Boxing In Ireland: Cork Cubans Perez, Garcia Added To Limerick Fight Card

Cuban sensations Mike “The Rebel’ Perez and Luis “The Lion” Garcia will finally make their ring returns in Limerick on May 15th on the Yanjing Fight Night.

The event at the University Sports Arena is headlined by Andy Lee’s clash with former European Champ and Knockout artist Mamadou Thiam while reigning World and European Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor features in an international amateur contest.

Cork based Cuban duo Perez and Garcia will be looking to extend their perfect records on the card as they face opponents who will be very familiar to Irish boxing fans. Super Middleweight Garcia takes on former Andy Lee opponent Alex Sipos while heavyweight Perez will face Tomas Mrazek who was last seen in an Irish ring with heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury.

Both Sipos and Mrazek put up very creditable efforts before losing on points to Lee and Fury at The O2 in Dublin last year so they represent decent tests for Perez and Garcia who will both be making their first appearances in over a year.

Despite only having had 5 pro fights the 22-year-old Garcia says he has no problems taking on an experienced foe in Sipos who aside from taking on Lee last year has also fought for the European title in a 30 fight pro career.

“I watched Sipos fight Andy Lee in Dublin and I have seen some of his other fights. He is strong and a good fighter but I believe I will have too much skill for him,” said Garcia.

“I have been out of the ring for so long and it has been frustrating for me because I love to fight and put on a show for the fans but I am just happy to have a date and an opponent to focus on now and I will be looking to take all my frustration out on Sipos in Limerick.”

Perez will also be looking to make a big impact in Limerick having fully recovered from a shoulder injury that has kept him out of the ring for over a year. “The shoulder is fine again now and I have had no problems with it,” said Perez.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and staying busy this year. I sparred Kevin Johnson in Cork recently and had no problems with him and he was just coming off a World title with Vitali Klitschko so I believe I have the talent and the punch power to become the World heavyweight champ.

“I had my second pro fight in Limerick and got a big welcome there. That was a quick night for me, I won by KO in 41 seconds so hopefully I can have another early night this time.”

The Yanjing Fight Night in Limerick will also see two Irish Professional titles up for grabs with local fan favourite Jamie Power clashing with John Waldron for the Irish Light Heavyweight title while Mayo’s Michael Sweeney will be out to end Dubliner Ian Tims unbeaten record in a grudge match for the Irish Cruiserweight title.

Undefeated Cavan star Andy Murray will be looking to continue his perfect record and follow on from his impressive win over Oisin Fagan in the main event on RTÉ’s last Pro Box Live show.

The 27-year-old lightweight has 18 straight wins to his name in the pro ranks and is currently rated number 3 in Europe.

Recently crowned Irish Heavyweight Champ Coleman Barrett will also be in action. The Galway native has won all but one of his 12 pro fights to date with his only defeat coming to Olympic Gold medallist and new European Champ Audley Harrison in last year’s Prizefighter final.

Another intriguing contest on the bill will see Mullingar’s Paddy McDonagh taking a major step up in class as he tackles former Irish Champion and Andy Lee opponent Ciaran Healy in just his third pro fight while the Limerick based Galwegian Alan Donnellon makes his professional debut in a Light Middleweight contest.

Tickets for the Yanjing Fight Night priced €30, €40, €50, €60, €75 and €100 are available from Ticketmaster (phone 0818 719 300 or visit ticketmaster.ie) and all usual outlets.