Alberto Puello succeeded in becoming a champion again. The Dominican southpaw defeated the American Gary Antuanne Russell by a split decision to secure the WBC interim light welterweight title. The undefeated boxer, who earlier held the WBA interim light welterweight championship, accomplished the feat after being declared a champion-in-recess last year. The close fight with the Maryland-born Russell wasn’t without its moments. For excessive clinching, the referee deducted a point from Puello. But many didn’t buy the decision. Understandably, the Dominican boxer’s corner had their own set of thoughts. But as it appears, they surprisingly made it to Rosie Perez‘s ears.

The Oscar-nominated actress immediately took to her X/Twitter handle and shared her disbelief at what transpired in Alberto Puello’s corner. In Russell, ‘The Wasp’ faced an opponent who had never allowed any of his opponents to take him the distance. However, Puello endured the 100% knockout artist’s punches to only inflict the latter’s first career defeat. 

Rosie Perez: Boxing’s Life-Long Ambassador

It seems Perez heard someone at Alberto Puello’s corner utter, “Everyone’s against us here.” The actress, who received the Oscar nomination for her supporting role as ‘Carla Rodrigo’ in the 1993 movie ‘Fearless’, is well known for her love of the sweet science. Back in 2013, at the International Boxing Hall of Fame parade, she was the grand marshal!

In fact, like any diehard fan, she was keenly following the match right from the beginning. Soon after posting her thoughts on the Carlos Adames–Terrell Gausha fight, she noted how the Puello-Russell clash was coming off as an exciting face-off. Giving all credit to the Dominican boxer, she noted, “Puello not making this easy.”

After penning a few words on the Subriel Matias–Liam Paro card, she expressed a shicker when the point was taken away from ‘The Wasp. “Point taken from Puello???” She wrote. More so, she believes that Alberto Puello should have exploited the situation involving the low blow. She said, “After that point taken, Puello should’ve milked that time for the low blow.”

It won’t be the first time the boxing die-hard has shared her viewpoints. Even on a personal level, she makes it a point to reach out to the boxers, whether on a happy note or, for that matter, during a sad time in their lives.

A steadfast presence for the boxers

Early this month, a heart-broken Ryan Garcia shared the devastating news of his mother, Mrs. Lisa Garcia‘s, cancer diagnosis. He received an outpouring of sympathy and messages of support from several corners. One of those who prayed for ‘KingRy’ and his family was Rosie Perez. Completely shocked, she said, “Nooo! I’m so sorry to hear this! Prayers!!”

As she did in other cards, Rosie Perez followed the Alberto Puello-Gary Russell fight till the end. Finally, when the match reached the scorecards, she let out a big sigh of relief and congratulated Puello for making it through in the end, despite the point deduction. Subsequently, she congratulated both boxers for putting on an excellent show.

It was time for the co-headliner between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk.

Did you see the Puello-Russell match? Do you feel taking away the point from the Dominican fighter was justified? Please share your views with us in the comments below.