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Eric Perry photo by: Janet Hutchinson Wohler with One One Six Boxing Promotions
Leaning in the corner with his arms on the ropes of the ring and resting, Toccoa native Eric Perry seemed cool, calm, and collected.
While resting, the referee went up to Perry’s opponent to assess if he was able to continue the rest of the boxing match. The referee waved him off indicating the opponent could not continue which led to Perry winning a pro heavyweight championship belt July 24 in Pell City Ala.
“It feels amazing,” Perry said of winning his belt. “It just feels amazing. It really feels amazing.”
Winning a heavyweight belt for the six-round pro boxer out of Toccoa is something that seems surreal, Perry said. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real to him that he actually accomplished this feat. The recent victory improves his perfect pro mark to 4-0 with all four ending in first round knockouts. According to www.boxrec.com, Perry is the first pro boxer from Toccoa to win a heavyweight belt. Other pro boxers coming out of Toccoa have included Paul Anderson and David Sewell. Being from Toccoa, Perry said he’s glad that he is able to represent his hometown. He said he appreciates the support he’s received from his community. Perry has three Toccoa-based sponsors. Those three include Boys & Girls Clubs of Toccoa-Stephens County, Currahee Defenders and Currahee Overland. Perry said people from Currahee Overland made the trip to Alabama to see him in action.
“Toccoa showed up,” Perry said. “I had so many people from Toccoa show up and man, the love was overwhelming. It is the best feeling I have ever had. I had people literally from my hometown cheering their hometown fighter.”
Having experienced nothing but first round matches with opponents, Perry said he wishes he could do more. The 4-0 pro fighter said he wants to get more rounds for the added experience.
“Its four fights,” Perry said. “That’s four first round knockouts. It does feel really good. It would be nice to get some rounds in … I am interested in stepping in a ring that’s going to at least take me to the second round. That way I can get some rounds under my belt, but in the meantime, if they can’t keep up, they get rolled on,” he said. “It is not my responsibility to carry anyone. If you can’t keep up you get rolled over,” he said.
After winning his most recent fight, Perry said he was relieved when he held his title belt.
“I was at a loss for words,” Perry said. “I am still in awe of the moment, like did this really just happen? You just kind of just take a second to just gather your thoughts,” he said.
After the referee called the match and determined Perry as the winner, Perry ran to the corner of the ring where family and friends were located. Perry said he jumped on the ropes waving and cheering. Filled with joy he had to celebrate. And, that meant he celebrated with his victory tradition – a meal from Bojangles. He celebrated by being treated to Bojangles with his family.
“We got two 20-piece box meals. I got the spicy. Those Bo-Berry biscuits were hitting. The Bo-Biscuits in general were hitting,” Perry said. “It was the perfect nightcap.”
Being reared in Toccoa, Perry said he wants to motivate and inspire the youths currently living in Toccoa. He said he’s glad he can be a reference point in Toccoa for boxing. Perry said he wants to encourage youth and send them a message.
“If it is your dream, it is your duty to protect it,” Perry said. “It’s your duty to do everything that it takes to make your dream come true. “Don’t worry about the people that do not support your dream or understand your dream. They don’t see your vision. It is 100 percent okay because it is not their vision to see. It is up to you to make it happen for yourself."