Sixty Seconds with Perla Bazaldua
Age: 19
Twitter: @perla_baza
Nationality: Mexican-American
From: South Central Los Angeles, California
Stance: Orthodox
Record: 1-0
Next fight: May 10th in San Diego, California. It will be my Top Rank debut.
When and why did you start boxing:
I started boxing at the age of nine. I was inspired by my brothers to start. They’re the best role models, and I always wanted to be like them. I went to all of their training sessions and I got the urge to try it out, and I just fell in love with it.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Ricardo Lopez. I love his style, and even though I’m not an exact replica of him, I love his long punches and his precision.
Best fight you’ve seen:
The best fight I’ve seen of all time has got to be Michael Carbajal vs. Humberto Gonzalez.
Personal career highlight:
My personal career highlight has got to be signing with the biggest promotional company in the world, Top Rank, and only being the third female fighter to do so.
Toughest opponent:
My toughest opponent, I would say, is Huang Hsiao Wen. She was my last fight in the amateurs, and I lost the decision, but I believe that I won the fight. She was long and rangy. I dropped her in the second and gave her an eight count in the third. It was my first elite fight, but she kept me on my toes and brought out the best in me.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
The best attributes as a boxer would be your physical health and discipline. Being a boxer means being physically fit, and discipline has a lot to do with it. Having that discipline can help you outside of boxing with school or life. The worst attribute, I would say, is your mental health. Boxing is the toughest sport out there. You can be really hard on yourself, and that puts a lot of pressure on you. If you make one mistake, it can affect your confidence and mentality.
Training tip:
My training tip would be to train like you’re fighting. You need that seriousness and that grit to push yourself every single day. Erase all those distractions and get to work.
Best friends in boxing:
My best friend in boxing would definitely be my brother. He’s a professional boxer, and he understands the struggles of a boxer, and he’s always by my side. We connect as boxers and as family. He’s my ride or die.
What’s the attraction of boxing:
To me, the attraction of boxing would be all the action and the beauty of a fight. They call it the sweet science for a reason. Watching yourself and others learn new things and being smart in the ring is something different. It’s a beautiful dance, especially when you have a great dancing partner.
Where would you be without boxing:
Without boxing, I know I would be lost. Boxing gave me a purpose, and it made me feel seen. Without it, I know I would always rely on the validation of others, and I wouldn’t have the confidence that I have today.
What has boxing given you:
Boxing has given me a community. It has given me a kind and loving community. You meet new people every day, and it’s amazing to see how they support and push you to be better. They motivate you, and you feel inspired every day to get better.
Who inspires you the most and why:
My parents will always inspire me. They gave me everything when they had nothing. They are the perfect example of hard work and resilience. They sacrifice so much for my brothers and me, and one day, I hope to repay a fraction of that.
What one thing would you change to make the sport better:
I would definitely change the ‘bad’ business of the sport. There is a lot of politics when it comes to boxing. A lot of the time, the better boxer and the obvious winner do not get the decision, and the business side of the sport has a lot to do with it.
Best advice received:
The best advice I have received is to stay grounded and stay humble. You can’t get on your high horse because it will be easier to knock you down.
First-ever boxing memory:
My first boxing memory would be my first sparring session. I remember I was nervous and scared. I sparred with a boy, and he landed a right hand straight on my face, and I started crying. I stopped crying, and I remember I just got mad, and I just let my hands go, and I just kept going. I knew ever since that day that I wanted to box. It might be tough in the beginning, but you just have to keep going!
Something not many people know about you:
I love to bake and cook. I have a real soft spot for pastries.
