Before I talked with Jose Perez Jr., I didn't know too much about him, and had never talked to him before. After hearing what many people around him had to say about him, I came to a conclusion: That this is the type of kid that Boxing needs. Everyone I talked to about Jose, all said one thing in common, that he's a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. He's a family man, trains with his Dad, takes good care of himself, is not out partying, and doesn't drink, smoke, or have any involvement with drugs. He's just a down to earth good kid. Don't let me forget to mention that he can fight also.

Jose is a young southpaw featherweight, who is coming off a 40 second knockout of Ginto Maezono on Thursday night in San Jose. He is 6-0 with 4 KOs and resides in Fremont, California. In his fight with Maezono, he devastated Ginto with an all out body attack. How many young pros in their sixth fight, concentrate on the body, instead of going after the more attractive head shots. But, Jose is not your typical young undefeated 6-0 fighter. Jose has an extensive amateur career, in which he compiled a record of 147-20, (one of the best ever records in the state of California), including five national championships, and five Golden Gloves championships. He is known only in Boxing's inner circle, but has really yet to be discovered by the rest of the Boxing world. He is still looking for a promoter, though he has gotten many offers, is still looking for that right offer.

As a kid, Jose's father took him to Detroit to work at the renowned Kronk Gym, it was at the Kronk where he caught the eye of legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward. Steward even surprised Perez, when he said of Jose that he is something special, and that he really believes Jose will become a world champion someday.

Jose is still looking for that right promoter who might make his dreams come true easier. So, for you promoters out there check this kid out, because he could be something special. Jose took some time the day after his fight to talk with me for a few minutes, and here's what the quiet kid had to say.

BRC: What style of boxer do you consider yourself?

PEREZ: A Boxer-puncher, that can adapt to whatever I need to do. I can box and move around, like Pernell Whitaker used to do, or I can just fight if I have to.

BRC: What has been the biggest adjustment to turning pro?

PEREZ: Probably getting used to the referees. In the amateurs you pay a lot more attention to the referee, because they could take a point away for less offenses. Now, I don't have to pay as much attention to the referees, you just got to break, when they say. Now you almost have to be ruthless in there, where as in amateurs you have to be almost be nice.

BRC: Emmanuel Steward recently had a lot of nice things to say about you, including that he believes you will be a world champion. How did it feel getting praise from a guy like Emmanuel?

PEREZ: That felt great, I didn't really know that he felt that good about me, until I heard that in that interview. When I was training out there (The Kronk gym) I knew he was looking, but he was looking at all of us, but I didn't know he was looking at me that close. That was a nice surprise.

BRC: How do you foresee your future as a professional fighter?

PEREZ: I want to win titles and bring in a lot of fans, and get the recognition. But, my main goal is to win a world championship.

BRC: Your father, Jose Sr. took you to the Kronk gym, and you got to train there. How was it getting to work at this well known boxing gym?

PEREZ: It was really intense the whole time, I never really trained that hard before until I went there. The gym is sort of like in a basement, and it's really hot in there and it gets you to perspire a lot. I guess they keep it that way, so guys can make weight. I sparred a lot, and certain trainers work with you, it's pretty tough.

BRC: Right now you currently don't have a promoter, is there anyone who intrigues you, or is who is knocking at your door?

PEREZ: We were sort of with Shelly Finkel as a amateur, but he let me go because I didn't make the Olympic team. We got some other guys looking, but my Dad would really know more about that.

BRC: Right now you're fighting as a featherweight, do you see yourself fighting at this weight throughout your career?

PEREZ: Yes, because I have been comfortable at this weight now for 2-3 years. I might move up a little down the road if my body matures more, but right now I see myself as a featherweight.

BRC: The featherweight division is a loaded division, even though it's still early in your career, is there anybody who attracts your attention as somebody that you would like to fight?

PEREZ: Right now, I'd like to fight Robert Guerrero. He's a guy that down the road that my Dad and I will be looking at when the time is right.

BRC: Who were some fighters that you admired while growing up?

PEREZ: Pernell Whitaker was one, I liked the way he moved so well, and was able to hit while he was moving. I've tried to do a lot of that myself. I also like Marco Antonio Barrera, and the way he just takes charge, and manhandles fighters. Like during the fight with Prince Naseem Hamed, I admired the way he took charge against him like no else could do.

BRC: If you could change one thing about Boxing, inside or outside of the ring, what would it be?

PEREZ: It's pretty good now, but like when so many boxers have retired and had many financial problems. I would like to see something done about that, but even that seems to be getting a little better.

I would like to thank Jose's family and friends at Camp Punisher for making this interview possible.