By KEVIN JAKAHI
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Sometimes, mixed martial arts champions come out of small garage gyms in Keaukaha, like where the Killabeez Striking System club is based.
Jeremy Pereira, from Killabeez, will take on Federico Vento, from AP Boxing, for the Just Scrap 115-pound amateur title on Friday at Hilo Civic.
Pereira (2-0) grew up in Waianae, where his grandpa Fred “Pops” Pereira founded the Waianae Boxing Club.
He eventually came to the Big Island in 2012, and tagged along with a friend to Killabeez founder Omar Cabbab’s house.
“One of the guys invited me to spar, and I never left,” Pereira said.