knows there’s work to be done.

And we will wait on official word of which trainer he’ll go with. One person already in his corner is strength and conditioning coach Darryl Hudson. Chatting with the well-regarded strength trainer, Hudson told me he’s officially on board to work with Angulo. The two have previously worked together in the past.

And regarding the past, the last seven months is time that the fighter would like to leave behind. While not forgetting what he went through, the former WBC champ wants to now look ahead to the future. Free to fight. Free to answer the critics with his fists.

Team Angulo knows everyone will be watching. When he does make his comeback, he hopes to answer all questions.

But for now, it’s a time of celebration before training camp begins. It was also a family affair as Oscar had his young son with him and Angulo had his little girl Rebeca share in the day. Attorney Lucy Haro surprised the guest of honor with a birthday cake celebrating his 30th B-day (which was on August 11). Blowing out the candles, one of his wishes has already been granted–attaining his freedom to resume his career.

Angulo thanked De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions, his attorneys and everyone who supported him during the dark days of 2012.

During the event, Alfredo made his way around the room shaking hands, sharing hugs and fist bumps for the guests at the luncheon.

When I greeted him, he exclaimed “Chinita!” and told me he’d do our interview in English as you can see on the video below.

And with his 6-year-old daughter Rebeca attached to his side, he couldn’t stop smiling. The warrior stayed in this jovial mood for the majority of the day. The only time I saw the grin disappear was when he revealed details about his stay at the detention center. Explaining the routine, lack of freedom and the frustration over the length of his time there, I noticed a severe shift in his body language. The center also had a head count every few hours, the boxer remembered.

Recalling the tangled web of politics involving his time in El Centro, Angulo blotted his forehead, looked down at the floor and slumped his shoulders a bit while reporters inquired about his immigration situation. He grew a long beard and grew out his hair during his stint in the ICE center to blend in. His team also said as a high-profile athlete, he could’ve stayed in a more isolated setting, but he chose to stay with the general population.

El Centro opened his eyes to the plight of many immigrants and he said he wants to create a foundation to help others.

But first things first. He’s gotta get back in the squared circle.

“We believe he’ll get right back on track easily,” Oscar De La Hoya stated. “He’s gonna come out swinging–I feel sorry for his opponent!”

Alfredo Angulo is back. The bushy beard he grew is gone. The long strands of locks remain for now.

When will he be ready to put that infamous dog collar back on and re-enter the ring?

Questions remain, of course.

Happy to be back in the mix, “El Perro” plans on barking back and fighting toward a future world title.

Photo by Michele Chong

Alfredo Angulo Video Link: