Rebel Perez faces toughest test

MIKE ‘The Rebel’ Perez faces a defining moment in his fledgling pro fight career when he takes on Claudemir Diaz, a bulked-up heavyweight from Sao Paulo, at Neptune Stadium in Cork tonight.

Manager and promoter Gary Hyde said no expense had been spared in bringing Cuban Perez up to speed in time for the clash with Diaz.

“We have done everything possible to take him to this level, we have brought in sparring partners from all over the world, no expense has been spared,” said Hyde at yesterday’s weigh-in at the Montenotte Leisure Centre. “When he came to Ireland from Cuba, it was always going to be a culture shock and we gave him time to come to terms with that. Now he has two other Cuban boxers in the camp with him and he is enjoying life.”