Perez wins Prizefighter
8 May 2011 – Jonny Stapleton
Cork based Cuban Mike Perez was crowned king of the first ever Prizefighter The Internationals in Alexandra Palace, London on Saturday night and now has his sights sets on world domination.
The Rebel needed just five rounds to win the three fight tournament and blasted his way to the 32,000 winners cheque with first round semi final and final stoppages of Gregory Tony and Tye Fields. The pre tournament favourite, who became the third fighter to lift the trophy whilst draped with the Irish flag, certainly caught the eye and his impressive performance will open doors to bigger and better things. The 25 year-old former amateur stand out is now being talked about as one to watch on the heavyweight scene and he is targeting big things after claiming the trophy that kick started the careers of Martin Rogan and Big Bang Willie Casey.
Indeed. after making a mole hill of man mountain Sky Fields in the final, the Cuban, who was previously accused of lacking the determination to match his talents, claimed the sky is the limit and stressed he wanted a world title shot.
I want to face one of the big names the Klitschkos, David Haye I am good enough to win titles and whoever wants to fight me for their titles, Im want to fight them, said Perez. I got better as the fights went on and I wanted to prove to those people who have helped me like my trainer and my family that they were right to back me.Winning Prizefighter means a lot to me. It will open doors for me and help get my career moving forward. Hopefully I get a world title shot now.
Perez had too much for Kerston Manswell in the opening bout of the night, firing into the Trinidad and Tobago fighter in the first 30 seconds, forcing him to take a knee. Manswell battled gamely but Perez eventually coasted to a unanimous decision.
The Cuban then decimated Tony in the semi, flooring the Frenchman in just 15 seconds before ensuring the contest was all over inside a minute. There was a similar quick fire knock out theme to the decider as Perez stopped American Fields within 42 seconds of the first bell.
