Mike Perez

Cuban-Irish southpaw Mike Perez has built one of the most unusual careers in modern boxing. A decorated amateur with more than 400 bouts and a 2004 World Junior Championship gold medal, Perez moved to Ireland and turned professional in 2008. He quickly established himself as an exciting heavyweight, winning the 2011 Prizefighter tournament in London and stopping Tye Fields in the final. His career later took him to some of boxing’s biggest stages, including Madison Square Garden, where he defeated unbeaten knockout artist Magomed Abdusalamov in a brutal 2013 contest.

Perez went on to compete against some of the best heavyweights and cruisers of his era. He fought Carlos Takam to a majority draw and narrowly lost a split decision to Bryant Jennings before suffering a first-round knockout against Alexander Povetkin in a WBC heavyweight title eliminator. After more than two years away, Perez returned at cruiserweight and entered the 2017 World Boxing Super Series, where he challenged WBC champion Mairis Briedis in the quarterfinals. Although he lost a unanimous decision, Perez continued his career at cruiserweight, later winning regional titles and defeating fighters including Keith Tapia, Tony Salam and Vasil Ducar.

Now a veteran with decades of experience, Perez remains a dangerous and highly experienced southpaw. He has continued to compete around the world, most recently defeating Franklin Arinze by unanimous decision over eight rounds in May 2026. With his combination of amateur pedigree, heavyweight experience, power and longevity, “The Rebel” remains a respected name in the cruiserweight division.