Perez brothers look to shine Saturday
By Andy Rivera
This Saturday night on the Noche de Campeones card, both Perez brothers will be fighting for titles. Abraham will fight for the IBA world flyweight title agains Luis Villa Padilla (15-4-2, 2kos) while older brother Angel will return after a two year layoff, battling veteran Rafael Reyes for the New Mexico Lightweight crown.
Abraham 8-0. 4kos). who in 2023 has been on a tear in halting both Joronil Borres and Gilberto Mendoza in spectacular fashion, he now looks to add his first world title. Albeit the IBA, which under the late Dean Chance, was one of the organizations that was on the rise, after his passing it stalled a bit, but now it has been resurgent with new ownership.
When asked about what this title means to him and how it can help his career. Abraham was candid.
“I know it isnt the wba, wbc or one of the major ones, but I know by winning this title it will propel me to other titles and ranking, it will help me get more recognition.” said Abraham.
The former USA Olympic trials winner knows and expects his fight with Padilla to go deep in the late rounds, it will be his first fight scheduled for 12 rounds. Abraham doesn’t see that being an issue at all.
”i know he is a good opponent and yes he lost his last fight, he fought a Golden Boy Promoted fighter in Scrappy Ramirez. He is tough and I know what to expect when we get in the ring.“
In taking on Padilla, Abraham has studied his opponent and knows what he has to do, but will also adjust if need be.
“He is a fighter who has fought a lot of good fighters, he isnt a pushover or easy win. I know what I need to do. I am also ready to adjust if I have to in order to get the job done.“
Brother Angel will be returning to the ring after his lone defeat, he last fought in 2021, dropping a decision to Diego Elizondo. Angel took time off after his first one. He felt the mental strain of training, working and helping the family business get started.
Both Abraham and Angel work with their father/trainer/boss Aaron at Perez Collision.
“It was hard mentally to get this business started and then get motivated to go to the gym and train. I took time off and when I was mentally ready to come back I went to the gym.“
Angel (10-1-1, 6kos) was set to return this past June, but suffered an. injury that wouldn’t heal in time for his fight, the mental part of training than suffering an injury would effect most, this time Angel was prepared to take on this bump in the road.
”I got hurt and when I found out it wouldn’t heal in time, I decided to let my body heal and slowly start back up, I was anxious but knew to take it one day at a time.“
In facing Reyes (20-16, 16ko’s), Angel knows he will have his hands full against a tough opponent who has been in with good opposition, most recently Albuquerque‘s Jason Sanchez. Reyes lost to Sanchez when he suffered an injury this past February when the two battled in Rio Rancho.
“I know he has stopped 80% of his opponents, so I know I need to take my time and make sure I do what we worked on in training. If I do that I will win.“
Noches de Campeones will be at Tingley Coliseum, with doors open at 6:00.
Tickets can now be purchased at the door.
