Career
As an amateur, he represented Puerto Rico in several international competitions, winning the bantamweight national title, 2010 Pan American Elite Championships and 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games. On June 10, 2010, Pérez was able to gain the final place in the national team, defeating youth competitor Félix Verdejo by points (14:3). The following week, he participated in the 2010 Pan American Elite Championships along his teammates, debuting with a victory over the competitor of the Dominican Republic.
In the second round, Pérez defeated Elias Emigdio of Mexico (8:6).
At the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games, Pérez debuted by defeating Alexander Millán of Venezuela (16:9). He advanced to the medal round with an 18:7 victory in a rematch against Emigdio.
In the semifinals, he was paired against Jorge Nuñez of the Dominican Republic, winning by unanimous decision (11:3). On November 4, 2010, Pérez announced that he would sign a professional contract, closing his amateur career after 82 contests.
On that date his trainer, José Bonilla, noted that he would move up to the super bantamweight division, citing difficulty to make the bantamweight professional limit of 118 pounds.
Pérez debuted on February 25, 2011, defeating Jaime González by technical knockout in two rounds, following three knockdowns. On May 6, 2011, Pérez fought Sigfredo Medina, who refused to answer the bell for the fourth and final round.
