Perro Donates Hair for Locks of Love
Junior middleweight Alfredo “Perro” Angulo is known for his ferocity in the ring.
But today he showed a softer side to the hard-nosed, rugged persona fans are used to seeing.
At Tuesday’s press conference to kick off his upcoming battle versus Canelo Alvarez (billed as “Toe to Toe”) on March 8, Angulo had several inches of his long hair chopped off and donated to the nonprofit Locks of Love organization.
As Team Perro (including trainer Virgil Hunter, attorney Lucy Haro and Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer) looked on, the Mexican warrior’s tresses were parted, put in two ponytails and snipped off as the large crowd at the Los Angeles Central Library’s Outdoor Plaza witnessed the slugger donate his hair to help the less fortunate–kids and teens under 21 who have suffered hair loss from medical conditions.
The fighter spent many months growing out his hair. Since the summer of 2012, Angulo’s hair and beard have grown long and bushy. He first began to grow it out while he was held at the El Centro Immigration Detention Facility. After the former champ was released, Alfredo told me he wanted to continue growing out his hair and planned on donating it to the charity which will use it to make hairpieces for the patients.
While sporting cornrows in the ring, Angulo kept his mission in growing out his hair as he made his comeback in the squared circle.
Patiently and painstakingly growing it out, the time had come for the donor. For a Locks of Love donation, the ponytail must measure at least 10 inches. Clad in a special Locks of Love black T-shirt, “Perro” wiped his brow as the large metal scissors came out. A Lucha Libre character stood by for support along with Westside Boxing Club trainers Jose and Nacho, who were also planning to have their hair cut in honor of 
giving back to the children who need the natural hair.
With two firm snips, the hair was shed. Triumphantly holding up the two pigtails, Alfredo was happy to do his part to assist others.
The newly-shorn boxer is looking to have a big year as he faces young superstar Canelo. The two gladiators will go to war on March 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Their clash is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and will air on Showtime PPV and will feature a action-packed undercard.
During the news conference kicking off the event, Perro spoke of an early inspiration. His friend had cancer and lost their fight against the deadly disease. He didn’t realize how sick she really was and sadly, she quickly lost her battle.
So with this haircut, the Mexicali boxer hopes to inspire others to also give back. A champion to kids and teenagers, Alfredo, 31, is now a proud donor for the Locks of Love program.
And while he showed his compassion and generosity on stage yesterday, come March 8, he plans on heading back into beast mode as he locks horns with the redheaded icon Canelo, 23. Both are coming off losses and both will set their sights on victory.
And with his heavy locks now trimmed short, Alfredo “Perro” Angulo will be looking to prove he’s the top dog in the game.
For more info: www.locksoflove.org
Photos by Michele Chong