YOHNNY PEREZ AND SILENCE MABUZA GEAR UP FOR THE BANTAMWEIGHT BATTLE FOR THE IBF
#1 MANDATORY POSITION
International Boxing Federation has confirmed that promoters of rising bantamweight stars Yonnhy Perez and Silence Mabuza have reached an agreement for the fighters to battle it out for the IBF #1 mandatory position on April 18, 2009 in South Africa.
Co-promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, 
Colombian born Yonnhy Perez (18-0, 13 KO’s) who is based out of Santa Fe Springs, shared his thoughts on his upcoming battle for the #1 spot as an IBF mandatory: “I was just waiting for my promoters to come to a decision as to where my next fight will be so I can do what I am trained to do. I stay in shape between fights, so that I just need to adjust my style to overcome my opponent. Because I now know that this fight is for the #1 mandatory position for the IBF title, it makes it all the more motivating for me to get in the ring and make sure that walk out the victorious.”
A native South African, Silence Mabuza (22-2, 18KOs), who is known as “African Spice” became the IBO Bantamweight title holder in his last brawl against Argentina’s David Damien Marchiano, a fighter who has a history of squaring off against tough opponents like Mexican Olympians Abner Mares and Daniel Ponce De Leon. The courageous Mabuza is eager to take on the NABF Bantamweight champion. “I want fight fans to witness my determination to win.” said Mabuza.
Stated promoter Gary Shaw, “This will be the toughest test for Yonnhy in his young career. I know Silence Mabuza very well, and he is a warrior with great skills. However, I believe that Perez will have no problem fighting on foreign soil, and will come back to the US victorious.”
Perez, who recently returned from his homeland Colombia after a long awaited vacation with his family, will begin preparations for his toughest challenge to date in the following week. “Yonnhy is always in spectacular shape and is extremely focused in getting ready for this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Alex Camponovo, General Manager of Thompson Boxing. “He is traveling far to get this chance and he will not comeback empty handed.”
The Perez vs. Mabuza IBF Bantamweight elimination bout is promoted by Branco Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and it will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa.