Heavyweight Mike Perez set for ring return

[Ruthless-RKO]

Heavyweight comebacks might be catching at the moment, what with Sam Peter’s recent return and his scheduled December fight with Kubrat Pulev. Another big man set to return after a significant layoff is Cuban Mike Perez. Perez, last seen being stopped inside a round by Alexander Povetkin in May of last year (in what was one of Povetkin’s most impressive showings) will face Avery Gibson, 8-5-4 (2) on December 8 in California.

At age 31, Perez, who is based in Ireland and has a good 21-2-1(13) record, is young enough to be able to come again, and Irish-Boxing.com reports how Perez’ comeback will be guided by ace trainer Virgil Hunter. Southpaw Perez picked up some notable results prior to the shock defeat at the hands of Povetkin. Wins over Travis Walker and Magomed Abdusalamov (in a fight that sadly saw Mago suffer terrible career-ending, life threatening injuries; this having a big effect on Perez, who considered retirement afterwards) proved notable, while “The Rebel” also boxed to a draw with the dangerous Carlos Takam.

Perez’ only other loss aside from the one to Povetkin came via split decision against an unbeaten Bryant Jennings. Can the 6’1” southpaw prove to be a major force in the division again? The loss to Povetkin prompted Perez to call it a day and such a devastating stoppage loss can be a tough one to come back from. Perez, though, is usually durable and any fighter can get caught cold. A good fighter with an exciting style (the ill-fated fight with Abdusalamov was an amazing give and take slugfest) Perez, if he’s matched right and if he’s serious and fully focused, may well find himself in further big fights.

Look at Peter for example: he all but disappeared for the best part of five years yet now he has a shot (a long shot it may be) at re-establishing himself in a pretty big way if he can topple Pulev. Assuming Perez has not allowed himself to balloon and get totally out of shape, he too could get a shot at redemption.

[Enlightened-One]

Mike Perez was utterly ruined by the life-changing injuries he inflicted on Magomed Abdusalamov. It’s clear that he no longer carries any real desire for the sport and he’ll never recover the “hungry challenger” mind-set he possessed prior to his 20th pro bout.

I really do feel sorry for the guy, because he has probably only continued his career for the sake of the payday in order to provide for his family.

[asdfjkl]

I'd like to see him against Andriy Rudenko

[Ilya Muromets]

Mike Perez was utterly ruined by the life-changing injuries he inflicted on Magomed Abdusalamov. It’s clear that he no longer carries any real desire for the sport and he’ll never recover the “hungry challenger” mind-set he possessed prior to his 20th pro bout.

I really do feel sorry for the guy, because he has probably only continued his career for the sake of the payday in order to provide for his family.

That was such a tragic fight. Mago's cornermen and the referee and the ring doctor and the other doctor who gave him a piece of paper and told him "exit on the left go find a hospital" and NY Boxing Commissioner Melvina Lathan who was right there should all have been banned from boxing for doing nothing and letting the fight continue.

[p.f.k.a.cy14]

I read in the argus (a regional paper in England) today, that Perez has signed with Brighton promoter Kaz Evans. His mate Donnie Palmer moved to Brighton, England earlier in the year and is also fighting under Evans Assassin promotions.

[crusader]

Perez's draw and losses just so happened to coincide with him stepping up in class, and he was actually a few pounds lighter for the generous draw against Takam than he was against strong but very limited Mago one fight prior.

I'm not so sure the Mago ordeal had as much to do with his subsequent showings as his opponents did.

[Lackeos]

After his first comeback fight with some random, I'd like to see him fight someone like Mansour, Dimitrenko, Chambers, Gerber, or Pianeta in a crossroads fight to see who still belongs in the top 40.

[funso banjo baby]

hes getting the slow build-up.

Avery Gibson probably makes sense, he's a journeyman on a good run and can beat decent fighters if they aren't focussed.

Mike Perez def needs to stay awake if his comeback is going to go anywhere.