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Erislandy Lara, Vanes Martirosyan, Jermall Charlo, Austin Trout, Jermell Charlo John Jackson Media Conference Call Transcript<

Erislandy Lara, Vanes Martirosyan, Jermall Charlo, Austin Trout,
Jermell Charlo & John Jackson Media Conference Call Transcript

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Leonard Ellerbe

I would like to thank everyone for joining us on the call today. We have an exciting tripleheader of Super Welterweight World Title fights. It will be headlined by Cuban sensation and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, Erislandy Lara against exciting challenger and 2004 U.S. Olympian, Vanes Martirosyan in a rematch of their 2012 technical draw.

In our co-main event, and up-and-coming star, the IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion, Jermall Charlo taking on the toughest challenge of his career in former World Champion, Austin Trout.

We’ll open up our telecast with Jermall’s twin brother, the undefeated Jermell Charlo, who will take on the hard-hitting and talented of John Jackson for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets are on sale now and they start at $39.00. They can also be purchased at Ticketmaster online and all Ticketmaster locations, as well as on the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Web site.

Our events will be televised by Showtime Championship Boxing live at 9 pm Eastern Time and 6 pm Pacific Time. And promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

And before we get into the call, I’d like to introduce our co-promoter Brittany Goossen Brown. She’s the VP of Operations at TGB Promotions. Brittany, would you like to say a word?

Brittany Goossen Brown

Yes, thank you Leonard. TGB Promotions is very excited to be partnering with Mayweather Promotions and Showtime on this outstanding triple-header next Saturday, May 21st, live from the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, the Boxing Capital of the World.

All three fights promise to be exciting action from the moment that bell rings. Get your tickets now, and we will look forward to seeing everyone in Vegas next week.

L. Ellerbe

Thank you, Brittany. Before we get to the fighters, I’d like to introduce Stephen Espinoza, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Showtime Sports.

Stephen Espinoza

Thank you very much, Leonard. We’re also very excited for this highly anticipated card, and at a time in the sport where one lesson we sometimes hear; why aren’t the best fighting the best? That’s exactly what the fighters on this card are doing. It is the best fighting the best. We have five of the top six fighters in the division. They’re fighting each other. They could have taken easier fights. But they didn’t. And that’s the kind of spirit we have on this fight.

So we’ve got some intriguing story lines. A rematch of a very highly-contested fight. Twin brothers fighting for world titles. First time that’s ever happened on the same card. But most of all, we’ve got the top fighters in this division fighting in tough fights, and that’s exactly what our schedule is characterized this year.

We are proud to be involved, and we can’t wait until May 21.

L. Ellerbe

Thank you, Stephen. As Stephen’s mentioned, we have all six fighters on the call today to talk about their coming bouts and to answer questions from all of you guys.

So I’d like to introduce the first bout. We have John Jackson. He’ll be fighting Jermell Charlo. John Jackson comes to us with a 20 and 2 record and 15 KOs. He’s fighting out of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He’s the son of a former World Champion. He represented the Virgin Islands at the 2008 Olympics and won his first 13 pro fights after turning pro in 2009.

So let’s introduce John Jackson. John, you want to say a few words?

John Jackson

Yes, hey, man, I just want to say thanks for having me. It’s a privilege and an honor, and I’m ready for Showtime.

L. Ellerbe

All right. Okay. Next up, the Charlo twin brother. We have Jermell Charlo. He comes to us with a 27 and 0 record with 12 KOs. Fighting out of Houston, Texas, and training in Dallas with Derrick James, who’s also the current trainer of Errol Spence. Him and his brother Jermall are intending to become the first twin brothers to hold world titles in the same Division.

He’s 25 years old and he owns victories over Vanes Martirosyan and Gabriel Rosado, and he will look to leave the ring as the World Champion on Saturday, May 21st. Jermell, would you like to say a few words?

Jermell Charlo

Thank you guys for having me on this call right now. I got to get back into training, obviously. All we do is work. So you know, I come just as prepared as I’m supposed to be.

This is my opportunity, this is my chance, this is my moment. My brother’s had his before. He’s going to defend his title, and I’m excited to be in the same venue fighting on the same card with my twin brother and a stable mate, Erislandy Lara, which is another true blessing to my career.

John Jackson is a hell of a fighter. He comes to fight. He going to come bringing the punching power and all the extra things that he’s prepared himself for. And I’m going to step up to the plate and do what I’m supposed to do. I get one opportunity. I get one boxing career, and this is my moment, and this is the chance that I’ve taken. I have to go get it.

So all due respect to John Jackson and his team, but I’m not laying down for nothing. I’m going to get what I deserve and what’s mine. And I will be bringing a WBC back to Houston, Texas, and representing like I’m supposed to.

Jermell, I know you’ve had title fights fall through before, and I know that you have more fights than your brother. How psyched are you that this title fight has eventually come to fruition?

Jermell Charlo

I’m excited. God has timing on everything, and I know for a fact that this is that time and this fight is going to be for it to be reckoned, it’s going to be a fight that’s like steals the show. Three great fights on the card, so regardless of what happened in the past, I don’t look at it that way. I look at it as this fight is the fight, and this is the one that I need to conquer and take care of.

Do you expect to stop John Jackson in this fight, or go the distance?

Jermell Charlo

I prepare myself for 12 rounds. I prepare myself for more than 12 rounds. I prepare myself to go 12 rounds. Whatever happens in this fight happens, and I’m prepared for it.

Both you and your brother are fighting on this card. Is that twice the pressure?

Jermell Charlo

No, we did it before. We’ve done this before. We fought on the same cards in amateurs. We fought on the same cards on the pros. Even we fought on the same cards on Showtime. We’re going to do it again.

How much sibling rivalry is there with you and your brother?

Jermell Charlo

It’s pretty intense. You know, we compete with each other about who’s in the best shape; and it’s sibling rivals but never actual rivals. So, my competition is greater than just beating John Jackson. It’s just performing well in front of my twin brother, who will be in the back locker room cheering me on.

Being world champions at the same time, is it something that you and your brother contemplated for a long time? And what would it mean to you to actually accomplish that?

Jermell Charlo

We never actually thought about it as it is now. We knew we always wanted to be world champions like John Jackson and his brother thought.. You know, him and his brother would like to be World Champions, but we never thought about it being on the same card, the same night, making history.

So it makes it even more intense. It makes it much bigger stakes for me. John Jackson is going to come, he’s going to do what he has to do, but my job is to make history, so with that being said, I’m going in the ring with the mindset of winning, making history. Winning the WBC, and taking home a nice purse.

Have you thought about that it can’t possibly happen if you don’t take care of your business, because he’s going after you?

Jermell Charlo

Yes. So I mean, knowing that I got to go first has never been a problem. I was the one that, when we were younger, I would pop off first. If somebody got into it with me and my brother, I’m jumping off first. I don’t want nobody getting on my brother. So that’s how I take it. I look like, I’m going to be the one to go crazy. I’ll be the one that takes the chances in the family. So if I got to be the one that go first, oh well, let it be.

Have you given thought to what happened to John Jackson against Andy Lee?

Jermell Charlo

Well, you know, I prepare for everything, and I’m preparing to show you guys a lot more power that I am underrated, and I have probably, just as well enough power as much than – my twin brother is extremely strong.

I’ve been doing some great things throughout this camp and developing even before I knew I was taking this fight, I already knew who was Number 1 and who was Number 2 and what fight had to be in place.

I was already in camp, before camp, in pre-camp, you dig? So I know for a fact that Andy Lee did what he had to do, but the style that he fight – and John Jackson brings a different style, and it’s not necessarily a style that I’ve never seen before, but it would be a great fight. So I can’t predict what’s coming up, but I am going to play to my strengths as much as possible.

Can you talk about the fact that you’ve had to sit by and watch your World Title fights in the past go by the wayside for different reasons that were out of your control and watch your brother win the title as you waited your time.

But also, what does it mean to the rest of your family to have this as a possibility? Not just you and your brother; your parents and grandparents and uncles and stuff.

Jermell Charlo

My whole family – yes, everyone is excited. Everyone will be in Vegas. It’s something that we’ve all seen, the reason why we box for, so I can’t really, you know, explain how excited they are, but I know how I felt that I – I’ve seen World Titles slip by the wayside, but that’s not, that’s nothing I can control.

That’s something that I had no control over even (they ranked) Number 2 on the IBF. My brother grabbed that title, and I was extremely happy for him to have that title. More happy for him, just as well as happy for myself.

So when we do, when he do as he do, it’s as if I’m doing it myself, and nothing, there’s nothing more than I can actually explain when it comes down to I’m excited. I’m excited to be in this fight right now.

What is it like to have the chin of your entire family questioned? And how did that make you feel going in to this fight?

J. Jackson

It doesn’t make me feel any way, you know? That’s the job, that’s you guys’ job to come up with stories and question everything. So you know, I just go in there and do my job, and that’s to fight and box, you know.

So I know Jermell is going to come in there ready, and I’m going to be ready, so I’m expecting a great fight, man. And I expect to put on a good show, you know, for all the fans.

And what is it like to hear him say, you know, Jermell say, you know, he has as much power as his brother. And obviously, you know, he intends to show that against you.

J. Jackson

Yes. I don’t feel that he is – everyone just thinks he has speed, alone, but I know he has a little pop, too, as well. You know, we been just studying and watching tapes. So we know he has a little pop as well. I don’t know why reporters, you know, don’t give him no credit for what he has, but he has a little pop as well, but we’ll be ready for everything, so.

Jermell, you threw out the first pitch at an Astros game. What game was that? What was it like to be embraced by the crowd, and did you get, you know, some juice from your fans going into this?

Jermell Charlo

Marketing is everything, and we do what we have to do. I don’t remember; I don’t even remember who they was playing against. I’m really not much of a baseball fan. I did watch the game; it was exciting.

I’m sponsored by the Astros of Houston, which is a great (team), and it was fun. It was exciting to sit and, you know, throw a pitch and make sure I threw a strike. That was one I did not practice. That was something. So you know, it was a game that the Astros actually won after losing so many games, so I was excited to be there and to be a part of that.

Being that that was your first time on the mound, were you nervous? Did you look at – how did ball leave your hand? Did it go right over the plate? You sure it was a strike?

Jermell Charlo

It was a strike. Posted it on social media, and I was nervous; not necessarily nervous because of the, you know, the atmosphere or the people. I was nervous because I wanted to make sure that I didn’t throw it like, if you think that, and I didn’t – it was more the excitement.

If you can be that accurate and throw a – maybe come up with a home run against Jackson?

Jermell Charlo

Like I stated before, I’m going to do what I have to do. I can’t predict what’s going to happen, but I’m very extra-excited and that’s going to be bizarre.

Jermell, your comment on your brother’s improvement over the years and as a fighter and, you know, how much has he improved, you know, maybe in the last year or 18 months?

Jermell Charlo

My brother has improved, I mean, from 18 months, man, I would say he’s almost made like a completely 360 spin on how much he’s improved. And he’s spiraling up.

I know for a fact that there’s some stuff, like, for my brother’s in trouble, but once you get to the top, like he knows you’re going to have to fight some of the best, and so that is just elevating his game.

My brother changed a lot of things and kept – I don’t want to speak for him, because I know he’ll be speaking real soon. So, and I’m very, I’m very impressed at how he’s – a lot of people talk about his guy moving up in weight.

Even this and that, I can’t believe how he’s changed, and how much nutrition has changed, and how much everything has made a big amount of, you know. I’m just grateful to see how great my brother has played a part in his improvement and training.

L. Ellerbe

Now shifting over to the co-main event, which is going to be a very exciting matchup IBF World Champion Jermall Charlo and former World Champion, Austin Trout.

The next fighter I’m about to introduce- very, very tough guy. He has a wealth of experience. He’s been in with Lara, Canelo, Cotto, Delvin Rodriguez, Joey Hernandez – just to name a few. He comes to us from Las Cruces, New Mexico. He now trains in DC with a very good friend of mine and the outstanding underrated trainer named Barry Hunter.

A former World Champion at 154 pounds, he defeated Miguel Cotto in New York in December, 2012. And he’s won four fights in a row heading into this World Title fight.. He comes to us with a 30 and 2 record with 17 KOs. Former World Champion, Austin Trout. Austin?

Austin Trout

Okay. Thanks for having me. Happy to be here. The introduction was great. I’m ready to be asked questions. Unless you want me to just talk about myself. I could do that all day.

Just your thoughts on facing Charlo on May 21st. You know, what kind of a fighter is he, and what do you kind of been preparing for?

A. Trout

Well, first, it’s, he’s a good fighter. You know, possibly a great fighter. I’m very excited about this opportunity to fight and win the title.

Very few people get a once in a lifetime chance you can’t be – I’ve had the pleasure of having two chances. I’m definitely not going to let this pass me by. I’m very excited to pull this fight. It’s a good fight for everybody. A good fight for me, a good fight for Jermall and a good fight for the fans. You know, everybody is going to win at the end of the day, but I have to have my hand raised when the night’s over.

L. Ellerbe

Okay, we have Jermall Charlo comes forward with a 23 and 0 record of 18 KOs. He’s from Houston, Texas. He trains with Ronnie Shields, who’s also another outstanding trainer and very underrated.

He won his World Title with a dominant turnaround stopping Cornelius Bundrage, known as K-9. And he defended with another stoppage this time over Wilky Campfort. Jermall, would you like to say a few words? Jermall? Sorry – Jermall, start again, please.

Jermall Charlo

Thanks everybody, I’m happy to be here.

Were you surprised that after the loss you took against Lara that it took 2-1/2 years to get back in a position to fight for another World Title?

Austin Trout

To be honest, man, I wasn’t surprised that it’s taken this long because really I thought I’d have to start from the bottom going back. Other people’s going back to the lower fights.

So I was blessed to be able to have my fights televised. Not necessarily the stomping grounds hero, but you were probably going to ask what I was prepared for. It’s surprising that it took 2-1/2 years. I guess I’m surprised that it didn’t take longer.

In boxing I feel like they’re quick to throw you away. I felt like they didn’t want me when I was in first place. You know all the fights that I got into, I wasn’t necessarily supposed to win. I wasn’t supposed to win the Cotto fight.

You know, everything was stacked against me so I could never fight, and when Lara beat me how he did, I was like, that’s it. They’re really going to push me to the bottom; I have to start from zero to climb my way back to where I got to.

Jermall, this is the first title fight you’re having against a really highly-regarded opponent, compared to those other two guys. Your thoughts on that opinion?

Jermall Charlo

Yes. I’m going into the fight as if I don’t have the title, you know? I’m trained, and I’m prepared for the worst and the best of Austin Trout. And you know, as you can see I fought back to back, and I’ll continue to step up the competition. And that’s just due to my management and everyone that’s behind me. They seem to be making the right moves.

Is it your opinion that, at least on paper, that Austin Trout is your most significant, most difficult, most established opponent?

Jermall Charlo

No. Austin Trout is a familiar name, familiar face around me and around the boxing world. I’m just as prepared as I was for Campfort as I was K-9 and the fights before. We trained very hard. He knows that we are going in to the fight expecting to get ready for a battle.

Can you just give me your thoughts about being in a position where if your brother wins the opening fight that takes place before yours, and you win, that you will, in fact, , create an interesting kind of history in boxing that’s never happened before. What do you think about that?

Jermall Charlo

I mean, really, to me personally, honestly, we’re not with all of the pressure and all of the, you know, the words that come with just being great and doing everything we have to do, we plan on making history regardless.

And this just happened to be the time where we both hold the World Championships in the division. And I’m not trying to put pressure on my brother, I just know, I need him to go, do his job in that we both come out victorious and make history.

How will you celebrate it if you both accomplish this?

Jermall Charlo

Like we always celebrate the majority of our fights. You know, have fun with each other, take a little vacation, and just talk about in that our (minds set). And then, you know, celebrate our birthdays. It’s going to be, you know, two days or four or five, which we sacrifice, and then and there’s just a lot of things we’re going to celebrate with.

How will you handle it mentally if your brother gets beat that night and then you can’t make the history, but then you still have to go and do your job and, you know, do what you have to do to retain your title? How will that impact you? Have you given any thought to how you’ll deal with that on a mental basis, an emotional basis?

Jermall Charlo

Well, like I say, you know, we really not so big on putting the pressure on each other, and the work of the fight is going to be, you know, both of us getting our hand raised.

You know, knock on wood, and you know, worst case come, you know, we’re both prepared for the worst. But you know, I’m not necessarily worried about making history. I’m just worried about taking care of my fast end against Austin Trout.

Would you and your brother ever entertain that idea if you could unify titles?

Jermall Charlo

I mean no. We would it have anything to prove fighting each other. And I’m pretty sure the fans and the people around the world wouldn’t want to see twin brothers that train with each other and have the same tactics fight each other. So I’m not really entertaining the fact that a lot of people have been asking will meet in my twin brother fight each other? No.

Jermall, when was the last time you for a southpaw?

Jermall Charlo

The last time I fought a southpaw was – I had a few fighters fight southpaw that I didn’t fight. I actually trained with a few southpaws. But I think I actually had fought a natural lefty so this would be the first experience that I’ll be able to fight a lefty.

Speaking of lefties how much did Erislandy Lara advise you or help you with this fight since he’s beaten Austin Trout before?

Jermall Charlo

He’s been a big help. You know, fighting alongside him. Also, he’s fought Trout. So he’s been in there. He probably felt a few of the aspect of fighting a left-handed fighter. It’s just a different dynamic. You know, we prepare for everything. Like a champion has to be the tape what someone has and you make the most out of it and that’s what I plan on doing.

I asked her brother this before and I’m asking you as well. How much of a sibling rivalry is that between you and your brother?

Jermall Charlo

I’m inspired by my twin brother but we compete. I guess that’s what keeps pushing us above and beyond. I can’t wait for him to fight and for him to do what he has to do so I could just say that was a lucky punch or that was a win. And not give him all the credit that he deserves and just keep pushing him. Because it’s all a brothers love and I love what my brother does and I’m pretty sure he loves what I do.

From a marketing standpoint how much better is it to be twin champions as opposed to be like individual champions?

Jermall Charlo

I mean it’s great for marketing. Of course I’m a hero for a lot of fans that support boxing and of course they want to see them the level change and it’s only one way up. And for us to both become world champions I guess we’ll get a lot more attention as far as being great.

What do you feel though has been the biggest change or improvement to your game since the Lara fight or the Dawson fight?

A. Trout

I’m just trying to become a complete fighter, and all-around fighter. That means being comfortable, going forward, backwards, to the side, attention to the head and to the body. And that’s been my goal from John is to be comfortable doing anything. That’s really what you believe is the work I put in. Look at our weaknesses which were defined by Lara and then just worked on it. So of course we want to be able to do the deed this year but if it needs be we can just push it up and go somewhere else and go in another direction.

Everybody refers to Barry Hunter as your trainer these days. But how would you define Louie Burke in your career and the new training at this point?

A. Trout

He still here. He’s taken the title of head coach is really just a title cause really they are co-coaches. Louis been here with me. When I’m home, when we start Louie is the one who’s really starting that up for me. We cannot to DC to get to work and get another perspective. Louis is still a major, major factor in my corner and in my camp.

In regard to Vegas, the boxing capital of the world in the country if not the world. Is it important at all to you to finally get there?

A. Trout

You know, I’ve been able to fight around the world and I’ve gotten to be able to travel and go in just see things. Being able to fight in Vegas is definitely important but I don’t put too much on it. It’s just another city. It’s just another venue. The fight itself is what matters.

Austin, could you kind of discuss your evolution as a fighter I guess and kind of where you are today when you are ready for this second title shot.

A. Trout

I feel like – this is a great time for me because right now I am running on all cylinders. You know, I mentally, physically, and spiritually at peace and prepared. Nothing like all three of those points are very important to be a complete fighter in the ring because you have your spirit. And right now I’m very spiritual. God is going to be there to bless me. And if your mind ain’t right you already know that you can’t fight with your mind off base. And the physical part that speaks for itself. So honestly I have to be on top of my game to be a fighter like 929. And if those three things weren’t on point it’s going to be a rough night. But since they are I feel like I’m very unbeatable at this time right now.

Do you feel like you’re at your best right now?

A. Trout

Close to it. I still feel like the best is yet to come but I feel like I’m getting there.

And what you feel like you need to do to get your belt back?

A. Trout

Everything. You know we’re going to have to fight. I really want to — we’re going to have to box right, we’re going to have to fight hard, and were going to have to dig down and dig deep. But at the end of the day it will be all worth it. We’re going to have to take into the trenches and five as if our life depends on it which I feel like it is.

And lastly the feel like the Lara fight was a big disappointment. Do you feel like you learned a few things that put you on different path?

A. Trout

I did. And again, after winning the total fight in having a close – and see the fight against Canelo I was a necessary living the way I feel like God wanted me to be. And I’m not here to preach. It’s nothing like that. But at the same time I feel like I’m held at a higher standard than others where I can’t get away with nothing. Now I got my manager in order. My family is right. My mind’s right. You know not to mention Lara has exposed things that I needed to work on that I’ve been working on. And we know that Carlos sparred with Lara who I feel is one of the best undisputed talent in the game other than myself.

We know he’s going to bring some things to the table that’s going to try to attack you. We’re going to try to take advantage of those mistake that Lara has exposed. So we have to definitely tighten up. We have to tighten up.

L. Ellerbe

Thank you. Now we’ll bring the main event. It’s a rematch of the 2012 technical draw and you know both men are going to want to settle the score. So first up I’d like to introduce, he comes to us with 36 and 2 record with 21 KO’s. He’s fighting out of Glendale, California. He represented the United States in the 2004 Olympics. He’s a very very tough fighter. He’s been in with just about everybody. He fought the likes of Ishe Smith,who’s part of the Mayweather promotions stabl, Willie Nelson and Demetrius Andrade. He fought Lara. He’s been a pro for 11 years. He turned pro in April, 2005 and he’s a very very good fighter. And we also look forward to a very exciting fight. Vanes Martirosyan, would you like to say a few words.

Vanes Martirosyan

Thank you Leonard. You getting better with my last name every time. It’s an honor to be on the Mayweather Promotions card once again and I can’t wait for the fight. I’m really excited as I have had the best training camp that I’ve ever had. I’ve been away from my family for a month and a half now. I just can’t wait for the fight to come.

L. Ellerbe

Vanes is fighting Erislandy Lara. Lara comes to us with a 22 and three record with 13 KO’s representing Cuba but training with Ronnie Shield in Houston. He’s one of the, in my opinion, one of the slickest boxers Very very slick, talented fighter. If you look forward this is going to be an excellent match up. Lara, would you like to say a few words.

Erislandy Lara

I want to thank everybody for putting this together in Mayweather Promotions and Showtime. I’m just ready for fight. The fight is a week away and we’re ready to go.

Vanes, in the first fight it seems that later on in the fight you were getting some success by putting on more pressure question mark are you going to fight the second fight like it’s the 10th round of the first fight?

V. Martirosyan

We know, we watched the first fight. That was four years ago. He’s got a lot better. I changed a lot also. We have noticed the fight there to be that we would do from the first fight. But there’s a lot of new things that we need to do. My main concern about this fight is that I just hope it’s a clean fight cause the first fight was really a dirty fight. There was a lot of low blows, a lot of head-butts and things like that. Let’s just hope the referee does his job better but we’re ready for anything and the first fight was a learning lesson. And it’s going to be the best fight on this night.

My question is for Erislandy. With the improving relations between the United States and Cuba recently. How important is it for your career to headline a professional fight in your home country? And is that something you and your team have talked about doing?

E. Lara

Absolutely. This is something I want to do. I’m fully aware of everything going on in the United States and Cuba and if it’s possible I would love to headline a fight in Cuba one day.

You also had mentioned recently that you would even like to fight to unify 154 titles. Would you also be willing to do that if a stablemate Jermall Charlo?

E. Lara

I don’t choose my opponents. They tell me who I’m fighting and I prepare and I fight to the best of my abilities and that’s what I have done in every fight. This is the fact and we both trained so this is not realistic at this point. But would I fight him? Yeah. I’ll fight him and win.

You’ve been on the short end of some decisions, questionable decisions such as your fight with Andrade. Has that affected your game plan heading into this rematch and how aggressive you may need to be to pull out a decision?

V. Martirosyan

I have to be ten times more aggressive. And I guess I need to win the fight. You know, way better, trying to be more aggressive to show the judges we’ve moved on than the judges have.

Did you start to feel as though it wasn’t going to happen? And how incomplete do you feel your career would have been if you didn’t get the chance to fight him again?

V. Martirosyan

I know I’ve been with Al Haymon and he’s with Al Haymon. You know every time I fought when I was with Al Haymon they asked me if I wanted to fight. One of the guy’s name on the list was Lara. So it was just a matter of time. At the time we fall we were both with different promoters. And right now we’re with the same management. So to be with the same management I knew that it was going to happen sooner or later. So I’m just happy that it finally happened.

Vanes also if you could, what did you think of the scoring and the way the fight was scored in the first fight you know when it was fought.

V. Martirosyan

We watch the fight a few times. I think that he knows I was coming on strong. The round that they quoted as a draw I don’t know why they scored that fight on that round because it was only 20 seconds into the round and that’s what made it a draw. I just feel like I was winning on points in that fight. And the cut was bad and when they asked the judges to score the round they scored in his favor and they called it a draw. I just feel like I was up in that fight.

If you could ask Erislandy the same question about what he thought about the scoring and also what his thoughts are in the fight finally coming together? And whether he thought it would ever happen?

E. Lara

To me I was winning the fight easily. I was out boxing him. If you go look at CompuBox I out landed him in every single round of the fight. I was doing my job. Obviously we fought on his turf like I always do. I fight fighters on their turf like I do. Now it’s on my turf and actually I felt like I was winning the fight 100% and I was coming on strong. I was winning the last few rounds before the cut and I was on my way to stop it and then before, you know, he decided not to fight. So I’m looking forward to this fight. I’m very excited to fight and it’s time to put a period on the fight and end it. And show everybody why I’m the best 154 pound in the world.

Vanes, he just said he felt he was on his way to stopping you in that fight. What are your thoughts on that?

V. Martirosyan

He was running the whole fight. I stopped them but he was running, man. He was running the first few rounds and then he started running the whole fight. I don’t know what he’s talking about. He was stopping me. You know what I mean. I know he felt me in the first fight he’s going to feel me ten times more in this fight. He wasn’t stopping shit. If he was stopping I feel like the head butt was on purpose. The low blows were on purpose. Fight a clean fight and don’t play with my balls the whole fight and we’ll see who’s going to stop who in this one.

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

Erislandy Lara Camp Notes

Erislandy Lara Prepares For World Title
Rematch With Vanes Martirosyan Saturday, May 21 Live on SHOWTIME® From The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Photo By Edward Johnson

HOUSTON (May 11, 2016) – WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara is set to defend his world title and settle his score against Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan when the two meet in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader featuring the top 154-pound talent in the sport on Saturday, May 21 from The Chelsea, inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Live televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo taking on former champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout and his twin brother Jermell Charlo battling top challenger John Jackson for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on-sale now. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000; http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Lara and Martirosyan will meet after their 2012 bout ended in a technical draw. See below for the Cuban-born champion’s thoughts on training camp, the rematch and more:

On his rematch with Vanes Martirosyan:

“This is a very important fight for me. Our last fight unfortunately ended in a draw because of a clash of heads so we have some unfinished business to take care of. This time I’m not going to leave any doubt on who the better fighter is. I’m coming to dominate and retain my world championship.”

On training camp:

“I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ve been pushing my body to get in the best shape possible. My body feels incredible and I couldn’t ask for a better training camp. I’ve been sparring a lot and my timing is getting better with each session. Everything is going as planned.”

On the May 21 card:

“It’s great to be fighting on this card, especially when there is so much on the line while I defend my title. In addition, the Charlo brothers are fighting on the undercard, which makes for a great night of boxing for the super welterweight division. The landscape of the 154-pound division will be laid out after May 21.”

On the state of the super welterweight division:

“Honestly I believe the 154-pound division is one of the strongest in all of boxing. I feel I’m leading the pack and my goal is to unify all the belts. I’m going to take it one fight at a time with the mindset to clean out the division.”

On fighting in Las Vegas:

“Vegas is the boxing capital of the world and fighting there is unbelievable. The fans are very supportive. The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan is very intimate and every seat in the building is a good seat. I anticipate a lively crowd.”

On his relationship with Ronnie Shields:

“Ronnie is a great coach and his game plans are very well thought out. He keeps everything simple. If we have to make adjustments during the fight, he’ll be able to point them out. We both have a great mutual respect for one another.”

Don’t Sleep On D Wade

One man’s misfortune is another man’s gold. It was rumored that Tureano Johnson was likely the next opponent for unified middleweight titlist Gennady Golovkin; however, due to a shoulder injury Johnson had to pull himself out of the conversation. One thing’s for sure, you better have two good wings when you’re in against a Big Drama Show.

The IBF was forced to move south in their rankings to find an opponent for Golovkin (34-0 31 KO) after Johnson’s injury. Enter Maryland’s Dominic Wade (18-0 12 KO), an undefeated fighter and current mandatory IBF challenger. Golovkin and Wade will knuckleup tonight at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

But who is Dominic Wade? To hear most of the clamor on social media, Wade is simply another sacrificial lamb for GGG in route to his mega bout with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

In fact, why would Wade even show up? He’ll be destroyed they say, he barely beat forty year old Sam Soliman in his last fight they say. Blah, blah, blah.

Fact is, Wade loves to fight, is a supremely talented straight ahead fighter with speed and is said to possess some underrated pop. GGG would be wise not to sleep on Wade.

But to understand how Wade got here, you have to know where he’s been.

At the age of nine, Wade was redirected from brawling in the streets to fighting in the ring. In his amatuer career, Wade amassed a record of 167-10 and won the Silver Gloves five times. At the time of his fifth Silver Gloves win, Wade tied Oscar De La Hoya for most wins ever at the tournament since being surpassed by two fighters. In addition to the Silver, Wade also won a Golden Gloves title.

In the 2008 Olympic Trials, Wade had Shawn Porter down on the canvas, was leading on the scorecards, but lost by DQ. Wade had notable wins over Edwin Rodriguez and Fernando Guerrero and fought closely with Danny Jacobs but lost by decision.

Wade turned pro in 2009 at the age of seventeen under the tutelage of Barry Hunter. Regarding the Golovkin fight, his ex-trainer told FIGHTHYPE.com “It is definitely a fight that Dominic can win, but he has to be disciplined….what people don’t realize is that Dominic can crack also, extremely powerful and he can fight inside. If he can take GGG’s crack and take him into deeper waters, than he could shock the world. But he will have to be more disciplined than he has been in his entire career in order to pull it off”

Wade had some promotional differences early in his career which would explain why he only has eighteen fights since turning pro in 2009. His career started to move after signing with Al Haymon in 2013.

In review of the footage from his past fights, Wade exhibits speed, works the body, jabs extremely well, is a combination puncher and a busy fighter. Interesting to note is that Wade possesses vast similarities to Lamont Peterson, not surprising since Peterson also comes from the Hunter School Of Hard Knocks.

To say that this is a colossal leap for Wade in terms of quality of opponent would be, for lack of a better term, a colossal understatement. The most notable names on Wade’s resume are the aforementioned Soliman and Nick Brinson.

Wade told the Los Angeles Times “They making it seem like he’s Superman. I don’t really think that much. I see flaws in his game. I think he’s just basic up and down. But the hype is scaring [people]. I don’t think he’s quick. All I think he has is his strength. Other than that he’s basic and it isn’t a style that I haven’t seen.”

To understand exactly what flaws Wade is hoping to exploit, we will have to wait and see. If Wade can keep an active jab in Golovkin’s face and make him re-set over and over, things could get interesting. Wade can use his speed and possibly catch Golovkin on the way in and we’ll find out early if Wade’s power will make a difference. No surprises here that the key for Wade will have to be his boxing and movement with a few sneaky power shots mixed in.

Wade typically uses a high guard which should provide all sorts of opportunities for GGG’s body work. That said, Wade will know it is coming and if he can use his opponent’s advantages as his own, he may be able to counter the champion with a blistering shot and change the course of the fight.

Those are a lot of big “ifs” but why not Wade and why not now?

It is said that Wade has always had the skillset to be great but his sometimes lack of mental focus and commitment have been his Achilles heel. In viewing interviews with Paulie Malignaggi, Emanuel Taylor, and Fernando Guerrero regarding this bout, the consensus seems to be that Wade has all the talent in the world and can pull the upset if he stays disciplined and active.

Urban legend has it that Wade, as a young kid, gave tough as nails William Joppy a beatdown in the gym……at a time when Joppy was at the height of his career. There is some mysteriousness to Mr. Wade. Is this his time?

GGG’s camp states that they tried to make the unification bout for Canelo Alvarez’ WBC strap but Golden Boy asked for one voluntary defense. Couple this with a failed attempt to put together a unification with Billy Joe Saunders for Saunders’ WBO belt and the Johnson injury and it is now Wade’s journey. By GGG beating David Lemieux and the other fights falling through, he had to face the IBF mandatory or relinquish the belt. Again, all of the stars seem to have aligned for Wade to be right here, right now.

Golovkin’s recent focus seems to have been to have a war of words with many fighters over the past few weeks, none of them named Wade.

As Wade also told the Los Angeles Times, “I don’t think he’s Superman, he’s human just like me, eats the same things I do. So I’m going to take this shot..This is my opportunity to shock the world and that’s what I’m going to do”

Wade is street, Golovkin would be wise not to sleep (on Wade).

Frampton Over Quigg By SD

For the first half of his split decision victory over Scott Quigg (31-1-2 23 KO), Carl Frampton (23-0 14 KO), while not overly dominate, controlled the fight.

Using an active jab, slick defense, and timely body shots, Frampton arguably won at least five out of the first six rounds.

Over the next six, Frampton looked to be wearing down. Quigg started throwing multiple punches, unlike the first half when he looked to be only focused on landing one big shot.

You can credit Quigg’s excellent body work for changing the tone of the fight and making it close down the stretch. Quigg attacked Frampton ‘ s core with work that would have made JCC, Fitzsimmions, Langford, & Armstrong proud. The right hook to the rib cage was especially impressive and looked to be weakening Frampton.

The tenth was probably the best round of the fight as both men did great work in some toe to toe moments.

Quigg landed his best punch of the fight in the eleventh, a blistering right hand that stunned Frampton. The Jackal was able to get through the round and came out in the twelfth taking it to Quigg in what was ultimately a close round.

In the end though, it was a case of Quigg starting too late. Although Quigg came on, Frampton was able to make a few of the last six rounds close on his way to a split decision victory

The scores were 116-112 X2 for Frampton and a head scratching 115-113 for Quigg.

With the win, Frampton added Quigg’s WBA bantamweight title to his IBF bantamweight title.

Donovan Dennis-Heart Of A Champion

A little over three weeks ago, in a boxing ring in Arizona, we were reminded once again in sport what it means to have the heart of a champion.

On that night, Donovan Dennis may have lost out on a bid to capture the interim WBA-NABA Heavyweight Title but the heart he showed in doing so was worthy of any belt or title.

Quite frankly, no one would have blamed Dennis for looking for a way out with about a minute left in the first round. Outweighed by almost sixty pounds, The Fighting Pride of Davenport, Iowa had his head whiplashed back like a crash test dummy by a huge right hand from the opponent with the oxymoronic nickname, Jarrell “ Big Baby ” Miller. As Dennis violently caromed off the ropes Miller attacked and dropped Dennis with a big chopping right hand.

It is a lonely and confusing time when a pugilist finds themselves down on the canvas. Their thoughts drifting trying to make sense of the predicament at hand. The crowd a moving blur of muffled sounds, a faint voice counting numbers…ONE!..TWO!.. It is at these times when a fighter must dig deep and look within, find the warrior spirit when the body says no.

“Get up Donovan, you’re not done!” says the heart….”Stay down!” says the body……

Dennis is back to his feet at the count of four and utilizes the remainder of the referee’s count to gather himself. As Miller attacks, Dennis lands a straight left but Miller walks through it and lands a chopping right uppercut dropping Dennis again.

“Stay down” the body pleads again…”Like hell” screams the heart…

Dennis is up at the count of three as the referee completes the remainder of the standing eight count. Miller attacks again hitting Dennis with six unanswered dibilitating blows as he tries to tie up Miller. Dennis shows incredible courage and lands a big left uppercut and left hook on Miller as the bell sounds.

Scorecard- Heart-10 Body-8

Bleeding from a cut under his right eye and from his nose, a wobbly Dennis returns to his corner as trainer Nile Pena tells him “ What did I tell you? You can’t bang with him, why did I tell you that shit already?”

Most fighters would have stayed away in the next round to gather themselves. Not Dennis. No, the heart was too big. To start the second, Dennis lands a blistering straight left down the middle which lets Miller know that he is still there.

About thirty seconds in, Miller lands a big right, as Dennis steps away, he appears to have twisted his knee. Seeing his prey is wounded, Miller attacks, but there is Dennis again, wobbled but digging in and throwing man against man. For the rest of the round, Dennis gives as good as he gets, probably better.

In the third round, Dennis is jabbing high, jabbing low, landing straight lefts to the body and the head. Miller seems a bit confused by the goings on. Dennis is slipping punches, his movement fluid. About two minutes in, Dennis throws a series of right crosses, he now has Miller’s full attention. Yes, the same fighter who was almost out in the first and twisted a knee in the second still there, all heart.

Throughout the fight, Dennis had many reasons to complain but didn’t. Miller had used his elbows cleverly throughout the fight, only getting caught once and warned. In addition and on a few occasions, Miller grabbed Dennis by his neck and pushed him into the ropes pressing his forearm to Dennis’ throat when he attempted to force a clinch. No complaining, just tough as nails ready to fight.

In the fourth, Dennis is looking fatigued but battles on. Between rounds, Miller’s corner tells him to not worry about the knockout, but rather just get the win. Dennis’ blood and guts fortitude even has Miller’s corner second guessing their fighter’s game plan.

In the fifth, Dennis is on the attack, pressing forward with a total disregard with what he will receive from his heavier opponent. The warrior willing to get one in return to give two. Dennis is still throwing but his arms are visibly weary. Miller lands another big shot off of Dennis’ head, and there’s Dennis again, throwing back as best he can although hurt. Fighting on guts alone, it looks like he could go down with one good shot but he battles on through his fatigue winging shots at Miller to the bell.

In the sixth, a borderline but low blow by Miller gives Dennis yet another avenue to use if he wants to call it a night but he again fights on. Battled and worn, but game.

In the seventh, Miller begins to impose his will. Miller attacks the body and lands power shots to the head. Dennis’ mouth is wide open. To make matters worse, he is now cut over the eye, courtesy of a Miller headbutt.

Halfway through the round, Miller lands a clubbing right followed by an uppercut that has Dennis reeling again. You can see the pain, the fatigue, his body wants to quit…but not his heart.

Miller is landing at will now, another steaming uppercut followed by monstrous hooks and jackhammer shots to the stomach. As Miller hits Dennis with a overhand right, Dennis turns and leans over the ropes, his back turned to Miller. Miller rewards him by punching Dennis on the back of his head.

Right, left, right, left, to the head, combination to the body. Miller is in destroy mode. Miller then lands a series of right hooks, the second, snapping Dennis’ head back, his hands down at his side offering no protection.

“This is it” says the body…… “Will….not..quit…” gasps the heart.

Miller attacks a defenseless Dennis with a lethal combination. Dennis against the ropes and wilting but not going down. The referee saves Dennis from himself as he grabs him and waves off the fight.

An incredible stand of courage from a fighter who went out on his shield. A true warrior who had every reason to exit six rounds earlier and several times throughout the fight but gave his all for the love of the game.

One thing’s for sure, if you look across the ring and see Mr. Dennis or an opponent from the legendary Pena’s Davenport Boxing Club, you’re going to be in tough win or lose….Iowa Tough.

A Swift Escape…Garcia Close UD Over Guerrero To Capture Vacant WBC World Title

Danny Garcia (32-0 18 KO) defeated Robert Guerrero (33-4-1 18 KO) by unanimous decision on Saturday night but it wasn’t easy. All three judges had it 116-112.

Guerrero came out boxing better than he has in recent memory. Since he moved to the welterweight division, his boxing has decreased while he has slowly morphed into more of a one demensional brawler. He has gotten away from the reasons he earned “The Ghost” moniker.

Lightning quick and fluid south of the welters, it was said Guerrero was like fighting a ghost. When an opponent reacted to counter, he was gone.

Robert ‘s father and trainer Ruben was on record saying his son needs to go back to his roots and box more. For the first third of this fight Robert did just that.

From the opening bell, Guerrero boxed beautifully with a calculated approach and brought the fight to Garcia.

Guerrero’s tactics forced Garcia to fight off his back foot. The Philly fighter was clearly out of his comfort zone in doing so.

Guerrero had success early employing this tactic but fell back into the brawling style we’ve all come to know and love which ultimately lead to his demise.

Midway through the fight, Garcia began to take over and began landing huge straight rights and his trademark left hook. It was less about what Garcia was able to do and more about what Guerrero allowed him to do once he stopped boxing and began brawling.

Guerrero had moments over the course of the second half of the fight but they were few and far between.

Yes, we got the warrior from Gilroy that we always get, the relentless attacker with the granite chin who absorbs punishment while landing his own, but it wasn’t enough. Boxing was the key to the puzzle, he was successful early but unable to sustain it.

Garcia to his credit used Guerrero’s aggressiveness against him to land counter after counter and start to take the lead in an otherwise close fight.

Both men closed the show as they gave it all in the 12th with Guerrero getting the better of it.

Standing-8 had it 115-113 Garcia. There were a lot of close rounds. Guerrero was the aggressor throughout but only at times effective enough to win the round. Guerrero comes forward aggressively and throws flurries of punches with one significant scoring blow while getting countered with two, thus most likely the diffrence in the judges minds in the close rounds.

With the win Garcia captured the WBC World welterweight strap vacated by Floyd Mayweather upon his retirement.

Rumors that Garcia-Amir Khan 2 could be next or Garcia vs. the Keith Thurman v. Shawn Porter winner.

Garcia is in a lot of close fights but always does enough to get the victory. As he moves up the division, he might not be as fortunate.

Guerrero showed he is no gatekeeper; however, if he continues to be one-dimensional, depending on the opponent he will most likely be on the short end of the cards. If Guerrero can sustain his beautiful boxing throughout combined with his aggression, we may see a resurgence of the former multiple division world champion.

DANNY GARCIA VS. ROBERT GUERRERO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Press Release For Immediate Release

Click HERE For MP3

Ray Flores

First of all, I want to send a Happy New Year to all the media and everyone that is joining us on the conference call. I’m really excited about Fight Week on FOX in Los Angeles. I could not think of a better way to kick off 2016 than the fight that we have on January 23 at STAPLES Center promoted by TGB Promotions.

It is Premier Boxing Champions Live on FOX and FOX Deportes on January 23 from STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is Fight Week and you get two fights that week – TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FOX Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPONES is on FOX Deportes. It is on Tuesday, January 18 at the Club Nokia at LA Live.

Looking at what we have on January 23, it is just going to be a tremendous matchup between two amazing welterweights and two of boxing’s biggest stars as you have Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, along with their fathers who are training them — Angel Garcia and Ruben Guerrero. They’re going to be joining us on the call in only moments.

I want to let you know tickets are still available. Get them now because we have been doing very well in regards to tickets. When you’re talking about the Garcia-Guerrero matchup, make sure to use the hashtag PBC on FOX.

Also on the card, we have another sensational welterweight matchup between the Iraq War Veteran Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. against Los Angeles fan-favorite — a man that endeared himself last year, Aron Martinez. Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes — also features an outstanding heavyweight bout between 2012 United States Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour.

Fight Week kicks off on Tuesday, January 18, Club Nokia in LA Live. The main event is 2008 United States Olympian and Southern California favorite Javier Molina — squaring off with undefeated prospect Jamal James.

Right now, we are going to welcome in one of our main event fighters. This hasn’t been easy for the fighters that have been training around the holidays, but they made the sacrifice anyway and have put themselves in tip-top condition.

First of all, we want to bring in, with the record of 31-0 with 18 wins coming by way of knockout, the former kingpin at 140 pounds campaigning and fighting at welterweight for the second time in his career. Looking at his resume, he has victories over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. He’s a star, he’s a rising super star, and he’s looking to have a big 2016, which is why he is kicking it off with this.

But before we get into this man, I want to bring in one of the promoters for what we’re going to be having on January 23 who is going to be promoting the event, from TGB Promotions, let’s bring in Brittany Goossen Brown.

Brittany Goossen Brown

Hello. I’m speaking on behalf of my father, Tom Brown, who’s actually in a meeting at the moment. But on behalf of all of TGB Promotions, we are really excited to be returning to STAPLES Center and partnering with FOX for another great event.

On this call today, we have two of boxing biggest stars, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. They’ll be answering your questions in a minute.

Along with them, on this card we have a welterweight showdown between undefeated Sammy Vasquez and LA’s Aron Martinez. Tickets do start at $25. They’re available at AXS.com. And the first televised bout will be at 4:00 pm on FOX.

This Fight Week on Fox in LA kicks off with TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS, which will be at Club Nokia at LA Live on the 19th. Those tickets also start at $25 and are also available at AXS.com. Doors open for that at 5:00 pm, the first televised bout at 7:00 pm.

It’s really going to be an action-packed week of boxing and we are very proud to be a part of it.

R. Flores

Premier Boxing Champions couldn’t visualize a better partner than what we have with those at FOX. They have been tremendous and the shows on Fox Sports 1 have been terrific.

FOX is known for having big events; the NFL, Super Bowls and big NASCAR events. Now we have Premier Boxing Champions on January 23.

It gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce John Stouffer of FOX.

John Stouffer

On behalf of everyone at FOX, FOX Sports and FOX Deportes, we’re excited for the return of boxing to the FOX Broadcast Network after almost 20 years. We’re thrilled to be working with the PBC to bring the highest level of boxing back to the masses on Saturday, January 23, free on FOX and in Spanish on FOX Deportes.

This will be a tremendous conclusion to a thrilling week of boxing here in LA, kicking off with the great action on FS1 and Fox Deportes. We wish all the boxers the best of luck and can’t wait for Fight Week.

R. Flores

I completely agree with the sentiments of John. We mentioned as well, Premier Boxing Champions is about putting boxing back on free TV. And these fights that we have on January 23 and January 19 are sure to capture the imagination of the public.

All right, let’s get back to business in regards to one of our main event fighters. As I mentioned, wins over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. Fighting out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an exciting style, and man-oh-man, he has vowed to put on a terrific 2016.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the former world champion. He is joined alongside by his father, Angel Garcia. Here is Danny “Swift” Garcia.

Danny Garcia

Thank you guys for having me on, I appreciate it. I want to say good afternoon everybody and thank you for having me on this conference call.

I’m very excited to be showcasing my skills January 23 at STAPLES Center live on FOX. I think it’s a great opportunity for the fighters to showcase their skills in a new audience. I want to thank FOX and I want to thank all my fans all around the world for making this happen.

Team Danny Garcia is training hard and we’re focused, we’re mentally prepared and we’re ready for January 23 and we can’t wait.

Danny can you talk about training camp and balancing that with the holiday season?

D. Garcia

I’ve done this before. I’ve trained on the holidays before throughout my career. It’s nothing new.

Once I got the fight date in my head, it’s kind of like there are no holidays for me. So it wasn’t hard for me to stay focused. I trained just like any training camp. And me and my dad, we train hard every day. “The holiday is no holiday” is kind of a saying to us.

What are the goals for you this year? And what do you think this fight can do for your future at 147?

D. Garcia

I think it’s a great fight, I think it’s a great fight for the fans. Two fighters who like to fight. So I think this is going to be an interesting fight and a great matchup.

This is just another fight to prepare myself for a fight for a world title. So I’m ready right now. Every fight in my career that’s going on now is going to be a big fight for me.

12 months from now, where do you see yourself?

D. Garcia

I want to remain undefeated and hopefully be a champion if the opportunity comes up. We’re just taking it one fight at a time for right now and that’s how I did my whole career and that’s how I’m going to keep doing it

When you’re in a fight, does that ever come across your mind when taking a risk or being a little more aggressive? Does that like weigh on you like don’t be too aggressive to risk something like that?

D. Garcia

No, not at all. I’m a fighter who takes risks all the time. I want to entertain the crowd. I have the ability to play it safe if I want too, but it depends on how I feel that day. But everybody knows that Danny Garcia likes to take risks.

When I’m in a fight, I’m just playing round by round; I’m not really worrying about a record or things like that.

How does your body feel with moving up in the weight? You saw the power in your last fight. Do you feel like there’s anything different going from 140 to 147?

D. Garcia

To be honest with you, I feel a lot better. I’m happier now. When I fought at 140, I was always mean while trying to cut weight. I was never in a good mood. I think that’s why a lot of times I would go in there and just fight.

But now I’m able to think more; I’m able to be a lot smarter. My punches are crispier and my stamina is better. I’m able to run more, run more miles, train harder; more endurance. So I may have had the energy at 140 and do that, so at 147 so I just feel a lot stronger and I have more stamina.

Do you see yourself being more active?

D. Garcia

Yes, I would love to stay active; I would love to stay active. But, you know, that my team’s job., I’m a fighter so whatever my team wants, I’ll do. So if they want me to fight two times or three times or four times, then that’s what I’m going to do.

But as for now we’re focused on January 23.

With PBC giving you a lot of exposure, are you focused on just winning the fight or putting on a show with this national space so people can know outside of boxing who Danny Garcia is?

D. Garcia

It’s a Danny Garcia show. I’m always looking to put on a great show, and to go out there and give the fans an exciting fight because at the end of the day, I’ve got to give the fans their money’s worth.

So I’m going there and giving the fans their money’s worth in a great fashion and a smart explosive fashion.

What kind of challenge does Robert present?

D. Garcia

I’m looking forward to – I know he’s going to come ready, but we’re ready. I’m looking forward to a challenge. I’ve prepared myself for a challenge every day, day-in and day-out. So I expect nothing but a great fight and a great performance by me.

What are your goals at 147?

D. Garcia

We’re taking it one step at a time. The goal is to become a world champion again — my second division of being a world champion. So we definitely want to be a world champion again. And when the opportunity arrives, we’ll take advantage of it.

Can you talk of what the difference is in approaching a fight as the underdog with nothing to lose compared to the undefeated favorite with a lot to lose?

D. Garcia

I always approach my mind with the same mindset and it’s just a winner’s mindset. I’m not really too concerned about being the underdog or the promoted fighter or favorite.

I always approach my fight mentally that I’m going to win. I never feed into the politics of the sport or who people think is going to win or going to lose. I prepare myself to be the best Danny Garcia at every fight, and that’s what I prepared myself to do for this fight.

I know you’ve gone on record saying that you didn’t it to be a Puerto Rico-Mexico kind of fight. But here in LA, it becomes that. We just went through that with Cotto and Canelo.

D. Garcia

It is what it is. Whatever the fans want to take it as or whatever the promoters want to do with it, it is what it is. I have a lot of fans and I have a lot of friends out there in Los Angeles, California.

I feel like I represent everyone; Americans and things like that and a lot of Mexican-Americans. I’m an American-Puerto Rican.

So I feel like if you’re born in American and you’re Latino, I think it’s all the same. So that’s how I’m feeling and that’s why I just feel like I represent all the Latinos.

Is there a different feel when you fight in LA, when you go down to STAPLES Center?

D. Garcia

It’s a great feeling; it’s a great atmosphere. I fought there once before with Kendall Holt. I was the undercard.

LA is where stars are born. So I’m looking forward to going out there and having a star performance.

What do you feel your advantages are over Guerrero going into this fight?

D. Garcia

I just feel like I’m the better fighter. I’m one of the best fighters in the world., I got to go in there and be the best Danny Garcia and have a great performance.

Have you seen where and learned anything from watching any of Guerrero’s past fights?

D. Garcia

I definitely watch the fights because at the end of the day, you know, I’m a boxing fan too and I just like to watch boxing.

I watch those fights and I see the things he likes to do and the things he doesn’t like. I’m just preparing myself for anything.

Do you feel you have to make a statement?

D. Garcia

I’ve just got to go in there and get the job done like I always do. I’m not really worried about what’s next on the agenda or anything like that. Our main focus is to get the job done and that’s what we’re preparing ourselves for. Then we can talk about future opponents after the fight.

Do you want to make any predictions for this fight?

D. Garcia

I’d like to say Danny Garcia wins by TKO. Round five.

Did you think that Robert came back a little bit too soon for that Martinez fight and that perhaps is why he looked bad?

D. Garcia

I’m not really too sure. He might have underestimated the guy and not realized it was going to be that tough of a fight., I’m expecting a great Robert Guerrero and I’m focused on Robert Guerrero. I’m focused, I’m training hard. So I’m prepared for whatever I’ve got to do to get this victory.

Kenny Porter has said he had called you out and you ducked the fight with Shawn Porter. Would you care to address that at all?

D. Garcia

I’ve never ducked anybody in the sport. This is actually my second fight at 147. So it wouldn’t even make sense to duck anybody.

I addressed the situation before when he called me out and I had my comments and he had his comments, and it was what it was. Danny Garcia doesn’t duck anybody.

If the opportunity does present itself and even though the report states that it did, but if the opportunity does present itself, it’s something that you would be interested in, a fight with Shawn Porter?

D. Garcia

Yes, no doubt. I want to be a champion. If he’s a champion or there’s a belt up for grabs, then we’ve got to make it happen.

But as of now, I’m focused on Robert Guerrero and he is the task ahead. Can’t let nothing sidetrack me; I’ve got tunnel vision. I’m ready for this fight.

R. Flores

Angel, could you just give us some thoughts on training camp before we switch over?

Angel Garcia

Well yes. The time has been great, there’s no injuries. Danny is looking good. He’s got great sparring partners, as a matter of fact we spar in a few minutes a day. He’s looking great. January 23 the world will see again, as Danny said, the Danny Garcia Show. It’s not the circus coming to town, Danny Garcia Show is coming to town.

So California LA, get ready because we coming like a tornado. Right now they’ve got a storm out there, all this rain and all that. You know who’s causing that? We are.

So January 23, fans get ready baby. STAPLES Center on January 23. Love you guys.

R. Flores

Danny back to you for closing comments and then Robert Guerrero.

D. Garcia

I’m very excited for this upcoming fight January 23rd. Like my dad said, we’ve put a lot of work in the gym. It’s been a long, hard camp preparing ourselves for any situation. I can’t wait to go out there, show my DSG west fans a great fight.

R. Flores

Danny, thank you very much. We really appreciate it. We look forward to fight week with Danny Garcia and his father, Angel Garcia. As mentioned, fight week kicks off in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 19th, Club Nokia, PBC on FS1, Javier Molina and Jamal James.

We are excited and couldn’t pick a better place than STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Thank you to all the fans in Southern California for supporting PBC and the entire staff at STAPLES Center as well.

Let’s bring up a man who is representing the Bay Area, fighting out of Gilroy, California. He has won a world championship in multiple different weight divisions. Any time he steps inside the ring, it’s always electric, it’s always a show. He puts forth everything that he has and that much more. With victories over Andre Berto, Selcuk Aydin and Aaron Martinez, anybody that’s been put in front of him he’s fought and he has given everything. Not only is he a former world champion, but his wife is a world champion in her own right, having defeated cancer and she’s been cancer free for quite some time now.

Ladies and gentlemen, he’s joined alongside by his father and his trainer Ruben Guerrero, it gives me a great honor and pleasure to introduce the former world champion who is without question excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to fight Danny Garcia on FOX on January 23, ladies and gentlemen here is Robert Guerrero.

Robert Guerrero

Hello everybody, how are you guys doing? I’m excited to be here and ready for your questions, so shoot away.

R. Flores

Robert, before we have open it up for questions I want to touch base with you. We heard some of the media during the conference call asking and pretty much saying that you’re the underdog. How do you react to the fact that Danny is the favorite in this fight?

R. Guerrero

That don’t bother me at all. My whole life I’ve been an underdog, since I was a kid. My family was always an underdog, having to work out of a field and come up strong and get to what where we got. It’s just a way of life for us. A lot of us Latinos out there, that’s the way it is. We come from poverty and work our way to the top. We’ve always been with our back against the wall and always been an underdog. We never look at that being a favorite, we just come and get the job done.

Could you talk about a little bit how being a boxer has shaped your faith?

R. Guerrero

It’s just that fight and that struggle, getting through everything day in, day out. That hard work. When you go back and you look in the Bible, God says to put out as much as he put into you. That’s what I do every day I’m in the gym. This is a sport where anything can happen. One punch could change your whole life. It brings you closer to God. Everything else I’ve been through, you put God first all the time and that’s how we live.

Just being in the ring and knowing what’s God done for me and my career and my family and how far he’s taken us by having that faith in him, it’s incredible. It’s incredible. STAPLES Center Los Angeles main event on FOX against an undefeated fighter like Danny Garcia, it truly is a blessing from God to be able to be in the position that I’m in and the circumstances that I’ve had to face to be in this position also. The only way you can overcome everything is by having faith in God.

Could you talk a little bit about the positive and negatives sides of being kind of a public religious figure?

R. Guerrero

There’s always a positive to everything, no matter what the negative is. You get the people out there who test your faith and who judge you and try to tear you down. But, when you’re a believer in Christ, you put him first. Nothing else matters to you. You work hard and you do what you got to do and you let your actions speak for you and what God’s blessed you with.

That’s one of the things that we’ve always done. And I try to not overstep our boundaries and try not to be out there forcing the Lord’s word down people’s throat. You let it come and you let people see how much you’ve prospered and how good God is in your life.

Do you think that you did come back to soon after the Keith Thurman fight to fight Aron?

R. Guerrero

I have no excuses. And, you know what? I came back; it was three months after the fight. I think somewhere around there; it was back in camp. Aron Martinez is a tough guy. Everybody saw his last fight and what he did. He came out rough and tough and did his job.

I think I have no excuses. I went out there and got the job done, he gave me a tough fight, and I’m not going to take anything away from Aron Martinez because he trained his butt off and came and did what he did and got the job done. So I have no excuses for that fight. You just got to get back on top of it and work hard.

How did your body feel heading into that fight and coming out of the fight?

R. Guerrero

I felt a little drained and worn out. Not so much of the fighting, but I had other situations going on in my life at home and emotional stuff. It all adds up. But like I said, there’s no excuse. Aron Martinez came to fight and that’s what he did. I sucked it up and bent down and showed that true grit and got through the fight and pulled a victory off.

What are your thoughts on Danny?

R. Guerrero

He’s been in some close fights. That’s the decision of the judges; that’s their job to do that. But, you’re just as good as your last fight. That’s what you look at. He came in and got the job done and stopped him. He cracked the wall through a division. Now it’s time to step in with me and that’s what we’re focusing on. We put a great game plan together and we’re excited to get out there and execute it.

When you see that as a fighter that you’re fighting a guy who’s younger, he’s undefeated, does that give you a little more edge and if you do beat him does it make it that much sweeter for you?

R. Guerrero

Oh, most definitely it makes it sweet to give somebody their first loss. It’s shows what a true champion is to see what they do after they lose and their adversity and their back against the wall. I’m excited to be getting in there with an undefeated Danny Garcia because I get that shot like everybody else gets that shot, to crack that zero and put a one there. It’s exciting.

How important is your record finishing out?

R. Guerrero

It’s about trying to make yourself a better fighter. To come back strong and finish out your career with a strong output. It’s about becoming a world champion again and also attracting that Hall of Fame.

I want to ask you about the whole — Danny didn’t want to make it a big deal about its Puerto Rico versus Mexico — but you know the fans always get so involved in it. You’re on the West Coast here, you know what it’s like, right?

R. Guerrero

Oh, most definitely. Whether you like it or not it’s a rivalry and it’s been a rivalry in boxing and soccer and you name it for years. That’s what it comes down to, that’s what makes our two cultures so competitive at boxing. It’s because of that rivalry. Mexicans want to be better than Puerto Ricans in the game. In my honest opinion I think Mexicans are better in the game. It’s time to come out and show what I still got left and what I can do.

Nowhere better to do than STAPLES Center right here in LA, right?

R. Guerrero

Oh, most definitely. Where most of my Mexican fans are, all those Latinos out there, all those — I like to call them Chicanos out there — because that’s what we are.

What advantages do you see you have over him?

R. Guerrero

There’s always that southpaw stance, being a volume puncher, a guy that throws a lot of punches. Plus being at 147 a little bit longer than him it’s all an advantage. The key is using those advantages and capitalizing on them and taking advantage of them. We got to go out there and execute the game plan and make it happen.

You fought some of the top guys in the world at welterweight; Mayweather, Keith Thurman, Andre Berto and all of that. What have you learned from those fights that you could use against Danny Garcia?

R. Guerrero

You got to get better sparring. For the last couple of fights I’ve just been fighting with guys that are not even pushing me in the gym and getting me 100% ready. Guys that I can do what I want to do with in the ring. It just doesn’t cut it. It just doesn’t cut it.

That’s one of the biggest things that I’ve noticed in my training camp, is not having that solid sparring that’s going to take you to that limit and make you better, sharper, faster. Keep your eyes sharp, and be ready to make those exchanges where you do something wrong they’re going to make you pay no where you’re going to do something wrong and the guy’s going to shell up and just try to survive in the ring. You need those guys that are going to push you and make you better.

Does the time in between fights give you time to heal up and get sharper better?

R. Guerrero

Not so much heal up. I always take good care of my body and I come out of these fights not really damaged too much. I mean, I do a lot of damage in the ring to guys and don’t take a lot of it. It’s a matter of me sitting back and analyzing everything that’s gone on in my training camps and my career and what I need to do, what adjustments I need to make in the gym to get back to where I need to be. I think we made those adjustments and I’m excited to get back out there and make it happen.

Do you want to make a prediction for this fight?

R. Guerrero

Prediction; I’ll come in to fight. I’m coming to fight. Only God knows what’s going to happen and all I can say is I’m coming to win and put out my best performance I can put out and make it happen and become a champion in the welterweight division again.

When we had Danny on the line, Danny made a prediction. I don’t know what your thoughts on his. He said he’s going to TKO you in the fifth round.

R. Guerrero

All I got to say is if that’s his prediction, come to do it. Because I’m coming to fight. I’m always up for that challenge and I love it because I know he’s coming to fight, too. If he’s coming to KO me in the fifth round, that means he’s coming to fight.

Where do you see this putting you back in the rankings and how important is this fight to beat the undefeated with a lot of hype behind him in Danny Garcia?

R. Guerrero

This throws me right back in. There’s lot of hype behind Danny Garcia coming at 147 pounds. There’s a lot of big talk that he’s the next star in boxing that’s going to take over. Like he says himself, stars come to Hollywood. He’s a big star in the sport and I’m not going to say he’s not because he’s been doing what he’s had to do. He’s undefeated; he’s taken out a lot of top guys. His resume is great.

I think this is a tremendous fight for me to get back on top and to get back in the ranks. To show the doubters and the media and everybody out there that Guerrero got a lot left in him. I’ve been 100% prepared for this fight fight. We got that out of the way and it’s time to take care of business on the 23 and I’m excited about it.

Do you think Danny is adding in the factor that he’s not going to be the bigger guy this time?

R. Guerrero

I think he’s going to be a lot bigger than people expect. Being at 140 for the amount of time he was and coming up to 147 pounds, he’s feeling great. He’s feeling strong, he’s feeling bigger. He just walked through Paulie Malignaggi and I know he’s expecting to walk through me. So he predicted the fifth round, a knockout. So he’s feeling great about himself. That just excites me, because I know he’s coming at his best and he’s feeling his strongest and he’s coming to fight. It’s exciting to know how he’s coming to fight.

R. Flores

Robert as we get ready to conclude the conference call, we really appreciate the time and looking forward to seeing you on fight week in Los Angeles. Did you have any closing comments for the media?

R. Guerrero

I’m just excited to be back in the ring. It’s great to be in such a big event, especially here at home in California, at STAPLES Center, in the heart of Los Angeles. I’m excited about that. Also with this great undercard with Aron Martinez who’s a local Los Angeles fighter also who’s coming up strong. It’s going to be an exciting card and I’m excited.

Everybody says that they had the best training camp ever that they’ve had in I don’t know how long. I’m just going to tell you I had a great training camp. I’m excited about this fight; I’m in great shape, feeling good. I can’t wait; I had great sparring. I can’t wait to get into that fight and show the world Guerrero’s still here. I got a little bit derailed and now I’m back on those tracks and it’s time to go full steam ahead.

For more information visit http://www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.staplescenter.com and http://www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, http://www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, http://www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and http://www.facebook.com/foxsports, http://www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

Looking Back At The Rise Of The Baddest Man On The Planet

“Iron” Mike Tyson had a Hall Of Fame, sometimes chaotic career inside the ring, and a well publicized tumultuous life outside of it. This article will not cover the gamut nor will it delve into the inner demons that plagued this all-time great. It will simply be one writer’s fond look back at the rise of the baddest man on the planet.

The year was 1986, “Kid Dynamite” screamed the cover of Sports Illustrated’s January 6th edition thirty years ago this week. I was in my senior year of high school and here was this man-child, my age, who SI was prophetically calling “the next great heavyweight”. I had followed the sweet science for about ten years but no other fighter had ever intrigued me like the kid who was knocking out grown ass men with bad intentions.

“Ready To Soar To The Very Top” was the title of the article and Tyson ensured there would be no SI jinx.

After beginning his career in 1985 with an astonishing fifteen fights, all by stoppage, the Cus D’Amato protege from the Catskill Mountains by way of Brooklyn looked to cement his place in history by the end of the year.

In 1986 the internet was nonexistent. There was no Google, no Twitter, and no Facebook, which basically meant you had to rely on TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines, for all of your updates. Compared to today, it was extremely challenging to closely follow an up and coming phenom in real time.

Towards the end of January, I was able to obtain the results from Tyson’s two bouts in the month. It may have been through the results section in The Ring or KO Magazine but I found what I was looking for, Tyson TKO 1 over Dave Jaco and TKO 5 over Mark Jameson.

Beware The Gatekeepers

The next month it happened, I was finally able to actually watch this new terror in the heavyweight division. I believe it was on Wide World of Sports. I watched Tyson knuckleup with his most formidable opponent to date, Jesse “The Boogieman” Ferguson. I remember seeing his trademark peek-a-boo-style for the first time, his gloves held tightly against his lips. As for the fight, I recall Ferguson constantly holding which ultimately led to the stoppage of the fight but it was the textbook, later his signature move, hook to the body followed by the uppercut that floored Ferguson in the fifth that was cemented in my brain. Lethal.

In March, Tyson destroyed Steve Zouski with a looping left hook setting up a May fight with James “Quick” Tillis.

Entering the ring with forty fights of experience, Tillis had the best resume of any Tyson opponent to date failing previously on three bids to capture a version of the heavyweight title with a unanimous decision loss to Mike Weaver, and TKO losses to Pinklon Thomas, and Tim Witherspoon.

For some reason, in 2016, I recall first the Tyson-Tillis exhibition over a year later in 87 then I do their actual fight in 86. Puzzling because in 86, the Tyson unanimous decision, his first fight that had gone the distance, had caused a bit of a controversy as some felt the scores should have been closer.

Tillis gave as good as he got and landed more significant punches on Tyson than any prior opponent. In the fourth, Tillis threw a left hook from the sky and his momentum carried him away from Tyson. As Tillis spun around, Tyson was in the process of countering with his own left hook and as Tillis reacted to move out of the way it grazed him and he went down. Up quickly and not hurt, it would be the difference on two of the three judges scorecards between a draw and a loss. A good test for the young lion coming up through the ranks against a gatekeeper of sorts.

One of my biggest takeaways from this fight was the skillset that Tyson displayed which was unlike most of the bigs in 86. At one point during the fight, Tyson exhibited a move that was more likely to be seen in the welterweight division let alone the heavies. As Tillis moved towards Tyson, Tyson crouched all the way down, knees bent, as he pivoted and dodged shots while recoiling up and throwing combinations.

Blood Is Green

Ah, Mitch “Blood” Green. Tyson held two victories over Green, one in the ring in May of 86 and one out of the ring in August of 88. In the 86 “official” matchup, Tyson would make his debut on HBO. Tyson pressured Green the entire fight causing Green to hold more and more as the fight wore on. This one stuck in the memory bank because I remember thinking Green’s mouthpiece came out after being blasted by Tyson only to find out it was part of his grill.

Green was several inches taller than Tyson which allowed him to tie up his shorter opponent. As the fight reached the later rounds, the crowd voiced their displeasure knowing this would be the second Tyson fight in a row that wouldn’t end in a knockout. Tyson won a wide unanimous decision. Don King was Green’s promoter and as the scores were announced, King was “conveniently” in Tyson’s corner.

Two fights in June produced two first round knockouts, the first over Reggie Gross, the second over William Hosea. In July’s first fight, a second round knockout over Lorenzo Boyd would set up a bout two weeks later against the son of a heavyweight legend.

An Ordinary Joe

On a warm summer afternoon day at the end of July, I remembered that Tyson was fighting on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. I was at the mall at the time and after realizing the card was about to start, I dashed through the building frantically trying to locate the nearest department store. I headed to the television section just as Tyson landed a lethal right uppercut about twenty seconds into the fight causing Marvis Frazier to crumple to his knees in the corner, motionless as he was counted out. Brutal.

The Journey Continues

Up next was Jose Ribalta on HBO in August. There is was again, in the second round, the hook to the body followed by the uppercut. A thing of beauty. Ribalta to his credit took it well and fought gallantly to the bell. In the eighth, after doing tremendous damage for most of the round, Tyson landed a looping left hook with about thirty seconds left that sent Ribalta reeling backwards with only the ropes saving him from going down. After a standing eight count, Ribalta is able to stay away just enough to make it out of the round. About halfway through the tenth, Tyson lands a monstrous counter left hook that drops Ribalta again. When the fight continues, it’s vintage Tyson attacking with bad intentions. Right hook to the head, left hook to the head, right hook, left hook, game, set, uh…TKO. Today, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the heavies who closes the show even remotely close.

Tyson’s next fight in September against Alfonzo Ratliff was part of HBO’s heavyweight tournament, on the undercard of a Michael Spinks’ IBF World heavyweight title defense, and surprisingly Tyson’s first fight in Las Vegas as a pro.

A Tyson win assured that his next bout would be against Trevor Berbick, holder of the WBC strap. Sensing that his title shot was within his grasp, Tyson was like a shark in water with Ratliff his bleeding prey. Ratliff cautious of what he was about to receive, eluded a stalking Tyson in the first but only delayed his fate. In the second, Tyson dropped Ratliff with a short left hook/uppercut. Once Ratliff reached his feet, Tyson swarmed him landing multiple punches then ending things with a left hook to the body followed by a left hook to the head. D’Amato’s prediction that Tyson would fight for the title before the end of 86 had now come to fruition.

Judgement Day

Eighteen months and twenty-seven fights into his career, the time had come to fight for the heavyweight title and if successful, a chance to make history as the youngest pugilist to ever do so.

The fight against Berbick was billed as “Judgement Day” and took place on November 22, 1986 in Las Vegas.

Berbick entered the bout on the strength of nine straight victories which included a decision win over Pinklon Thomas in his previous bout where he captured the WBC World heavyweight title.

I felt the excitement in the air as my friends packed into my apartment, standing room only as my “Tyson Fight Parties” usually were. Tyson emerged from the tunnel, a gladiator walking to the ring with his entourage, a white cropped towel worn like a shirt, black shorts and shoes, no socks.

Tale Of The Tape
                                                    Berbick                            Tyson

                                                        32             Age              20
                                                        6’2 ½       Height           5’11 1/2
                                                        218 ½      Weight         221 ¼
                                                        78”           Reach          71”

Mills Lane with the final instructions..”Any questions from the challanger or chief seconds? Any questions from the champion or chief seconds? Let’s get it on, come on!!!!!

A hug from Trainer Kevin Rooney and Tyson awaits the start in his corner, glaring at Berbick as he stays loose by moving his arms slightly and rocking on his feet. In these moments, Tyson is no doubt recalling D’Amato’s wise guidance. The education on the psychology and spiritual aspects of the game and more importantly for a youngster, how to channel the aggression and control the fear. The bell rings and the moment his mentor prepared him for has begun.

Tyson moves towards Berbick with his peek-a boo stance and lands a lead right hand followed moments later by a left hook. Berbick knows he is in deep but is game and lands a right hook to Tyson’s jaw, a clubbing blow to the back of his head, a body shot and another right to the head.

Tyson stays focused and starts to land big right hands, jabbing his way in and landing sharp quick combinations. Tyson rocks Berbick was a series of left and right hooks that has the champion reeling. Berbick is able to hold and absorbs more damage as the bell rings. As he heads to his corner, Berbick gestures towards Tyson, his mouth open as he appears to smirk at the challenger. A ploy of an unwise man who has just thrown gasoline on the fire.

As the bell rings to start round two, Tyson moves towards Berbick and lands a looping right hand that wobbles Berbick. Tyson swarms Berbick and lands two more rights dropping Berbick who gets up quickly and takes a standing eight count.

As the fight ensues, not a lot happens over the next minute or so until Tyson lands a huge left hook on Berbick’s temple dropping him for a second time.

What happens next, I can still recall vividly to this day, thirty years later. Berbick tries to get up, has no balance and due to the temple shot affecting his equilibrium, he falls back into the ropes. Berbick gets up again and falls face down into the canvas. A champions heart, he again tries to get to his feet only to fall into the arms of Lane who waves off the fight.

Beauty in his savagery.

Michael Gerard Tyson, the kid from from the streets of Brooklyn…..world champion. The noise level in my apartment is deafening, my voice gone.

The year was 1986, Sports Illustrated’s December 1 issue screams DYNAMITE! Mike Tyson: The KO Kid Is A Champ At 20.

Yes he was, it was a wild ride, thank you Champ.

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord. And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord. Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord – Collins

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