Juan Perez, the child boxer from Mexico whose story moved many, including Canelo Alvarez, made his professional debut this Saturday at 16 years old. The career of “El Guerito de Tepito” began with a solid victory in Saudi Arabia on the undercard of David Benavidez. “El Guerito de Tepito”—his boxing name, a reference to the Mexico City neighborhood he hails from—dominated all four rounds of his bout against Barker Ssewanyana, a young fighter from Uganda, securing a unanimous decision victory in the bantamweight division. Although his plan was to make his professional debut in 2026, things worked out for “El Guerito de Tepito” to advance his debut, which was made possible in Saudi Arabia despite his young age. He wants to become a world champion and emulate men like Canelo Alvarez, who took him under his wing in previous years to motivate him to pursue his goal.

The young Mexican boxer came out dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants

However, the young Mexican's debut was with David Benavidez's team, and "El Guerito de Tepito" (The Little Blond Guy from Tepito) showed he was ready. He entered the ring dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants, with the theme song "El Toro Encartado" playing and a smile he couldn't hide.

And from the first bell, he went on the offensive against Ugandan Ssewanyana, a technically limited boxer, but difficult due to his defensive style and his short stature. Furthermore, he wore his shorts too high, practically up to his chest, limiting the space for the Mexican to throw body shots. "El Guerito de Tepito" started by throwing a lot of jabs with his greater reach and also targeting the liver. His trainer, Jose Benavidez, told him after the first round: "Liver, liver... you're doing well, dude," while the young man stood in the corner after his first few minutes as a professional. The uppercut was the best punch of "El Guerito de Tepito" in his debut. But then he forgot about the jab and began to try hooks and uppercuts.It was his uppercut that worked best for him, landing several against an opponent who covered well and clinched when he felt pressured. Barker Ssewanyana, who now has a record of 1-2-1, was penalized a point by Mexican referee Miguel Angel Canul for holding his opponent too tightly, who was more effective at maintaining distance in the final round. All three judges' scorecards were 40-35. Juan “El Guerito de Tepito,” who started boxing at age 10 to learn self-defense in the neighborhood, couldn't debut with a knockout, but he showed good attitude, a good repertoire, and excellent physical condition. The fighter from Mexico City, at his young age, looks like a true boxer, serious, not like a “mascot,” and of course, he will never forget his first professional fight at an international event far from home.