ORANGE, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2014) – Two months after successfully defending his WBA Interim Lightweight Championship, Colombian Darley Perez (31-1, 20 KOs) finds himself in another tough test, this time, against Peruvian contender Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs). The 12-round championship bout will take place at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, Calif. and air live on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights,” Jan. 9, 2015.
In his last bout, which took place on Oct. 24, Perez defended his interim title with a 6th round knockout over Jaider Parra (23-2-1, 12 KOs). Against Maicelo he’ll look to stay in the win column and retain his title with an impressive victory.
“Maicelo is a very difficult opponent and I will have to use all my skills to come out victorious,” said Perez, who is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Knowing I’ve been here before, I feel I have the advantage going into this bout. A win will advance my career to the next level and I know what I have to do to win. It’s going to be an exciting fight because we both have a lot to lose. I need to come out on top and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Rated WBA #7, WBO #13 and WBC #22, Maicelo was originally scheduled to fight on Nov. 21, at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, New York, against Hector Velasquez (56-23-3, 38 KOs), but pulled out to face Perez on national television. With the WBA Interim title on the line, Maicelo is taking his training to a new level.
“Gary Shaw has giving me this wonderful opportunity to take Perez’ WBA title and I’m not going to cut any corners,” Macielo said. “I’m taking this fight very serious. My trainer and I are working extremely smart to make sure I’m in the best shape of my life. I know with a win, I can become a world champion. I’m bringing everything I got come fight night and I anticipate myself being the victor.”
“When I made this bout I knew it was going to be a crowd pleasing fight because both fighters are putting everything on the line,” said Gary Shaw. “Both Perez and Maicelo are great men and I know they will bring their very best on January 9th. The fans are in for a great night of boxing.”
“This is a fantastic fight for the fans,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Darley Perez is very hungry to show the world he’s one of the top fighters in the lightweight division. I expect a great show, as I know both fighters are coming with their “A” game. Everyone should be tuning in.”
The ESPN “Friday Night Fights” telecast begins Friday Jan. 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE. Doors open at 5:00 P.M., first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.
For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com and GaryShawProductions.com.
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