Mookie moves forward in the New Year

USBA Junior Welterweight Champion Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis after his victory over Michael Clark which took place Dec 21, 2012 in Hollywood, CA

As the year begins for everyone with hopes of getting a fresh start, one person who wants the momentum of 2012 to continue for him  is junior welterweight contender Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis. The reigning USBA junior welterweight champion ended the year with a successful defense of his title over veteran Michael Clark. The fight was the main event a December card which took place days before Christmas day in Hollywood, CA and promoted by Bash Boxing and Art of War Boxing.

The scheduled 12 round fight ended after the 5th round with Clark unable to continue. While the record books will show a TKO victory for the champion, what it doesn’t explain is that this was a test for Pendarvis. He was in with a veteran fighter in Clark who was there to fight. This was evident after Clark was dropped twice in the 3rd round after getting punched in the eye. The loss of vision seemed to have bothered the veteran in that round but he would recover and fight on before the fight finally ended after the 5th round.

“I just had to take my time. I knew he was a veteran and he had experience against lots of guys who are top caliber.  I got caught with some punches but I still have to get in the gym and work on everything. I want to continue working on my craft so I can fight the best because I don’t want to lose,” said Pendarvis after the fight.

The experience against a fighter like Clark was needed in order to for Pendarvis to build the knowledge and confidence needed to proceed forward in his career. The next step could be a rematch with Mauricio Herrera if the champion gets what he wants in the new year.

“I want Mauricio Herrera. They stole that fight from me when I was burying my little brother and I want that fight back. It’s no disrespect to him, it’s a business and I feel I didn’t get a fair chance at him that night. I want my fair share because I know I’m better than him,” said Pendarvis.

In order to move forward they say sometimes we have to look back and that is what Pendarvis hopes to do by getting a rematch with Herrera. During their first fight, Pendarvis was dealing with the death of his brother and feels that the timing of the fight and other events hurt him. Fighting on his opponents promoter’s card he said was the factor in him not getting the nod in the decision.

“If he beats me when I’m 110  percent ready, than he’s the better man,” said Pendarvis who has a simple message for Herrera in the new year. “Be ready, be ready.”