Albuquerque's Abraham Perez Claims Interim Flyweight Championship

In a thrilling showdown on Sunday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Albuquerque boxer Abraham Perez emerged victorious against former world champion Jonathan Gonzalez, capturing the WBA interim flyweight title by split decision. The bout, streamed live on DAZN, showcased Perez's skill in a highly tactical 12-round battle, with one judge scoring it 115-113 in favor of Gonzalez, while two others awarded Perez the fight with identical scores of 115-113.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Perez, who now boasts an undefeated record of 15 wins, including seven knockouts. Gonzalez, hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, now holds a professional record of 29 wins, five losses, and one draw.

In a post-fight interview, Perez displayed a humble demeanor, acknowledging his performance. When asked if he believed he had done enough to win, he replied, “Yes, but I still don’t feel like that was my best,” adding, “Just stay a little bit more on my feet, stay more sharp with my punches. Shoot, I’m a flyweight (112 pounds). I should throw more (punches) than that.”

Throughout the match, commentators highlighted Perez's adaptability, describing him as “intuitive” and unpredictable, which kept Gonzalez off balance. Despite Gonzalez's experience and physicality, particularly in close-range exchanges, it was Perez who consistently landed the cleaner punches, utilizing effective movement and creative combinations.

While interim titles often indicate a potential challenge for the reigning champion, Gonzalez was required to defend against Perez despite having previously held the interim belt himself. When asked about a possible match with WBA flyweight champion Ricardo Sandoval, Perez stated, “If he’s willing, then yessir, I would like it.” Sandoval, who has not fought since July 2025, currently does not have a scheduled bout.

Looking ahead, Perez may first defend his newly acquired title, with promoter Dmitriy Salita expressing excitement about Albuquerque’s boxing scene. “One of the great boxing towns in the United States is Albuquerque, New Mexico,” Salita noted. “Now we have a world (interim) champion, and maybe the first defense is there.”