Johannesburg, South Africa (May 29, 2009) – Behind on all scorecards at the beginning of the 12th round, Perez landed a huge left hand jab that sent Mabuza to the canvas. Buzzed and on uneasy legs Mabuza beat the count. Perez proceeded to apply pressure and landed huge shots leaving no option for referee Kenny Chevalier to stop the fight with 1:06 left in the last stanza.

With the victory, Perez (19-0, 14 KOs) becomes the mandatory challenger for Joseph Abgeko who fights Vic Darchinyan on July 11 for the IBF bantamweight title.

“My corner told me I was losing. I knew I had to throw decisive shots and try to knock him out,” said Perez after the fight. “I countered him and hit him right on the button, it was not a lucky shot. He was in his hometown and we battled hard, Mabuza is a lion, but I knew some close rounds were going to go his way. I’m ready for the big challenge now.”