Fighting his friend and foe Abner Mares Saturday
At yesterday’s final press conference for Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez IV “Once and Four All” taking place this Saturday at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, the main event fighters shared the stage with the two co-main warriors and the two unbeatens, Yonnhy Perez (20-0, 14 KOs) and Abner Mares (20-0, 13 KOs).
While the fans are certainly clamoring for the fourth installment to the Vazquez-Marquez “thrillogy,” I also 
keep hearing within boxing circles that this upcoming Perez-Mares matchup could steal the show and may be “Fight of the Year.” The world champ Perez will defend his IBF Bantamweight Championship against the undefeated hot contender Mares in this weekend’s clash. Many are also saying this could be the start of a new rivalry, a new trilogy just like Vazquez-Marquez or Castillo-Corrales. Everyone is anticipating a close and hotly-contested battle from the talented duo. And the inside rumble about this bout is that the two combatants are longtime friends outside the ring. But no doubt, the two–with their years of close ties already cemented–will still remain pals after the final bell.
Arriving at the Conga Room at L.A. LIVE (across from Staples Center), a large group of media was already forming to welcome the boxers at the final press conference before the downtown showdown. The fight, co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Espinoza Boxing Club and Zanfer Promotions, will air on Showtime. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com and the Staples box office.
While film highlights were being shown in the background, I had time to catch up with Team Perez before the official announcements were made. With Yonnhy’s Co-promoter Ken Thompson, Alex Camponovo and trainer Danny Zamora nearby, I attempted my best Spanish with Thompson Boxing Promotions’ Alan Gomez stepping in for further translation.
Perez, from Cartagena, has really become a hometown hero and I asked if he wins this Saturday, will they throw him another huge parade like they did after his triumph over Joseph Agbeko last fall? The Colombian boxer laughed and said he hopes to win and be part of another victory parade.
While he is facing Mares as a foe, he is also squaring off against a friend, a very good friend. The two have been “grande amigos” for years, even living together while they were first starting out in L.A. Perez, who’s logged in 247 amateur fights, also fought Mares in the amateur ranks. Now as pros, both know it’s business–and Yonnhy plans on getting his business done in the ring.
“This is the best bantamweight; he’s the IBF champion of the world,” his amiable Co-promoter Thompson tells me. “It will be a fantastic fight with the best pound-for-pound fighter. In fact, everyone really considers this the ‘main event’; this could become the ‘Fight of the Year’!”
Yonnhy, always humble and reserved smiles a bit at the praise. I ask Perez to assess his pal Mares’ strengths in the ring. Never underestimating his opponent, he replies, “He’s a good fighter; he’s very, very strong! And he always comes forward.”
Training out of Santa Fe Springs, I ask the taller and older Perez to list his own strengths. “My conditioning,” he answers with a firm nod. “And I have good boxing skills that complements his technique…and I have a little strength too!” Yonnhy then chuckles a bit. He remains modest, preferring to speak with his fists.
While chatting with the superstar from Colombia, the Perez camp is greeted by Co-promoter Gary Shaw, who comes by and gives the champ a big bear hug. Perez, also an NABF bantamweight champ, really had a banner year in 2009. He celebrated two huge wins: a victory over Silence Mabuza in South Africa and then beat Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko in their Halloween brawl in Vegas.
Any fight prediction on how many rounds it will go? “¿Cuantos asaltos?” I ask him. Both boxer and trainer agree, “We’ve trained hard. We are completely prepared for all 12 rounds to throw a lot of punches…but if a knockout comes we’re ready too!”
The event then got underway with an introduction from Jimmy Lennon Jr. with two Tecate girls and a quartet of Mariachis also adding to the excitement on stage. Flanked by their respective trainers, promoters and managers Vazquez, Marquez, Perez, Mares, and undercard fighters Ronny Rios and Carlos Molina were officially announced. Joining the packed room and lending support were fellow fighters Vicente Escobedo, Alfredo Angulo and Charles Huerta.
Frank Espinoza, co-manager of Abner Mares introduced his fighter by saying, “Anyone who’s watched Abner Mares box is awed by his skills. We are full of confidence in his ability.” He also said the young dynamo, 24, reminds him of Ricardo “Finito” Lopez and Juan Manuel Marquez. Mares, by way of Guadalajara, was the 2007-2008 WBO NABO Bantamweight titlist. And he has had the boxing community abuzz after his last two KO victories at Club Nokia.
The likable Mares, a 2004 Mexican Olympian, then stepped to the microphone commenting, “I’m facing Yonnhy Perez, a great friend…but I’m gonna treat him like the friend who stole my girlfriend!” As the rows of press laughed, Abner added that it will be a great fight “and I’m gonna take it to him.”
Thompson and Shaw then introduced their fighter Yonnhy Perez.
“When Yonnhy meets Abner Mares he will continue his quest as pound-for-pound best fighter,” stated Thompson.
Before Yonnhy stepped up to the podium, Co-promoter Gary Shaw told the crowd, “He’s a special, special person. Since 1971, I’ve never met a kid that’s NEVER asked for anything–not a penny!”
Shaw, who really could be a successful stand-up comic if he weren’t such a successful fight promoter, had the audience in stitches as he wise-cracked and joked with all the guys on the dais. Joking aside, he then told us about Yonnhy’s loyalty to his family and to his country. Perez has also earned Shaw’s respect as a young man who doesn’t choose to live extravagantly–even though his successful career as a prizefighter has now obviously afforded him that right.
Gary described Perez’s humble abode back home including a house “on cinder blocks and no wallpaper” on a street lined with “rocks and holes.” The Hall of Fame promoter said he asks Yonnhy why he doesn’t move? Shaw relays that the champ tells him that that’s his house, his people, his neighborhood, his home, his family. Apparently, Yonnhy doesn’t feel hobbled by his hardscrabble living quarters of choice. So why would he leave?
Home is where his heart is; home is where his family is. And his family is what this bantamweight champ fights for–to keep his title belt for his children.
And what about that title belt?
Made of smooth red leather with three large shining gold crests, Yonnhy Perez’s IBF world title belt is more than just a championship strap. In fact, the reigning bantamweight champ says the belt–inscribed with “World Champion, International Boxing Federation” and adorned with wings and two boxing gloves–isn’t even “his” anymore! While he may wear the crown of the current champ, Perez explained that his belt earned by prizefighting is now a family heirloom belonging to his two young boys.
Yonnhy, 31, explained, “This belt doesn’t belong to me–it’s for Yonnhy Perez Jr. and Mateo, my two sons. Things you give your sons you never take away from them!
“It was a gift to my kids and it’s just here on loan.”
While Shaw returned to the mike, I observed Perez in action after he completed his speech. As his co-promoter continued to entertain the gathered media, I watched Yonnhy carefully take off his championship belt with kid gloves. Right after he wore it while at the podium, he put away the belt, slowly placing the precious cargo back in its security case. He brought it out again briefly for the official photo op later during the day, but still handling it respectfully and with a quiet pride.
As caretaker of the belt, he handles his “sons’ belt” with such loving care. It really is a gift, a legacy to his family.
Now this title belt is on the line.
For young challenger Abner Mares, he will fight for the crown, hoping to dethrone his buddy and “bring the belt back home to Jalisco.”
So who will win this bantam battle and reign supreme in the tough 118-pound division?
Of course, the Perez camp whole-heartedly believes Yonnhy’s hand will again be raised in victory.
Walter “Schoolboy” Sarnoi, a sparring partner for several of Perez’s past fights, even traveling to South Africa for the Mabuza upset, said, “I think he’s gonna pull out a win in the ninth or tenth round. He’s doing really well; I think he’s reached his peak. Yonnhy’s so well-conditioned.”
Sarnoi (6-0), who just fought on the Paul Williams-Kermit Cintron undercard, still raves about Yonnhy’s workout regime and his supreme conditioning.
“We both train the same way with the same methods, but I don’t know…Maybe it’s the Colombian genes?” jokes the featherweight. “From the first round to the last he has that same energy! He’s got great conditioning, a great will, and great energy.” Perez has worked with Sarnoi, Javier Gallo and a couple of others in preparation for the Mares matchup.
Walter also says of his stablemate’s opposition, “I have seen Abner Mares fight and he’s a really good boxer too.”
But only one man will leave the ring with the belt.
There can only be one.
Come Saturday night the two foes–and friends–will collide while two little boys in Colombia will see if their Daddy can keep his promise.
Photos by Michele Chong