Raúl Pérez

Raúl Pérez (born February 14, 1967 in Tijuana, Baja California) is a former boxer from Mexico. He has won world titles in two weight divisions.

Professional career

Known as "Jibaro", Perez turned pro in 1984 with a knockout victory over Jose Alvarado. Before challenging for a world title, he accumulated a record of 41-1-1 with victories over former champion Prudencio Cardona and future champions Gaby Canizales and Wilfredo Vazquez.

Bantamweight title

In 1988, Pérez defeated Miguel Lora for the WBC bantamweight title in an extremely bloody fight in which both fighters were cut. He defended the title six times against capable challengers Lucio Omar Lopez, Cardenio Ulloa, Diego Avila, Gerardo Martinez, Jose Valdez, Candelario Carmona, and Gaby Canizales in a rematch. In 1991, he lost his title to Greg Richardson by decision.

Super Bantamweight title

He moved up in weight later that year to defeat WBA super bantamweight title holder Luis Enrique Mendoza by decision. He lost the belt in his first defense by third round tko to Wilfredo Vazquez in a rematch.

Super Featherweight and Retirement

In 1993, Perez moved up to the Super Featherweight division where he unsuccessfully challenged WBA champion Genaro Hernandez, losing by 8th round knockout. He remained inactive for nearly two years, and in 1995, he suffered another knockout loss to Luisito Espinoza. He retired in 2000 after a loss to Hector Velazquez.