‘Just another job to do’

FACING a talented unbeaten fighter in a country unknown to you is always a daunting task. But for former world champion Jean Piero Perez, it’s just another day on the job.

“I’m not at all intimidated because I’m used to fighting outside of Venezuela,” said Perez, who is fighting in the Philippines against a Filipino for the first time in his career, in a press conference at the Baseline Restaurant.

Perez is challenging unbeaten Milan Melindo for the latter’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) International flyweight crown this Saturday night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu City.

“I know Melindo has never lost a fight, but each fight is different and I have prepared to win,” said the 31-year-old former interim World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight king.

Melindo, 27-0 with 11 knockouts, is one of the most promising boxers in the Philippines. He is rated No. 1 in the WBO, sixth in the World Boxing Council (WBC), seventh in the WBA and 10th in the International Boxing Federation. Perez, on the other hand, is ranked fourth in the WBA.

Although Perez didn’t give any prediction for the fight, he will definitely go for the kill if he spots an opportunity.

“The truth is I don’t do predictions, but if a knockout comes, it comes,” he said.

Perez has the power to back it up because in his 19-4-1 slate, he has 14 knockouts.

The Panama-based Venezuelan’s trainer, Francisco Arroyo, who has already been to Cebu City once, is also confident of his ward’s chances despite Melindo’s frightening reputation.

“My prediction is always to win,” said Arroyo, who was in the corner of Panamanian slugger Rafael Concepcion in his 2008 win over AJ Banal.

Perez will show the Cebuano boxing fans a peek at what to expect this Saturday night as he holds a public workout at the Entertainment Plaza of SM City Cebu today at 5 p.m.

Also featured in “Pinoy Pride XVI—Venezuelan Invasion” is a title clash between Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight titleholder Rocky Fuentes (33-6-2, 20 KOs) against mandatory challenger Myung Ho Lee (15-1, 5 KOs), while undefeated Arthur Villanueva (19-0, 12 KOs) faces off with 44-year-old former world title contender Pramuansak Posuwan (45-4-1, 24 KOs).