Tuesday 6 June 2017 12:18, UK
Mike Perez is starting a new chapter at cruiserweight after his promising career was derailed by tragedy.
The talented Cuban appeared to be haunted by a brutal heavyweight victory as his world title ambitions were shattered within a handful of fights.
But Perez appears mentally and physically stronger ahead of his debut in a new division this Saturday night on the undercard of Lee Haskins' IBF title defence against Ryan Burnett, live on Sky Sports.
A member of Cuba's stellar amateur team, Perez won gold in the world junior championships, and holds a victory over compatriot Luis 'King Kong' Ortiz.
His start to life as a professional would give a hint of the arduous journey to come, with Perez fleeing the communist country to pursue financial reward in Ireland.
The Cork-based heavyweight, known as the 'The Rebel', would defeat two opponents on the same night as he swiftly earned a reputation as a dangerous puncher.
Entry to a Prizefighter international tournament in 2011 would boost his profile and bank account, with Perez toppling giant American Tye Fields in the final to claim the trophy and winner's cheque at York Hall in Bethnal Green.
After a spell away from the sport, Perez continued his nomadic travels, heading to America to pursue a world title shot and would share a brutal battle with Russian Magomed Abdusalamov in New York.
Both men showed bravery well beyond the demands of an unforgiving sport as they traded a torrent of punches and Abdusalamov was left with life-changing brain injuries after Perez's points win.
Perez seemed a shell of himself on his return to the ring, with trainer Abel Sanchez admitting his seemingly distracted fighter was in 'la-la land' after labouring to a draw with Carlos Takam.
Worse was to follow for Perez, who lost his unbeaten record in a points defeat to Bryant Jennings, receiving a costly point deduction in the final round of their WBC title eliminator.
His pursuit of a title fight in the top division was ended emphatically months later when a shell-shocked Perez was stopped by Alexander Povetkin inside a round in Moscow.
Following that disastrous defeat, Perez has reinvented himself at cruiserweight, returning from a two-year absence with a chiselled physique which suggests a new-found dedication.
Perez can now showcase his skills, without the usual height and weight disadvantage that hampered his progress at heavyweight, and still has time on his side at the age of 31.
The first tentative step will be taken this Saturday as Perez attempts to remind fight fans about a classy contender.
Watch Mike Perez on the undercard of Lee Haskins' IBF title defence against Ryan Burnett in Belfast on Saturday from 8pm on Sky Sports 1.
