ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2014) – Interim WBA Lightweight World Champion Darleys Perez (30-1, 19 KOs) defends his title against fellow Colombian Jaider Parra (23-1-1, 12 KOs) this Friday, Oct. 24, in the 12-round main event from the Coliseo Universidad Del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Perez, who is currently the WBA No. 1 ranked challenger to current world champion Richar Abril, understands the high importance attached to this interim title defense.

“This is simply another step I need to take to fulfill my goal of becoming an outright world champion,” said Perez, who captured the interim title against the previously undefeated Argenis Lopez in June. “I’ve been focused since day one of training camp and look forward to winning in front of my hometown fans. I know Parra will come out swinging, but I won’t let that affect my game plan.”

Perez is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.

“Darleys Perez is back on top of the lightweight division and I know he has what it takes to solidify himself as the best 135 pounder in the world,” said Gary Shaw, president of Gary Shaw Productions. “Parra is a tough opponent, but I think Perez is the more superior fighter who’s fought the better competition. A victory for Perez will do wonders for his career.”

“We know Darleys to be one of the brightest talents in the lightweight division, and on Saturday, he’s going to show the world he’s the guy to beat in that loaded division,” said Ken Thompson, founder and president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He has all the tools and motivation to be great for a long time.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com and GaryShawProductions.com.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (June 28, 2014) – Tonight in Dominican Republic, Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions’, Darleys Perez (30-1, 19 KOs), captured the WBA Interim Title with a hard fought victory against Argenis Lopez (19-1, 7 KOs), who was fighting in his home country.

From the opening bell, Perez was the busier fighter as he threw more punches and landed the cleaner shots. Lopez never really got into a rhythm and Perez took advantage of the situation by outworking him throughout the fight. Neither fighter was seriously hurt. Scorecards read 116-112 and 117-111 twice, all in favor for Perez.

With the win, Perez cements himself as a serious player in the lightweight division. Many fights can be made with Perez challenging any of the world champions at 135lbs. Promoter Gary Shaw feels Perez is on his way to a big time fight.

“This is a very big win for us,” said Gary Shaw. “Thompson Boxing and GSP are very thrilled to have another world champion to promote. There are some big fights that can be made so we’ll get working on some great opportunities for Perez. For Perez to win a decision in Lopez’s hometown is amazing. He really earned this victory with tremendous heart and grandeur.”

“I knew I had to give it my all to come out here and earn a decision,” said Perez. “I felt I was in control of the fight from the very beginning. I never let up and kept coming strong with controlled pressure. I know my promoters, Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing have some big plans for my future, so I’m going to just enjoy this win and get back to work when I get home. I’m happy to bring this title home to Colombia.

June 25, 2014 – Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions lightweight contender, Darleys Perez (29-1, 19 KOs) will fight for the interim WBA World title against Argenis Lopez (19-0, 7 KOs) at the Sheraton Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this Saturday June 28, 2014.

After suffering his first lost to Yuriorkis Gamboa over a year ago, Perez returned to the win column with a convincing victory against Dunis Linan back in December of 2013. Perez who is ranked WBA #5 looks to position himself for a title shot with a victory against Lopez is rated WBA #4.

“I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on my defeat to Gamboa,” said Perez. “I’ve came back with a win against Linan and my confidence is where it needs to be moving forward. Lopez is coming to fight as am I, so I’m expecting to face a fighter who is determined to take food off my table. I’m not going to let it happen. I’ve worked too hard get back in this position and Lopez better be ready to die in the ring because I am.”

“I’ve only fought once in the last twelve months but I’ve been training hard while I was on down time,” Perez continued. “I’m healthy, in great shape, and I’m ready to go the distance if need be. I’m going to Lopez’s hometown so I’ll be gunning for the knockout as I don’t want to leave any doubt in the judges’ minds.”

“Darleys has a great opportunity to put himself in a great position to fight for another world title,” said Gary Shaw. “If he comes out victorious, which I believe he will, then I’ll be working to get him a title shot against the champion, Richard Abril. Right now he must focus on Lopez and bring home the victory.”

ONTREAL (May 22, 2013) –The interesting battle preceding the much-anticipated showdown on Saturday night, June 8, between the most dangerous super middleweight, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (20-1-0, 17 KOs), and World Boxing Council (WBC),The Ring Magazine and linear light heavyweight champion, “Bad” Chad Dawson (31-2-0, 17 KOs), features a pair of international stars adding spectacular excitement for boxing fans in attendance as well as those watching on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark,” live from the historic Bell Centre in Montreal.

GAMBOA VS. PEREZ – 50 Cent in Montreal
Former two-time world champion Yuriorkis “El Ciclon” Gamboa (22-0-0, 16 KOs) will be showcased in the June 8th co-feature. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist from Cuba faces another undefeated boxer, Colombian Darley Perez (28-0-0, 19 KOs), as Gamboa makes a foray into the lightweight division. Gamboa is considered one of the world’s top pound-for-pound boxers, as well as one of the most exciting boxers in the world. In addition, Gamboa will be accompanied by his promoter, internationally known rapper 50 Cent.

ALVAREZ VS. GREEN
Fast-rising light heavyweight Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (12-0-0, 8 KOs) is on his way to positioning himself for a world title shot. Already ranked No. 4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 7 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), the North American champion has every intention to impress as he confronts a seasoned veteran in American opponent Allan Green (32-4-0, 22 KOs), who participated in the famous international Super Six tournament. Green, who will be fighting in Quebec for his third time, fought two of the top super middleweights in the world, Andre Ward and Mikkel Kessler, in the Super Six. In his first Quebec fight, Green registered a win by unanimous decision over Sebastien Demers, and followed that in his last Canadian appearance when he knocked-out Renan St-Juste.

LEMIEUX VS. SWIERZBINSKI
Power-punching middleweight David Lemieux (28-2-1, 27 KOs) remains a major attraction in any boxing event. Bright, fast and uncompromising in the ring, he quickly became a Quebec favorite and on this occasion he faces Polish fighter Robert Swierzbinski (11-1-0, 3 KOs). Lemieux will be seeking his 28th career knockout, unmatched by any active Quebec fighter.

BENCE VS. BARRACK
The fight that could steal the Gala Grand Prix show finds two unbeaten heavyweights, Didier “Big Daddy” Bence (8-0-0, 2 KOs) and Eric Barrack (7-0-0, 6 KOs), in a classic confrontation between a brawler (Barrack) and boxing stylist (Bence), insuring a fight that certainly will attract attention.

BOUCHARD VS. COTRONI
Quebecers are fond of fights featuring local favorites like on June 8th when young Sébastien Bouchard (6-0-0, 2KO) is opposed by Mascouche Francesco Cotroni (7-1-0, 4 KOs).

BETERBIEV VS. CRUZ
GYM predicts a great career for former world amateur champion Artur Beterbiev, who will make his professional debut against California invader Christian Cruz (12-14-1, 10 KOs).

PEDRAZA VS. TBA
Finally, another rising star in professional boxing, 2008 Puerto Rico Olympian Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (12-0-0, 8 KOs), will also be fighting against an opponent to be announced shortly.

The gala June 8 boxing event is part of that weekend’s Canada Formula One Grand Prix activities, providing additional entertainment alternatives for visitors to Montreal for the race, highlighted by a tremendous evening of world championship boxing the day before, at centrally-located Montreal Bell Centre area where most visitors will be staying.

The overall atmosphere in the arena will reflect the high-profile fever pitch of the most anticipated week of Montreal sports. Champagne will be on all tables, vintage decorations will serves as reminders of 1960 Detroit-designed cars, and accompanying young ladies will be dressed accordingly. There will also be an exposition of vintage automobiles at the Bell Centre.

Co-promoted by Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gary Shaw Production Group. (GSP), the June 8th event is a co-presentation of Mise-O-Jeux and Videotron.

Tickets, starting at ranging from 50$ in the red section of the Bell Center to 300$ at ringside are available to purchase at Bell Centre, online at www.evenko.ca, by calling GYM at (514) 383.0666 or Club de Boxe Champion (514) 376-0980

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.:
Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through supportive coaching and management, especially in competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its inception eight years ago, GYM has presented 108 events, including some historic in terms of ticket sales and PPV views, like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced over 300 hours of TV for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the US. A total of six different GYM boxers have fought in 16 world championship fights. Under the tutelage of GYM, Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2007 and Jean Pascal the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009.

May 13, 2013 – Undefeated lightweight contender Darley Perez (28-0, 19 KOs) has signed on to fight explosive Cuban superstar Yuriorkis Gamboa (22-0, 16 KOs) in the co-feature of an HBO telecast taking place on June 8th, live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada. The main event that evening will be a light heavyweight title tilt between Chad Dawson and Adonis Stevenson. Perez vs. Gamboa is a strong addition to an already stellar night of boxing.

Darley Perez is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions, while Yuriorkis Gamboa is promoted by 50 Cents’ SMS Promotions.

Perez is battletested but Gamboa will be his toughest test to date. A win could put either fighter in line for a major opportunity. Perez knows what is on the line and welcomes the challenge.

For Perez, he feels this step up in competition is coming at the perfect time in his career and he has been ready for this kind of test for quite some time.

“I wouldn’t dare take Gamboa lightly, I’ll train hard for a tough fight and he’d be well-advised to do the same because I’m a top fighter. I will prove to everyone that I am a world-class fighter and the rest of the world will figure out what I already know after June 8th,” said Perez.

Gamboa, with his aggressive style, has emerged as one of the best fighters to defect from Cuba. He’ll look to continue his winning ways on fight night.

“I keep looking to prove my worth and will now do so in trying to win a 4th world title in a third weight class, the lightweight division,” Gamboa said. “I like challenging myself. June 8th I plan on showing my best yet again.”

Gary Shaw, Perez’s co-promoter, knows how ready his fighter is for this opportunity and is also aware of the fact that a win for Perez would be considered a significant upset. However, he thinks that if people were educated enough on Perez’s ability then they wouldn’t see it as that shocking an outcome.

“You have to understand that we’ve been waiting on an opportunity like this for Perez to make his mark. Some may feel like it is Darley’s chance to pull off the shocking upset, but I see it as more of a coming out party. We’ve had him caged in waiting for the chance to unleash the beast and we could’ve pulled the trigger a couple fights back and then the world would be aware of his chances in this fight. But because we knew that an opportunity like this was only a matter of time we waited and now he will show he’s been a top contender all along,” Shaw said.

“The fight on June 8th between Yuriorkis Gamboa and Darley Perez is going to be very exciting.” said Curtis Jackson (AKA 50 Cent). “Gamboa has been training really hard and his fighting style is aggressive while Perez showcases a calmer demeanor in the ring which will make for a very competitive showing.

Alex Camponovo, general manager of Thompson Boxing Promotions said, “Darley Perez is not a simple opponent, he has the necessary tools to back up his undefeated record and he will be ready to fight a guy like Gamboa. We are excited to get him this opportunity and we trust in his ability.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Former Featherweight and currant Super Featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa will move up to Lightweight and face Darley Perez on June 8th in Montreal in the opening bout of an HBO doubleheader featuring Chad Dawson defending his title against Adonis Stevenson

“I believe that Darley has the tools to beat Gamboa,” Gary Shaw, Perez’s co-promoter with Thompson Boxing, told ESPN.com. “Whether he uses them will be a different story. Should be a real test for Gamboa, who is moving to 135, as Perez is a real 135-pounder.”