Walter Sarnoi with Team Yonnhy Perez
For many fight fans, the boxing moniker of “Schoolboy” conjures up images of one tough hombre from the featherweight wars of the past, two-time world champion Bobby “Schoolboy” Chacon.
One young boxer currently fighting in the featherweight division also goes by the nickname of “Schoolboy.” Walter Sarnoi, 23, has earned his ring name by continuing to add to his 6-0 unbeaten record while attending grad school at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. He fought to a victory on the May 8 undercard of the Paul Williams-Kermit Cintron bout in Carson.
The Thai-American fighter is also a sparring partner and stablemate of IBF Bantamweight Yonnhy Perez. Sharing the same trainer of Danny Zamora, Sarnoi had the honor of hoisting high Perez’s championship belt in the ring for the Perez vs. Abner Mares matchup at Staples Center on May 22.
The 12-rounder was an exciting back-and-forth contest with a majority draw decision (114-114 twice, 113-115 Mares). Their co-main battle was on the undercard of the Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez fourth go-
round, and the downtown L.A. venue was packed with fans and several stars from the ring too.
In this new Q&A with Sarnoi, hear what took place before and after the big showdown–and see some exclusive pics of “Schoolboy” with boxers Antonio DeMarco, Juan Manuel Lopez, rapper Baby Bash and Power 106’s Big Boy, NFL’s Larry Fitzgerald, behind-the-scenes photos with Team Perez and more.
Michele Chong: Hey Walter. Now that the fight’s over, did you work on anything in particular while sparring with Yonnhy to prepare for Mares?
Walter Sarnoi: Yes, we knew that the majority of opponents stand in front of Yonnhy. But like me, I’m fast and I worked a lot on boxing technique.
MC: Tell me about the mood in the dressing room before the fight?
WS: Before the fight, we were pumped and motivated. We all said a prayer and just got it going from there. I know Yonnhy was ready; I saw it in his eyes, he couldn’t wait!
MC: It was a majority draw, what did you think of the decision? And what did the whole Perez camp think of the decision?
WS: You know me, I like to be honest. I thought it was a close fight and looking at the Showtime press scores, they had Abner up for three rounds and I don’t know how they saw that! In order to win, you gotta take it from the champ, but the champ fought strong to keep his title–which he did.
MC: How close of friends are Yonnhy and Abner? And do you think they will remain friends now?
WS: I know they respect each other well but I don’t know too much about their friendship other than Abner’s dad co-managing Yonnhy, and Yonnhy fighting Abner three times in the amateurs.
MC: Your thoughts on the Vazquez-Marquez fight?
WS: I knew it wouldn’t go the distance. Both have gone through wars. But I believe Vasquez has shown his tremendous heart and skill in the sport of boxing but I think it’s time for a new breed to come.
MC: It was a star-studded crowd at Staples Center. Who were you most excited to meet at the fights?
WS: (Laughs) When I was in the locker room, I saw Charlize Theron on the screen and was hoping to get a chance to meet her since I was ringside but I was so caught up in Yonnhy’s fight. But I did have a chance to meet Baby Bash, Big Boy, Larrry Fitzgerald and Juanma.
MC: Now that Yonnhy has retained his championship belt, has he changed in any way since he’s on a grander stage now?
WS: No, Yonnhy is the same person and I’m happy he hasn’t changed his attitude towards the same people other than being more focused and wanting to fight the big dogs in the sport.
MC: So Team Perez is on the move: Yonnhy headed back to Colombia and your trainer Danny Zamora was just up in Canada, correct?
WS: Yes…Yonnhy will be back in a month. Also Danny was in Canada working with contender Librado Andrade. Actually, Danny’s birthday just passed and his birthday wish was for all three of us to win and so his wish came true! Isn’t that a good present?
MC: What did you think of Team Librado Andrade’s win against Eric Lucas?
WS: Well, I thought Librado’s performance was great! He’s always tough and will take your best shot! But he definitely wore Eric Lucas down, and I believe it was a great stoppage…Librado has a lot more fight in him and hopefully we’ll see him a win world title soon. I know Danny has worked with him by keeping him active and definitely throwing punches at different angles, which I think played a large role with his performance last Friday. So far, I think Danny Zamora is an underrated trainer but at the same time he 
focuses on his pros which I believe has played a large role in my boxing skill moving to another level!
MC: Let’s talk about your next fight! Are you fighting soon?
WS: Yes, that’s the plan. Still training hard and always keeping myself in shape. I will know soon and hopefully fight on the undercard June 19 of Ward vs. Green Super Six tournament. It will be right before I leave to China, so it will be a good finish. (Laughs)
MC: Away from the ring, you’re currently getting your MBA at Azusa Pacific. When do you graduate?
WS: Yes, I finally get to graduate! And I’m considering going for my Ph.D., but I finish my last semester in China and Indonesia for three weeks and then come back to graduate on my big day–July 30th. After a lot of thinking and evaluating my situation, after I graduate I will be pursuing my professional boxing career full time! I thought about it and was wondering because if winning my fights while taking a final exam a day before my fight, I can be even better because my time will no longer be divided and my priorities will go to being a professional prizefighter/pugilist.
MC: Are people at your college surprised you’re a boxer?
WS: Yes, many people are surprised because they are used to seeing working professionals or people in the corporate world who are pursuing their Master’s. It wasn’t until I was more than halfway done then it came out in the school publication where they did a story on my last fight.
MC: Thanks, Walter, great to catch up with you. Keep training and safe travels to you!
WS: Thank you for this interview and can’t wait to get this kick started! Also, I want to thank God for giving me the ability to be a performer while at the same time pursuing my educational aspirations. Thank you to Team Schoolboy (Bravo, Danny, Mosquera, Howie, Isaac, and Cesar), Goossen Tutor Promotions for putting me on their big events, my school APU, and my family, friends and supporters who continue to believe in me. Also want to give a shout to the haters/critics who continue to doubt me because it pushes me do even better!
Ring photos by Ray Flores