On January 4, 2003, the DC Armory in Washington, DC, hosted a competitive and gritty bout for the IBF World Super-Flyweight Title as Venezuela's Felix Machado defended his belt against Nicaragua's Luis Alberto Perez. Machado, a skilled southpaw with a record of 23-3-1, was making the fourth defence of his title, while Perez, entering with a 20-1 mark, sought to dethrone him and claim his first world championship. The fight was promoted by Don King Productions and aired on Showtime, adding to its significance in the super-flyweight division.
In the opening rounds, Machado utilized his southpaw stance and long reach to establish control, landing sharp jabs and mixing in body shots to keep Perez at bay. Perez, known for his relentless aggression and heavy hands, worked to close the distance, targeting Machado's midsection and looking to set up his power punches. The clash of styles created a competitive dynamic, with neither fighter able to gain a definitive edge in the early rounds.
In the fifth round, a turning point occurred when referee Kenny Chevalier deducted a point from Machado for a low blow, a decision that would weigh heavily on the fight's outcome. The deduction disrupted Machado's rhythm, while Perez seized the opportunity to intensify his pressure, forcing the champion into exchanges where his power began to tell.
As the fight progressed, the action remained closely contested. Machado relied on his technical ability and experience to stay competitive, while Perez continued to press forward, landing cleaner shots and gaining momentum. The final rounds saw both fighters leave everything in the ring, with Perez's aggression and Machado's counterpunching keeping the crowd engaged until the final bell.
When the scorecards were read, the verdict reflected the fight's competitiveness but left room for debate. Judge Paul Artisst scored it 115-112 in favor of Perez, while Tammye Jenkins also scored it 114-113 for the challenger. Judge Walter Cavalieri, however, saw the bout 117-110 in Machado's favour, resulting in a split decision victory for Perez. The new champion's hand was raised, marking the beginning of his reign in the division.
Though disappointed, Machado remained determined and would seek revenge later that year. The rematch between the two in December 2003 saw Perez solidify his superiority, winning by unanimous decision to defend the title and put their rivalry to rest.
This initial meeting between Machado and Perez was a hard-fought contest emblematic of the super-flyweight division's competitiveness. Perez's pressure and Machado's skill created a memorable clash. The outcome highlighted the acceptable margins that often decide championship bouts and marked the rise of Perez as a world champion in one of boxing's most demanding weight classes.