Mookie on the move as 2012 ends

As the year in boxing comes to an end, there is still time for the year to end with a bang for Cleotis Pendarvis. The Southern California fighter known as “Mookie,” hopes that Friday night’s December 20 fight against Michael Clark will not only be a defense of the USBA junior welterweight title but also bring him closer to a world championship in 2013.

Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (left) and his manager Warren Wilkerson, pose with the hardware the fighter earned in 2012.

Pendarvis who holds a record of 15-3 as a professional understands that this is the fight he has to win in order to take that next step in his career.”I’m just looking for big things to come. Clark mentioned that he wanted to fight me before and now he’ll get his chance,” said Pendarvis.

As an amateur he won various titles but in the paid ranks, most fans will recognize him for his work on the popular 24/7 series where he has helped various champions get quality sparring.”Yeah I was on the 24/7 and in peoples camps.Those were the times I reached out to some fighters and they would shut me down. But now is my time and I’m coming hard,” said Pendarvis.

Now on a five fight win streak, Pendarvis looks toward 2013 as not only a chance to make some noise in the division but also an opportunity to avenge a 2009 loss to Mauricio Herrera. In that fight, Pendarvis felt he wasn’t given a fair shake by the judges since he was fighting on a card put together by Herrera’s promoter.

“I fought him over in Ontario in his backyard and they gave him a present. He was fighting on his promoters card, Thompson Promotions so you knew he was going to get the decision. All he had to do was go the 8 rounds,” said Pendarvis.

The history with Herrera goes back to the amateurs he remembers crossing paths with the fighter and his brother Albert who also competed. “I beat Mauricio and gave him an 8 count but they tried to claim it was Albert. Maybe it was Albert but I can’t tell since they both look alike,” said Pendarvis as he laughs about the recollection.

Pendarvis feels that avenging the loss would be continued progress in the direction to a world title.”A lot of people thought I won the fight and of course he was fighting Cleotis Pendarvis and it was going to look good on his resume.I have to get through Michael Clark but once I done with him I’m going after Mauricio Herrera,”said Pendarvis.

So looking at 2013, not only would he like to fight Herrera again but also get the opportunity at some of the divisions best talent. “That’s the first guy I want to start with but after that its whoever.Brandon Rios, whoever at 140(lbs) that wants to give me a chance because they think they can run through me, bring the noise,” said Pendarvis.

The main event fight is part of a card taking place at the Florentine Gardens in Hollywood, CA and is being promoted by Art of Boxing Promotions in association with Bash Boxing, Inc. and Pitbull Boxing Promotions.

For more information on how to buy tickets, fans can visit www.HollywoodFightNight.com or call (626) 388-8888.