By Jake Donovan

A new opponent has been secured for Michael Perez on the July 11 HBO Latino-televised card at Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. The resurgent junior welterweight contender from New Jersey will now take on Mexico’s Luis Sanchez in the evening’s chief support to a crossroads bout between Mauricio Herrera and Hank Lundy. 

Both bouts will air live on HBO Latino as part of a televised tripleheader. Sanchez is a late substitute for former lightweight contender Sharif Bogere, who was scratched from the show due to an undisclosed injury. 

Finding a quality replacement on short notice proved to be a difficult task for Team Perez, who wanted to remain on the show but also in a bout that would test the 25-year old contender. 

“Bogere pulled out and we put out calls to about 15 other contenders,” Jesus Perez, Michael’s father and trainer told BoxingScene.com Tuesday evening. “Some weren’t available, others just flat out didn’t want the fight. 

“Luckily, this kid from Cancun stepped up to the challenge. We’re ready to go.” 

Perez (18-1-2, 13KOs) is unbeaten in his last eight starts since suffering the lone loss of his career, a 6th round stoppage to Omar Figueroa in their Jan. ’12 Shobox-televised headliner when both were unbeaten prospects. His most recent win came in January, scoring two knockdowns but forced to fend off a brave challenge from former lightweight titlist Miguel Acosta to earn a 10-round decision. 

The 23-year old Sanchez (17-3-1, 5KOs) comes in riding a five-fight win streak, including wins over former 130 lb. contender Miguel Beltran Jr. and a minor upset in outpointing previously unbeaten Adan Mares, younger brother of former three-division champion Abner Mares. 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox