Mikey Perez Talks Herrera Fight, Judah-Matthysse

By Ryan Burton

 

Undefeated lightweight prospect Mikey "The Artist" Perez (9-0) faces the toughest challenge of his pro boxing career when he steps in the ring on Saturday versus rugged veteran Hevinson Herrera (14-6-1).  The fight takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and is on the under card to the HBO televised Zab Judah-Lucas Matthysse and Robert Guerrero-Vicente Escobedo bouts.  The Puerto Rican talks to BoxingScene.com about fighting in his hometown, the keys to the fight, and more in this exclusive interview.

 

BoxingScene.com:  Tell us about your upcoming fight with Hevinson Herrera.

 

Mikey Perez:  It is going to be a tough fight.  It is a step up for me.  He has fought 12 rounders already.  10 rounders already.  He has more experience and has fought more rounds in the ring as a pro than I have.  It is a big step up for me and I am looking forward to it.  I am very excited to be fighting at home.  All my fights have been on the road so to be able to fight in Newark, my hometown in front of my fans is a blessing.

 

BoxingScene.com:  You mentioned his experience.  A notable name on his resume is Edner Cherry.  Do you view this fight as a measuring stick type of fight so that you can gauge exactly where you are at?

 

Mikey Perez:  Most definitely.  That is exactly the type of fight this is going to be.  It is going to test me so the public can see what type of fighter I really am with a higher caliber opponent in there.  It is definitely a test for me. 

 

BoxingScene.com:  Have you seen him fight before?  Do you have an idea of his fighting style?

 

Mikey Perez:  I have seen a tape of him.  He comes forward and he is strong.  We trained for his style.  We did our best in training camp and training camp was great so I am not worried about his style at all.

 

BoxingScene.com:  If you get the win over him like you plan you will bump your record up to 10-0.  Where do you go from there?

 

Mikey Perez:  From there we will be looking for my first 8 round fight and then hopefully from there a little regional title or an inter continental title.  From there hopefully we will go on to bigger and better things.

 

BoxingScene.com:  2011 looks like a real big year for you.

 

Mikey Perez:  Most definitely.  2011 is going to be my most important year.  We are stepping up for sure and we have big plans.

 

BoxingScene.com:  Who do you like in the main event of your fight card between Zab Judah and Lucas Matthysse?

 

Mikey Perez:  That is going to be a very explosive fight.  I see a very exciting fight right there.  They both are powerful.  Matthysse is a power puncher and he has a decent boxing style so it isn't going to be easy for Zab.  I am looking forward to it.

 

BoxingScene.com:  Do you have a prediction for that fight?

 

Mikey Perez:  No I really don't.  I mean if the real Zab comes in tomorrow night then I got Zab beating him.  Zab is strong too and he has punching power too.  It can go either way but I see Zab winning.

 

BoxingScene.com:  Do you have a message for the fans?

 

Mikey Perez:  Come out on Saturday night and support.  I am an up and coming fighter coming from Newark so I need all the support I can get.  I love all my fans.