JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – May 25, 2009) IBF Bantamweight contender Yonnhy Perez approaches his last days of preparation as he readies himself to face South African Silence Mabuza on his home turf. Having arrived to Johannesburg 10-days ago, Yonnhy can’t wait to lace them up and get home soon. “I feel fine, they have treated us great during our whole stay,” said Perez of the host city and its people. “Everybody is friendly and are making my time here enjoyable. But I did not come all the way here to be a tourist, I came here to win and to take away a mandatory position to challenge the IBF champion soon,” said the undefeated Colombian that resides in Santa Fe Springs, CA.
“We arrived with plenty of time to get the altitude sickness out of the way and to get the time difference and jet lag behind us,” said Perez of his May 15 arrival into Johannesburg after a 30-hour-long adventure. “Now all I want is to get those gloves on my hands and let them fly,” said Perez before the press conference.
FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
The press conference took place at the Johannesburg television studios of media giant SABC Sport on Monday, May 25, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. local time. SABC will broadcast the event live in South Africa and the entire continent.
SILENCE MABUZA:
“Perez is a good fighter, he has speed, power, and a great amateur career. But he has never faced anybody of name in his career. I fought the best; I have vast experience in situations like this.
“Perez has not faced one quality opponent and now he is in front of me, he is blocking my way to the championship belt and I have to take him out of the way.
“I am very confident this fight will end in a knockout, I will win in spectacular fashion.”
YONNHY PEREZ:
“I know Mabuza from watching him on different DVDs. He is a tough fighter but he is not invincible.
“I have worked long and hard to be here today, he might think he will knock me out but he better be ready for 12 hard rounds.
“An opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime and I will make the best of it. If he thinks he will clear me out of the ring early he is dead wrong. Things like this don’t happen every day and I know I will win.”
The bout is presented by Branco Sports Promotions, in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and will take place at the Springs Indoor Arena just outside Johannesburg. It will be televised nationwide in South Africa and in the entire continent by the premier broadcaster, SABC Sport, which services 30 million viewers.
Ranked number six in the world by the IBF, 30-year old Yonnhy Perez (18-0, 13 KOs) is an exciting warrior who was adopted by Southern California fight fans after he arrived in the States from Cartagena, Colombia, he now resides at Santa Fe Springs. A staple on the local fight scene, Perez went worldwide in 2007 when he won the WBC Continental Americas title with a first round knockout of Samuel Lopez, and in June of 2008, he added the NABF crown by decisioning Oscar Andrade. In his last bout, on September 5, 2008, Perez stopped David Martinez in six rounds.
A native of Johannesburg, 31-year old Silence Mabuza (22-2, 18 KOs) has long been considered one of the top 118-pounders in the world. A longtime IBO champion who defended his title eight times over two reigns, Mabuza’s only two pro losses have come to pound-for-pound standout Rafael Marquez. Winner of three in a row, Mabuza – who is ranked third in the world by the IBF – is eager for another shot at the title.
Davis, Stevenson Ready; Welterweight Prospect Tim Coleman Added to Friday’s Baltimore Pro Boxing Card
Baltimore, MD – During a career that has spanned three decades, Demetrius Davis has seen it all. From world champions to title contenders and prospects, Davis has never shied away from a challenge since turning pro way back in 1987. Unfortunately, the courageous Davis has not always seen the best results.
“I have had many controversial losses”, said Davis, who is fresh off a victory against 14-0 Rowland Bryant. “I frequently went into my opponents’ hometown and my record definitely doesn’t show the type of fighter I am”.
This Friday, Davis, 19-14-5 (7 KO’s) will look to keep his momentum in tact. In his way is Baltimore’s Corey Cummings 16-4 (12 KO’s). Like Davis, Cummings has battled solid opposition, dropping decisions to former world champions Montell Griffin and Keith Holmes. A true crossroads bout, which will be for the Maryland State Super Middleweight crown, Davis is ready to do whatever it takes to have his hand raised following the ten round contest.
“I am 100 percent prepared for this fight”, said Davis, who also fought to a draw with well regarded Tommy Karpency last June. “After defeating Cummings, I am willing to fight anyone, period”.
Topping the undercard will be exuberant Junior Middleweight prospect James “Keep Em Sleepin” Stevenson. With a record of 8-0 (8 KO’s), Stevenson will face a rough and ready Manuel Guzman over eight rounds or less. With the most rugged opponent of his career in front of him, Stevenson is prepared for a tough fight.
“I am just training hard, said Stevenson.” “I won’t go in looking for the knockout and am prepared to go eight but regardless, I am ready to keep em’ sleepin!”
Looking to rack up his second straight victory since a close loss on ShoBox in November, Baltimore Welterweight prospect Tim Coleman 15-1-1 (4 KO’s) will battle Jason Thompson 5-3 (4 KO’s) of New York over six rounds. Popular prospect Steve “Show Stealer” Wheeler 1-0 of Catonsville, MD will face Daniel Shull of Front Royal, VA in a four round Cruiserweight scrap.
Exciting Heavyweight Maurice “Freight Train” Byarm 1-0 (1 KO) of Washington, DC will tangle with James Whitson 1-0 of Greensboro, NC. Byarm was impressive during his pro debut and has dangerous punching power in both hands. Former amateur star Emmanuel Taylor 1-0 (1 KO) from Edgewater Arsenal, MD will battle the ever famous TBA in a four rounder at Welterweight.
Rounding out the card is a four round middleweight bout between Justin Blackwell and Barry Trotter. The two Baltimoreans are expected to put on a great show as both are looking to open their career with a strong showing for their hometown fans.
On hand for a special meet and greet session with all ticket holders will be legendary warrior and five time world champion Vinny Paz as well as renowned trainer Kevin Rooney, who most notably lead Mike Tyson to become the youngest Heavyweight champion in boxing history. Individual tickets are priced at $35, $50 and $75. VIP mini-tables are available for $375 to seat 5. Reserved tables to seat 10 are $500. VIP tables of 10 are available at $750 for second row seating and $1100 for front row. All VIP ticket holders receive free cocktails and Hor’dourves. Tickets can be ordered by calling 410-675-6900 or 410-499-5361.
The card is being held at the Du Burns Arena, located at 1301 S. Elwood Ave in Baltimore. Doors open at 6:30 and the opening bell is at 8 p.m. Baltimore Pro Boxing is the promoter.
Headed by former pugilist Jake Smith, Baltimore Pro Boxing has promoted professional and amateur shows during the last 15 years. Their current stable of fighters includes hot Junior Middleweight prospect James Stevenson, Welterweight prospect Tim Coleman, rising Heavyweights Maurice Byarm, Mike Dietrich, surging Super Middleweight Demetrius Davis, Light Heavyweight Henry Mayes and exciting Cruiserweight Steve Wheeler.