Cuban sensation Mike ‘El Rebellio’ Perez is vowing to bring at a world title back to Ireland’s second largest city, according to promoter Gary Hyde.
Perez, right, who recently turned 22, has been one of Cuba’s finest amateurs in recent years, engaging in a long-standing rivalry with the legendary Cuban heavyweight Luis Ortiz.
The power-punching heavyweight is a former World Amateur Champion and was hotly tipped in Cuba to win a Gold medal at this year’s Beijing Olympics.
But now, the hard-hitting southpaw has made the decision to turn professional with Cork-based Nowhere to Hyde Promotions, and he plans to bring the world heavyweight title back to the Rebel County.
“Perez will make Cork City his adopted hometown and represent it with pride as a true rebel,” said Hyde. “I believe he has the potential to go all the way and become a heavyweight great.”
Perez attended last weekend’s National Senior Championships at the National Stadium in Dublin, and the Cuban was impressed with the talent on display. “It was great boxing. I am looking forward to boxing in Ireland and winning titles,” he said.
Perez could make his professional debut as soon as 26 January at the Neptune Stadium in Cork on the undercard for the Billy Walsh/James Gorman clash. Gary O’Sull-ivan will also make his pro debut on the night.
