Perez Ready To Take His opportunity

When the unbeaten, No. 1-ranked Yonnhy Perez, 19-0-(14), of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., by way of Colombia, challenges IBF bantamweight champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko (27-1, 22 KOs) of Bronx, N.Y., this Saturday in the main event at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas he says he’ll “come dressed as a world champion.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity and that all the hard work I’ve put in has paid off.,” said Perez. “I’m not Vic Darchinyan (who Agbeko convincingly out-pointed in his last title defense). I’m bigger, stronger and busier. I won’t load up for one shot. I’ll be throwing punches from the opening bell. Saturday is going to be my night.’’

Agbeko, not one to be outdone countered: “This isn’t a costume ball, it is a fight and Saturday I’m going to be the one leaving the ring with the belt. That’s Perez’ dream (to become world champion) and I respect that. All fighters should feel that way.

Agbeko added:“I think Perez is a very good fighter who is good enough to one day become a world champion. But he’s not going to become IBF bantamweight champion. Not against me, not this Saturday, anyway. Perez is going to get a real dose of what reality is when he fights me.’’

October 28, 2009