By Peter Mark Heintzelman: Matchmaker, Teddy Panagiotis, searched North and South, East and West, to find promoter, Jimbo Isperduli, of Paxton Promotions, a proper and fitting opponent for the comeback of Jose Antonio Rivera. And the opponent comes out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the form of one 32 year old Abel “Truth Serum” Perry, with a record of 13-4, 5 KO’s.
No easy fight, to come into the backyard of the former WBA light middleweight champion, for Rivera’s comeback fight, in front of a big crowd expected to fill the Palladium, in Worcester, Massachusetts, where the battle will be forged.
But Perry is ready, and used to fighting on the road. He is not intimidated by neither Rivera’s legacy, nor the locus of the squared ring. While Rivera has been on the sidelines of boxing since August of 2008, Perry has stayed tuned with six professional bouts, winning four out of his six fights during Rivera’s sabbatical. Perry’s last fight, on the first of January of this year, netted himself a first round knock out of Christopher Overbey, at the Coca Cola Center, in Oklahoma City.
Abel Perry took time out of his schedule, to answer a few questions for EastsideBoxing:
ESB: So, Abel, what attracted you to take this fight against the former WBA light middleweight title holder, Jose Antonio Rivera, particularly for his comeback fight after retirement, and in his home turf?
Perry: Rivera is a tough, rugged fighter, and he was a highly regarded champion. Respectfully, I want what he had. The circumstances for the fight are what they are. He happens to be coming off a long lay-off and the fight happens to be in his back yard. I am used to fighting on hostile ground and I am aware that means sometimes you don’t get wins that you have earned (as my record shows). I am not going to worry about that. I am coming to fight and win. That is my job, and I am sure that Massachusetts Boxing Commission will be on top of their game on fight night too.
ESB: Have you signed a contract yet for the fight, and at what weight division?
Perry: Yes, contracts are signed at a limit of 160. That weight is suited for me. I started my career campaigning at 147 and 154. I can make 147 for the right fight, but at 154 and 160, I am still sized well, and my speed and power will make up for my weight.
ESB: Perry, how would you described your fight style, and what do you know of Rivera’s?
Perry: I was a bit of scrapper early on. Now, I am a clean boxer-puncher. I will get in the trenches when needed. But intelligence is the common denominator, no matter what the strategy is that is applied on fight night.
ESB: Whatever got you into boxing in the first place?
Perry: My dad wanted me to box as a kid, but I wanted to be a ninja, and got into martial arts instead. I am from Anchorage, Alaska originally, and at the age of 21, I went to a weekly toughman- styled boxing show as a spectator. My friends dared me to sign up for next week’s show. I did, and I fell in love with the sport: 90 fights (84-6 record) and 7 state titles later, I turned pro.
ESB: Where, and with whom, have you been training, and what is your training regimen for this April 9th fight?
Perry: I am trained by Carlos Ibarra, at the New Era Fight Center, in Colorado Springs. Carlos is the best undiscovered coaching talent in the game, and was a decent pro himself. He started boxing just as late as I did, via the Army boxing program. So, in training, he is at the helm, but we collaborate well. As far as my training goes, I am setting up camp here in Colorado for the altitude. I am fighting a 3 time world champion, and I will be training accordingly.
ESB: What can the fight fans in Worcester expect to see from you on fight night?
Perry: A fight worthy of watching, ranking, and supporting. A Winner.
ESB: Do you have a prediction as to the outcome of the fight?
Perry: Prediction… PAIN! Just kidding. Always wanted to say that in an interview. I predict victory. I will take it, however it comes.
ESB: If this fight goes the way you want it to, what will be next for you?
Perry: I came up in this business the hard way, and at 32 years old, I want to be looked at as a contender, not a prospect or opponent. I want real fights, and eventually a shot at a meaningful strap.
ESB: Anything else you want to say, Abel to your fight fans at EastSideBoxing.com?
Perry: Thank you all for sticking by me, through the ups and downs of my career, and this business. Things are in place, and I am bringing a win back to Colorado and Alaska. Special thanks to my wife Audrey, Jack, Mike, my team, and my family at New Era, for all they do.
Rivera, . 39-6-1, with 24 knockouts to his record, commented, after finding out his opponent would be Abel Perry: “Ok, we have an opponent that agreed to fight me on April 9th. His name is Abel Perry, he is younger at 32 yrs of age, he is taller at 5 ft 11 inches, he has 17 fights. We will both be at the 160lb limit and he will try to match his speed to my experience. Woo Hoo,Let’s go baby!”
To which Perry replied: “ I love it! Rivera is a throw back fighter, a gentleman-pugilist. I am sure of victory and so is he. One of us is mistaken. Time to do work!”
The undercard will also feature cruiserweights Rich “The Mountain” LaMontagne 29,-7-1, 24 KO’s, of Everett, MA against Worcester’s Adam Harris (10-4-0, 7 KO’s). Other fights and fighters to be announced soon.
The historic Palladium(508) 797-9696 ) is located at 261 Main Street, Worcester, MA. Tickets are now on sale through http://www.thepalladium.net/events.html , and are priced at $30 and $50.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, first bell rings at 7:30 pm. Promoter: Jimbo
Isperduli’s “Paxton Promotions.” Ringside announcer: The one and only, JD
Vena. Matchmaker: Teddy Panagiotis.