Perez wins in Kerry

27 October 2008 – Conor Ward

Heavyweight sensation Mike El Rebellio Perez went about his business ruthlessly at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney on Sunday, flooring his Argentine opponent Luis Oscar Ricail twice in quick succession, and forcing referee Emile Tiedt to call a halt to proceedings inside the opening 90 seconds of action.

The comfortable victory was Perezs fifth first-round stoppage in six professional outings, with 32-year-old Ricail unable to cope with the barrage of heavy blows flying in his direction. After a similar annihilation of Brazilian Claudemir Diaz at Neptune Stadium, Cork, in September, it seems that the biggest problem now for Perezs manager Gary Hyde is finding an opponent who can offer the heavy-handed Cuban a reasonable degree of resistance.

The Cork-based promoter has made known his belief that Perez – who arrived on these shores this year to start a pro career can go all the way and capture a world title. Perez is due to head out to Los Angeles next month for a training stint in Freddie Roachs gym, an exercise which is sure to build on the 23-year-olds skill level and accelerate his development. There is even talk of interest from American promoter Dan Goossen for Perez to fight Stateside, as he looks to enhance his profile as an up-and-coming star of the heavyweight division.

Also on the bill at the Dolphil Promotions Pro Box Live event, was Dublin cruiserweight Ian Tims who continued his unbeaten run with a points victory over Latvian Remigijus Ziausys, in what proved a close competitive contest. Cork light middleweight prospect Gary Spike OSullivan also maintained his perfect pro record by accounting for Idiozan Matos of Brazil in a more one-sided encounter.

There were wins for Dublin light welterweight Stephen Ormond and middleweight Anthony Fitzgerald, as well as Limerick featherweight Willie Casey, all of whom made their pro debuts. Experienced Belfast man Ciaran Healy inflicted a defeat on Mayos John Waldron on his pro debut however, picking off some good clean shots to edge a points victory in a close and entertaining light heavyweight contest.

The last action of the night saw Perezs fellow Cuban Alexei Acosta in action against Cristian Nicolae of Romania in a super bantamweight bout. The 20-year-old baby-faced assassin who originally hails from Havana, and also now fights out of Gary Hydes Cork stable – showcased a range of defensive and offensive skills, moving smoothly and purposefully around the ring, and landing swift damaging shots at will. With Nicolae on the end of a sustained assault, referee David Irving stepped in to halt the bout during the 3rd round. The victory marked Acostas second professional outing after making his debut in September, as the former world junior champion gave a glimpse of his enormous potential.