Melindo’s PP 16 rival elated by Cebuanos’ warm welcome

Former WBA flyweight champion Jean Piero Perez of Venezuela and his team faced the Cebu media yesterday in a press conference for the Pinoy Pride XVI: Philippines Versus Venezuela at the Baseline Restaurant.

Perez’s team is composed of trainer Francisco Arroyo and cutman Lucio La Mejia.

Perez said he is very happy with the warm welcome given to him by ALA Boxing Promotions but admitted yesterday that his fight against current WBO International flyweight champion Milan “El Metodico” Melindo will be one of his toughest so far.

Melindo is the current WBO number one flyweight but he is just sixth in the WBA. Perez won his WBA title against Jesus Jimenez of Mexico via unanimous decision last year. He considered that fight as the most difficult in his career but he believes his clash with Melindo will be tougher.

But that doesn’t mean he is intimidated with the ring warrior from Cagayan de Oro City, who is unbeaten after 27 fights with 11 knockouts.

“I have been training for this fight for a long time and I feel very prepared to face him in the ring,” said Perez, who holds a record of 19 wins, four losses, one draw with 14 wins by knockouts.

Perez said his experience in the ring will be his advantage over his younger opponent.

“Perez has changed a lot and improved and that impresses me a lot,” said Arroyo, who already won here when he brought Rafael Concepcion to Cebu City to beat AJ “Bazooka” Banal. “I was already in the country and won. And I am here to win again.”

Perez will be having a public workout today at the SM City Cebu at 5 p.m.