Dmitry Mikhaylenko (20-0, 9 KOs), aka “The Mechanic,” from Gelendzhik, Russia, stopped Johan “El Terrible” Perez (20-3-1, 13 KOs), from Caracas, Venezuela, at 2:21 of round eight to win the WBA-NABA welterweight title last night at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California

Fighting out of the red corner in blue and silver trunks, Mikhaylenko has been called awkward and feather-fisted. But against Perez, fighting out of the blue corner in red and gold trunks, he was neither. He’ll never be mistaken for a classic boxer/puncher. But he was a veritable beast from the east as he pressed forward, bobbing and weaving, strategically landing body shots from the opening bell so the head would die, which it eventually did.

Perez, 32, formerly held the interim WBA super lightweight title. He might be the more refined fighter, but that refinement was ineffective against the relentless, accurate punching of 29-year-old known as “The Mechanic.”

Both men were cut above the left eye from accidental headbutts.  Mikhaylenko was cut in round two, Perez in round 5. But the Russian shook off whatever Perez landed, eventually wearing down “El Terrible,” physically and psychologically.

He gave Perez and old-fashioned whooping.

The referee Ray Corona stopped the fight at the perfect time.

“Once I realized my punches were hurting him,” said Mikhaylenko after the fight, “I decided to continue to put pressure on him. He is not a heavy puncher and I took the opportunity to overwhelm him.”

The fight was televised live on HBO Latino.

Dmitry Mikhaylenko vs. Johan Perez can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMYJXWx000M

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.