PEREZ BOUNCES BACK, BEATS GONZALES BY UD

REDEMPTION. Referee Raul Caiz Jr. raising the hand of Filipino boxer Rey “Technician” Perez of RED International Boxing. (Below) From left, Perez, manager Rey “Cacoi” Rodis II and former actor Dante Varona after the fight.

By LITO DELOS REYES

FILIPINO boxer Rey “Technician” Perez bounced back from a disappointing comeback in the United States by scoring a convincing unanimous decision against Mexican-American Christian “Chimpa” Gonzales last Feb. 22 (Friday in Manila) at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.
Judges Fernando Villareal and Lou Moret both scored 79-73 while judge Raul Caiz Sr. saw it 78-74 all in favor of Perez, who posted his 22nd win with six knockouts against nine losses and no draw.
“I thank all those who supported and helped me especially to our boss Sir Cacoi,’ said Perez.
Perez is now handled by a US-based Filipino boxing manager Rey “Cacoi” Rodis II of the RED International Boxing.
“It was a tough fight,” said Rodis, a nephew of former WBC world super featherweight champion Rene Barrientos of Cagayan de Oro City.
Gonzales, who suffered a cut on his left eye due to an accidental headbutt, was almost knocked down in the second round.
“We won all rounds,” added Rodis.
The 22-year old Gonzales absorbed only his second defeat against 18 wins with 15 knockouts. He first suffered also to another Filipino Romero “Ruthless”
Duno via a 2nd round knockout last March 10 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles in their battle for the vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental lightweight title.
Perez, a native of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte earlier suffered a unanimous decision to Lamont Roach last November 30 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill in his first assignment under RED International Boxing.
But Perez not in his comfortable fighting weight at 130 lbs. only unlike against Gonzales in the 135 lbs. division already.
“As what I had earlier said that I’m more comfortable now in the 135 lbs.,” said Perez.