Michael “The Artist” Perez (24-1-2, 11 KOs) of Newark, N.J. and NABA Lightweight Champion Petr “Zar” Petrov (37-4-2, 17 KOs) of Ryazan, Russia hosted a media workout in Los Angeles ahead of their battle on September 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
Also in attendance were televised fighters Alexis Rocha (4-0, 3 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. and co-main event, Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (2-0, 2 KOs) of San Diego. East Los Angeles’ Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (6-0, 5 KOs) who is scheduled for a six-round super lightweight fight against Larry Carrillo (5-1, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas was also onsite.
Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s media work out:
MICHAEL “THE ARTIST” PEREZ, WBA Number 3 Rated Lightweight Contender:
“I’ve been training with Robert Garcia for two and a half years now, and I’ve seen the results. Under his guidance, I have been able to win the NABO Lightweight Title, and now we get to work hard for the WBA title eliminator.
“This is a huge fight, and both my opponent and I are going in heavy, I’ve got to win– and my training with Garcias is a reflection of that. I’m stronger and more confident, now more than ever.”
PETR “ZAR” PETROV, NABA Lighweight Champion:
“This is one of the best camps I’ve had in my career. I started with part of my training camp in Madrid with my brother Vlad and out here the last two months with my trainer Danny Zamora and my strength trainer Jerry Arios helping me prepare for this fight.
“I’ve been feeling very strong. It’s been easy for me to make my weight, and my body has been good at this weight class.”
GENARO GAMEZ, Super Featherweight Prospect:
“I started my career sparring my brothers and cousins since I was seven years old. Boxing is a brutal sport, not including the physical stuff going on in the ring–but the diet, the discipline, and the mental game you always have to play. I know I have talent, and boxing just comes naturally to me.
“Every boxer will tell you that they want to win, that they want the world title, and that they want to leave a legacy behind them–and so do I. The only difference between them and me is that I have an amazing team behind me, that is empowering me and helping me utilize my skills to get the win. Being the co-main event this upcoming September 30th at Fantasy is a testament to the hard work we have put in.”
ALEXIS ROCHA,Welterweight Proespect;
“It’s been a ride this past year — I’ve been a pro for little less than a year, and I am so excited for the progress I have seen. I have been blessed to be able to be surrounded by such great talent, and it’s been a great experience so far.
“This training camp I’ve been working on my jab, combinations, and being able to work the body. It doesn’t matter who I am scheduled to fight, I have to be ready regardless. Ronny has been a great older brother and mentor for me. He pushes me to be confident, and not get a big head while still being aggressive in the ring. I never imagined myself to be where I am now!”
JONATHAN “THUNDER” NAVARRO, Super Lightweight Prospect:
“I am ready for whatever opponent is placed for me in the ring. I’ve been sparring with the best including Michael Perez, Alexis Rocha, Mikey Perez, and other athletes that have pushed me to improve — there is always something new to learn in the gym.
“I know my opponent has a strong left hand, and I personally have been working on my movement with my head and my hips, as well as being light on my feet while still playing pressure on my opponent.”
