Perez-Forbes, Holyfield appearance open Jan. 12 BB&T series

Once-beaten Venezuelan junior welterweight Johan Perez will meet ex-world titleholder Steve Forbes on Jan. 12, in Sunrise, Fla., with a guest appearance by former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield scheduled as part of the first BB&T Center Boxing Series event sponsored by Golden Boy and Sports and Entertainment.

"We are really excited about this new series in South Florida, and for the first event, we wanted to bring a world class fight, and that is exactly what you have in Perez vs. Forbes," said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy.

"Fight fans will get to see two former world champions in a battle for what could lead to a world title shot later in 2013. That usually  means fireworks in the ring, and I can't wait to see it."

Golden Boy struck a deal with the BB&T Center last month in Sunrise, Fla., to bring professional boxing to the Southern part of the state, and the initial event will be televised live on FOX Sports Networks and FOX Deportes.

"We are thrilled and honored to partner with an incredible athlete and entrepreneur such as Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions," said Michael R. Yormark, president of SSE.

"We believe that together, we can take live professional boxing to the next level in South Florida, beginning with the first incredible event on Jan. 12 featuring Johan Perez and Steve Forbes and an appearance from boxing legend Evander Holyfield."

Nicknamed "El Terrible," Perez (15-1-1, 12 KO's) is a 29-year-old former interim WBA beltholder, a title he won with a fourth-round technical knockout over Puerto Rico's Kenny Galarza in December of last year.

Perez was dethroned as titleholder following July's disputed seventh round, technical decision loss to Pablo Cesar Cano, a bout that ended when cuts arose as a result of an accidental clash of heads.

Forbes (35-11, 11 KO's) is a 35-year-old former IBF junior lightweight beltholder who has lost to the likes of De La Hoya,  Andre Berto and Cornelius Bundrage at higher weights.

Forbes has been stopped only once, falling by 10th-round technical knockout to Karim Mayfield in June of last year, and is trying to end a his current three-fight losing streak.

Future events include those next year on June 1, Oct. 5, and Jan. 14, 2014 for fight enthusiasts, who can purchase annual subscriptions for all four events inclusive of VIP seating and boxing legend meet and greets by calling 954-835-CLUB.

Tickets for the Jan. 12 event, which is sponsored by Corona, go on sale on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. ET at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Charge by phone (800-745-3000) or go to www.ticketmaster.com or check on Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. ET at the BB&T Center box offices.

Lem Satterfield can be reached at lemuel.satterfield@gmail.com