PBC on FOX – Standing-8

UNBEATEN ADAM KOWNACKI DEFEATS CHRIS ARREOLA BY UNANIMOUS DECISION

UNBEATEN ADAM KOWNACKI DEFEATS CHRIS ARREOLA BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN RECORD SETTING ACTION FIGHT THAT HEADLINED FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

Former Champion Jean Pascal Edges Marcus Browne By Technical Decision After Accidental Headbutt Ends Fight in Round Eight
&
Wale Omotoso Stops Curtis Stevens in Third Round of
154-Pound Duel

Photo Credits- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

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BROOKLYN (August 4, 2019) – Unbeaten Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki (20-0, 15 KOs) earned a unanimous decision over Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (38-6-1, 33 KOs) in an all-action brawl in front of his hometown fans that headlined FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes Saturday night from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Kownacki and Arreola set the CompuBox heavyweight record for combined punches landed and thrown in a heavyweight fight. They landed a combined 667 punches, besting the previous record of 650, while throwing 2,172 punches, far surpassing the previous mark of 1,730.

Highlights from the fight can be found HERE, HERE and HERE.

“Chris is an Aztec warrior,” said Kownacki. “He’s a great fighter. I knew it would be a tough fight and I prepared for it. The CompuBox numbers prove it was a great fight.”

“Adam is relentless,” said Arreola. “He just keeps coming. I know I got him with some good punches and he got me with some good ones. I was more than ready to go all 12, but Adam came in and won the fight.”

The action began right from the first bell, as Kownacki charged at Arreola and immediately began exchanging as both men threw power punches in bunches. Kownacki worked off of his jab to initiate his offense, while Arreola was effectively able to counter his hard-charging opponent and respond every time he was hit with a combination.

“I thought it was a good close fight but I knew I pulled it out,” said Kownacki. “I landed a lot of shots and that was enough to win. That’s all that matters.”

Kownacki stunned Arreola in the early moments of round two but Arreola quickly responded to slow Kownacki’s momentum. Arreola found more and more success with his overhand right as the fight went, landing the punch numerous times in the fourth and fifth round especially.

Round six was a back and forth affair that featured a big offensive surge from Kownacki early in the round, before an exciting exchange at the end of the round saw both men take heavy punches.

“I tried to follow up when I had him hurt but I was throwing two punches instead of three or four,” said Kownacki. “Props to Arreola because he proved he could still hang. I’m sure the fans would want to see him again.”

The middle rounds saw Arreola pick up a hand injury, but it didn’t appear to slow him down much as his punch output continued to be strong for the second half of the fight. For Kownacki, it was his first time going past 10 rounds as a pro.

After the punches continued to fly through the last bell, the two heavyweights embraced in the ring prior to hearing the judges’ scores. After 12 rounds, all three judges saw the fight in favor of Kownacki, by scores of 117-11 twice and 118-110.

“Retirement is something I need to talk to my family and team about,” said Arreola. “I gave it my all this fight. I let it all hang out. After breaking my hand, I kept fighting because I believed I could win.”

“I just have to keep training hard, getting better and sharpening my skills,” said Kownacki. “We’ll see what the future holds. Hopefully next year I’ll get the title shot.”

The co-main event saw former world champion Jean Pascal (34-6-1, 20 KOs) earn a narrow technical decision over previously unbeaten Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 KOs) to capture the WBA interim light heavyweight title after an accidental headbutt ended the fight in round eight.

“Boxing is boxing,” said Pascal. “We clashed heads, but at the end of the day, I was winning the round. I dropped him three times. It was a close fight, but I believe I was winning.”

Browne appeared to be in control early, using his jab effectively and finishing his combos with power punches. Throughout the fight, Browne would land 52% of his power punches according to CompuBox.

In round four, Pascal broke through landing a perfect right hand that connected with Browne as he threw his own right hook. Browne hit the canvas for the third time in his career, but was able to make it through the round.

Watch Pascal score the knockdown HERE

Browne looked to have regained control of the fight until late in round seven when Pascal again connected on a powerful right hook that caught Browne during an exchange. Pascal jumped on Browne after he got to his feet and knocked him down a third time right before the bell ended round seven.

Montreal’s Pascal was looking to finish Browne in round eight, while Browne looked to effectively navigate the ring while recovering from the previous round. It was midway through the round that Pascal hit Browne with an accidental headbutt on the ropes that opened a cut over Browne’s left eye.

Watch the headbutt HERE

Referee Gary Rosato halted the bout 1:49 into the round, on the advice of the ringside physician, meaning the fight went to the scorecards. By winning the shortened eighth round on all three judges’ cards, Pascal won the fight by the score of 75-74 three times.

“I could hear my daughter ringside and that was motivation for me,” said Pascal. “She was yelling my name all night long. I’m going to go home and talk to my team to see what is next. Canada has Drake, the NBA Champions and now I’m bringing the belt home.”

Browne was unavailable for post fight comments as he was taken to NYU Lutheran Medical Center due to the cut.

The opening bout on FOX saw Wale Omotoso (28-4, 22 KOs) drop Curtis Stevens (30-7, 22 KOs) three times on his way to a third round stoppage victory in their super welterweight clash.

For Stevens it was his first fight at 154-pounds, and he was tested at the new weight from the outset. Omotoso began moving and jabbing around the ring as Stevens stalked him and tried to throw power punches to slow his movement. Late in the first round, Omotoso broke through with a right hand to the side of Stevens’ head that dropped him in the middle of the ring.

“My coach told me to keep my hands up, be patient, box him and jab,” said Omotoso. “He told me I shouldn’t push it and that when the opening was there, I’d take it. That’s exactly what happened.”

“He hit me with an overhand right in the first round that knocked my equilibrium,” said Stevens. “But that didn’t really affect me too much. I wasn’t stepping enough into my punches, I was reaching. I got caught when I was reaching.”

In round two Omotoso landed a perfect jab on Stevens, as his opponent was throwing a left hook, that sent him down for the second time in the fight. Stevens again made it through the round, and began the next frame trapping Omotoso in the corner and connecting on power punches.

“I was just letting my hands go,” said Omotoso. “On the second knockdown my confidence grew. I was glad to get the victory by knockout.”

While Stevens was able to own the early moments of the third round, Omotoso hit him with a three punch combo that featured left hook, left uppercut and then straight right hand that put Stevens down for the third time. Stevens got to his feet but referee Johnny Callas halted the bout at 1:28 of the third round.

“I was okay but the referee has to do his job,” said Stevens. “I was down three times so I know he was looking out for my best interests.”

“I didn’t expect it to go exactly like that,” said Omotoso. “I was just listening to my coach. The second knockdown was actually with my jab. I have to talk to my team about what’s next. I’m thankful for this opportunity. I’m so happy to have this win. Give me anybody next, I’m ready.”

Watch Omotoso’s TKO over Curtis Stevens HERE

ADAM KOWNACKI VS. CHRIS ARREOLA MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT & AUDIO RECORDING

Click HERE for Audio

Ray Flores
We greatly appreciate the media joining us from around the world as we are very excited and thrilled for this Saturday’s FOX PBC Fight Night Live on FOX and FOX Deportes headlined by undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki as he battles the exciting former title challenger, the hard-hitting, Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola in a heavyweight showdown from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

We get started 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and feature unbeaten interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion “Sir” Marcus Browne, also an Olympian as he battles the former world champion Jean Pascal in a 12-round matchup.

Also Brooklyn’s own Curtis Stevens dropping down to 154-pounds as he squares off against Wale Omotoso in a 10-round matchup. Tickets for the event, they are going quickly. You can purchase them at ticketmaster.com or also at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center and all brought to you by TGB Promotions.

It gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce the President of TGB Promotions – one of the smartest minds in boxing. Please welcome my dear friend, Mr. Tom Brown.

Tom Brown
Thank you, Ray, and thanks everyone for joining us for this conference call, for what should be an amazing PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes card presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ on Saturday night. BROOKLYN BOXING is now a very well-known brand in the industry because of the dedication to boxing and the support of Brett Yormark, the CEO of BSE Global.

I’m very excited about this fight. I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time. I know Adam and Chris have as well. It’s a very intriguing fight in the heavyweight division, a division which has certainly got a lot of attention and a lot of buzz lately.

So thank you everyone again for joining us, and I’ll hand things back over to Ray to introduce the fighters.

R. Flores
Let’s meet one of the participants in our main event of the evening. His record, 38 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw, 33 wins coming by way of knock out. From Los Angeles, California, a three-time heavyweight title challenger who’s gone up against the likes of Deontay Wilder, Vitali Klitschko, Tomasz Adamek and also Bermane Stiverne. Most recently in action at AT&T Stadium, a part of the Spence – Garcia FOX Sports Pay Per View Event. He finished off the previously unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin in March. Please welcome, ladies and gentlemen, the always entertaining and the extremely dedicated and focused Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola.

Chris Arreola
First I’d like to thank everyone that’s out here right now and FOX for putting this great show on. I can’t wait to get in the ring with Adam. It’s going to be a fun night. It’s going to be a great night of boxing and I’m excited. I’ve been working hard, and I know Adam’s ready, and I’m very ready to get this show on the road.

R. Flores
Now for Adam Kownacki. His record, 19 wins, no losses, 15 wins coming by way of knock out. A 30-year-old who was born in Poland before moving to Brooklyn when he was only seven years of age. He is no stranger to Barclays Center. This will be the ninth time that he has sparred at Barclays Center but the first as the main event at Barclays Center. He had an impressive decision over former champion Charles Martin last September and most recently halted Gerald Washington in two rounds in January.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the entertaining Adam Kownacki.

Adam Kownacki
Hello. Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure. I can’t wait to put on a show on August 30.

Q
With the recent news with Dillian Whyte, do you feel like a convincing win on Saturday night would, help you possibly slip in there and get that fight with Wilder a little sooner than expected, perhaps?

A. Kownacki
Yes, I think so. I think what I heard was that Deontay had some other stuff coming up with Luis Ortiz, and the fight with Tyson Fury. So definitely, hopefully towards the 2020 I’ll be able to get a crack at him. But most importantly I’ve got to make sure I get past Chris Arreloa August 3 this Saturday.

Q
Chris, when you called Joe Goossen three months ago, you knew it’s going to be a hard training camp. Why Joe Goossen and what happened during those three months?

Adam, for many, many years the number one on your list was Chris Arreola. Why Chris?

C. Arreola
Well, the reason I went with Joe Goossen is first I’ve known Joe for many years. I’ve always been a fan of Joe ever since the Castillo – Corrales fight. And he’s part of the family. Dan Goossen was my old promoter, rest in peace. I wanted to keep it in the family. I like the way he works. I like that he’s an old school — very old school — kind of a coach. He’s very methodical and he makes sure that he’s there every minute of training camp.

It’s been very beneficial and it was a great experience for me. And I can’t wait to fight this Saturday so I can put everything on the line.

A. Kownacki
I think he’s still one of the biggest names in the heavyweight divisions. With all the great fighters he was in there with, he beat a lot of them. And then against the top ones he came up a little bit short. So I knew if I could beat Chris Arreola, I’m more on those sides that are really on the top of their game and top of the division. So I thinking beating a guy like Chris Arreola puts me up there in the top 10, top five category.

Q
I had the pleasure to speak with Joe Goossen last night and he said he doesn’t believe the fight goes past seven rounds. Chris, your opinion? Also Adam, you?

C. Arreola
I honestly agree on that. And it’s not saying anything negative against Kownacki because it could go either way. He can knock me out like I can knock him out. The thing is that we both have extensive amateur experience. We both know how to fight. We both just need a little window of opportunity to knock someone out. That’s all we need because we have the experience and we have the power. That’s the reason why Joe will say that because we’re both the fighters that – exciting fighters that are going to put it on the line.

A. Kownacki
Yes. I’m ready for 12 rounds but if I get an opportunity to make it quick or go for it, I’ll go for it. It’s like you said before, if you guys have been boxing for a while, you’ve seen Chris around for a while. You see me coming up with the past couple of years so it sounds like the perfect matchup, like a great matchup for fans. We’re both looking for a knockout, so there is definitely going to be a lot of heavyweight haymakers being thrown. It’s not one of us trying to get the finish, it’s both of us trying to get the finish.

Q
Chris, I wonder if you could speak to your experience of having that sort of pressure that was part of your identity of the guy trying to become the first from your heritage to become heavyweight champion, now the way Adam is trying to become the first from his background.

C. Arreola
See the thing is that he has the whole Polish nation behind him, and it is a bit of a burden. Not so much a burden, but it’s a big weight on your shoulders to be carrying around. And as for myself, it was. It was a hard burden and a hard weight on my shoulders for me to carry around. And now that Andy did it, I feel like the weight is off my shoulders now. Now I can just actually just fight.

I think Adam just needs to just fight and not worry about first this or first that because the main thing is is getting that win and getting that fight and not getting caught up in the whole being the first because it’s a bit overwhelming. If you let yourself be caught up in that situation.

Q
Chris did you get caught up in that the first time you fought for the title?

C. Arreola
The first time was really the most pressure, when I fought Klitschko. That was the biggest pressure. The second time when I fought Stiverne, I didn’t have any pressure. I didn’t feel like I had the pressure because I was actually in really good shape and I was ready for that fight. Just happened that I got caught, and it’s boxing.

I was actually worried about the fight more than worrying about making history. And that’s really what you really have to be worried about, is just the fight in hand, the task in hand, because if you don’t take care of the task in hand, then there is no history.

It wasn’t even on my mind at all against Wilder. My mind at that point was just on winning the title. I wasn’t even thinking about being the first Mexican champion or being the first anything. All I wanted to be is be the champion. I just wanted to be a champion.

Q
Now that Andy has done that and did so in a huge upset, what were your feelings about that?

C. Arreola
I was happy for him, for his family, because he deserves it. Like I said, I’ve known the kid since he was 17 years old and he’s always been hungry. He’s always worked hard. He’s always been a big boy, but he’s always been a big boy with skill. And I was elated for him. I was elated for the Mexican fans that finally we had a Mexican champion. And he did it, man. And honestly, a lot of pressure came off of me and I congratulate him. I’m happy for him.

Q
So no disappointment that should you get another chance to fight for a heavyweight title that you cannot accomplish that particular feat?

C. Arreola
Absolutely not. Not at all. I’m not a bitter man and I’m not a man that’s going to be a resentful man. I love it. And I appreciate him, and I love what he did for the sport because he didn’t just do something big for the Mexican people but he made something big for the sport of boxing and for the heavyweight division because now it’s wide open.

Q
How does it feel to be the veteran in this type of fight instead of being the younger heavyweight?

C. Arreola
It’s the circle of life, man. Everything goes around, right? Goes around full circle. I was once a young lion and now I’m the old veteran. That’s exactly how I feel. I feel like Jameel McCline against me, but I feel like I’m in great shape. I feel like I’m ready to put on a great show, and I don’t feel like this is the end of my show. I think this is just another chapter of my boxing career.

I honestly believe that Adam is a great fighter. I think that he’s a really good fighter, but I’ve got to keep my career going.

Q
Do you still look at this fight and this run overall where it’s still one loss and you’re done, you’re retired for good?

C. Arreola
Absolutely. Absolutely man. No disrespect to anybody, no disrespect to Adam, because I think he’s a great fighter, but personally, if I lose, there’s no reason for me to be in the sport of boxing. I’m in boxing to be a champion. If I lose, it brings me all the way back to the bottom, and I don’t want to keep crawling back up and keep crawling back up again. I’m too old to be doing that.

So it’s a make or break kind of fight. It’s a win or go home thing. I know Adam has intentions to retire me, and I’m not planning to retire no time soon. I know Adam worked his butt off to get me out of boxing, but I worked hard myself.

Q
How do you feel getting this opportunity and potentially maybe enticing a guy like Deontay Wilder to fight, especially if you get a big win over Chris?

A. Kownacki
I grew up there. I grew up in Brooklyn. So it’s a great feeling being the headline and having all my friends, all my family, the whole community there and having my back and supporting me making something of myself. Growing up in Brooklyn, it’s very tough but it’s very rewarding. But yes, this is just the beginning. I feel this is the step in making something even bigger and greater.

Q
You mentioned wanting to beat Chris quicker than when Deontay Wilder did a couple of years ago. If you do beat him in quick fashion, do you think that alone will be enough to get that world title opportunity? Or do you feel like maybe there’s a still a little more before you can fully convince the title holder that’s heavyweight before getting that shot?

A. Kownacki
I think so. We spoke about his fight against McCline earlier today. So maybe that’s what I’ll do to Chris. I know it took Wilder seven or eight rounds. So if I do it in half the time, I’ll be happy. Especially with somebody tough like Chris Arreola.

Q
Are you concerned about Adam’s home field advantage at the Barclays Center?

C. Arreola
No not at all, man. No disrespect to the Polish fans for anything like that because I appreciate every fan. Every fan that comes in there gives me added motivation. At the end of the day it’s going to be me and Adam in the ring. There are not going to be any fans in the ring. So I’m okay.

Q
Do you picture yourself and imagine yourself as a future heavyweight champion with all the money and celebrity that can come with that or do you really just take things one fight at a time?

A. Kownacki
That’s my goal. I have a mission to be the first Polish born heavyweight champion of the world, and that’s my goal. You’ve got to stay humble because a lot of times you know it could drop you down back to earth real quick. I remember being an up and coming fighter, being four and 0, four knockouts. And I had a little misfortune of breaking my left hand and I was out for three years. I felt my whole world came crashing down.

But it was a very valuable lesson to make sure I’m humble. The goal remains the same, to be the world champion. And the fame and all that stuff that comes with it great. Right now I’m just laser focused on becoming heavyweight champion. Chris is in my way so I’ve got to make sure I’m able to win on Saturday.

Q
What are some of the new things that maybe you paid attention to with Joe that you didn’t necessarily focus on in the past?

C. Arreola
One of the main things that Joe does is he is a back to basics trainer. He makes sure that you’re tall and jab right. So I think that my punches are going to come out of the pocket a lot smoother and he’s taught me a lot of new defensive movements. The main thing is doing this and making everything just flow.

Q
You debuted as a professional in 2003. It’s 2019 now and you’re 38 years old. How would you say our perspective towards boxing has changed from then to now?

C. Arreola
Well, my perspective from boxing, the main thing I have changed is the work ethic, the way you work. You really have to work, because boxing is my job, so I have to work like it’s my job. I have to treat my body right, like it’s a machine, because it is a machine. The main thing now, especially because I’m older, is paying attention to my body and working hard and not beating myself up where I ain’t going to have nothing left tomorrow.

Q
What’s the biggest piece of knowledge that’s been invaluable to you as a veteran?

C. Arreola
Well inside the ring, as far as inside the ring, the main thing is staying calm. You can’t get all wild and get excited because that’s just wasted energy. And outside the ring is just being open with the fans man. Because you’ve got to remember, you’re nobody without the fans. And just like that, they could pull the carpet under your feet and legs and you can land flat on your face. Got to be humble. Got to treat everyone the way you want to be treated. So that’s just my main thing. And moderation. Everything in moderation.

Q
Adam you and Chris are very physically similar to each other same height, same reach. What do you feel that you do that separates the two of you?

A. Kownacki
It’s definitely very similar styles. Obviously we fight very similar. We throw a lot of punches, we both come forward. So I guess it’s going to be a more experienced lion fighting a younger, hungry lion. You’re going to see whose lands on top. Me and Chris are so similar, like I said, so we have similar aspects from our height, our reach, the way we fight, but it’s going to be the experience could stopping the youth.

Q
Chris, do you think it’s a good thing for boxing to be able to kind of breakdown the sides of the street mentality?

C. Arreola
That’s the way it seems. Boxing is also good because everybody’s their own boss. I think what PBC is doing with boxing is great. It gives us a platform to perform. I think it’s got to be great for the fighters and there are a lot of great fights. So I think it’s just a better when everybody’s satisfied.

Q
Adam are you pretty confident those fights can still be made that are kind of cross that promotional divide?

A. Kownacki
Of course. The fights are going to happen it’s just a matter of coming to an agreement that satisfies everyone.

Q
Chris, being that Adam is a heavy favorite in the fight and you’re viewed as kind of the older guy, how much motivation has that given to you that you’re kind of in some respects being counted out this time?

C. Arreola
I don’t even pay attention to the odds to be honest with you. My main motivation is win or go home. That’s my motivation. My motivation is to keep fighting, to keep putting food on my family’s table, keep making a living off of boxing. That’s my motivation.

Q
Chris, do you view this as your last chance, basically, so to speak?

C. Arreola
Absolutely. This is my last chance, man. This is my last chance not because the media or anything like that. This is my last chance because I say so. If I lose, I go home, no matter if it’s a great fight, if it’s a great fight or great event or it’s a could have gone either way, plain and simple. I lose it, I go home. I stay home. One and done, no more. So this is my added motivation. This is all I want. This is what I’m living for.

Q
Adam, how much more dangerous does that make Chris being that he’s toward the end of his career and he does view this as his last opportunity to kind of get where he wants to go?

A. Kownacki
A lot. I think that a desperate man is a dangerous man and I think he’s very desperate to get in line for a title shot. He had two knockout wins in a row so I’m prepared for the best Chris Arreola. He looks like he’s in great shape. I’ve just got to make sure I have a better game plan and that I’m in better shape, which I know I’ve put in a lot of hard work for.

Q
When do you think you think your world title shot will come and what do you intend to do until then?

A. Kownacki
Keep training. Stay in shape. I could have had an opportunity to fight Anthony Joshua but I was out of shape. So I didn’t pick up the challenge. So from now on, I’m in boxing shape. That’s it. Because the title shot could come around the corner in a couple of weeks’ notice because injuries and accidents happen. So I’m definitely going to be in camp nonstop, always working and perfecting my craft.

Q
Did you regret not being ready when that call came just because Joshua was upset in that fight?

A. Kownacki
Yes, as I said I was not in any shape. I wasn’t in the boxing shop. I wanted to fight. It was my birthday. I found out my wife was pregnant, so I enjoyed life a little bit, which I regret because boxing’s my fulltime profession. And since that call I was, like, yo I got to get in shape and make sure that never happens again.

So it was a learning lesson which maybe stopped me from achieving my goal a little faster than I would have. But I kind of wasn’t ready so it was the right choice. I just got to compete to go down there. That’s what life is about. It’s about getting through our experiences, learning new lessons and making sure you’re always in shape. So I’m in pretty good shape now, and if that call comes again in the near future I’ve got to be ready.

R. Flores
All right, guys. We appreciate both Chris Arreola and Adam Kownacki taking out the time. Before we let them go as they get prepped for their showdown this Saturday FOX PBC Fight Night from Barclays Center in Brooklyn all promoted by TGB Promotions. We go live 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Final comments from Chris Arreola and Adam Kownacki. We’ll start off with Chris Arreola. Chris?

C. Arreola
You know what? I’m just ready for this Saturday. Let’s get this show going, man. See you guys this week. Thank you.

R. Flores
Adam, final comments?

A. Kownacki
No sleep till Brooklyn. I’ll see you guys on August 3.

MIKE LEE LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Unbeaten Contender Mike Lee Challenges Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb Plant in Primetime Showdown Saturday, July 20 in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event from
the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Photo Credits- Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

Mike Lee Plant Fight Sean Michael Ham TGB Promotions

Mike Lee Plant Fight Sean Michael Ham TGB Promotions1

Mike Lee Plant Fight Sean Michael Ham TGB Promotions2

Mike Lee Plant Fight Sean Michael Ham TGB Promotions4

SANTA MONICA, CA. (July 11, 2019) – Unbeaten contender and University of Notre Dame graduate Mike Lee held a media workout Thursday at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica, California before his upcoming title showdown against super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant Saturday, July 20 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the event, which is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Lee is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he earned a finance degree from the Mendoza School of Business before embarking on his pro boxing career. Here is what Lee had to say about his training camp, his journey to fighting for the title and more:

MIKE LEE

“I’m very excited. On July 20 I will be fighting for the world title live on FOX in Las Vegas and it’s a dream come true. I’m 21-0, about to be 22-0 and bringing everything I’ve got to this fight. I’m normally fighting at 175-pounds but I’m bringing all the power and speed down to 168 and I’m ready to win this belt. It has been a long camp and I feel ready.

“Anytime you’re training for a fight of this magnitude you’ve got to step up. You have to work hard but smart as well. I have a phenomenal team. We’ve been stepping everything up between diet and nutrition. It’s been a long camp but I’ve been pushing it. I feel phenomenal.

“I think anybody could have certain perceptions of me in and out of the ring. But it doesn’t matter. All that matters is when the bell rings and I’m the best Mike Lee. What Plant says doesn’t matter to me. I see it as insecurity. I feel confident. People have doubted me my entire career. They didn’t think I would get to 10-0 or 20-0, but here I am fighting for a world title. I love proving the doubters wrong. It really motivates me.

“I’ve done a lot outside the ring whether it’s starting companies or philanthropy with the children charities I’ve worked with. I’m very proud of that. At the end of the day I want my legacy to be known that I went for it and that although I won belts, I helped people along the way. For every single fight I have had a children’s charity involved and I will keep doing that. If anyone wants to say that I’m involved in too many things outside of boxing, I think that’s crazy and my undefeated record proves otherwise.

“I don’t know Plant personally at all so I can’t speak about him personally. All I know is that we fight July 20th and that’s all I care about.

“I’ve fought on a lot of Manny Pacquiao undercards in Las Vegas. I love it. Manny has incredible fans and they always come to support me as well. Just to be a part of that card is an honor. Manny is one of the biggest names in boxing and in the world right now. I am grateful, excited and very honored.

“I turn to Jamal Abdullah and Julian Chua for anything boxing-related. I’ve had Jamal and Julian with me for about seven fights and they’ve been a phenomenal part of my success. I trust them both.

“A few years back I got diagnosed with this auto-immune disease that put me in the hospital for two years. I was in and out of hospitals and dealt with so much pain. Doctors told me that I would never fight again. For me to be sitting here is a blessing. I’ve won eight fights since I was diagnosed and it hasn’t been an easy road at all, but it’s going to make this victory so much sweeter. The fact that I’ve sacrificed so much and put my body through so much and have had people tell me that I can’t do it, that I’m not strong or fast enough, will be all worth it. I’m here now. I’m on this world stage now where the cameras are flashing and I’m just so grateful to be in this position right now to chase my dream.

“Anything that comes out of Plant’s mouth does not matter to me. My entire career I’ve had guys that are either been quiet in press conferences or guys that talk trash in press conferences. I have beat them all. All that matters is this fight. What he says is irrelevant.

“I started boxing at a young age and at Notre Dame where I started boxing in the amateurs I really just learned a lot about who I was as a man and really started giving back. The Notre Dame community has been incredible. Their alumni network has followed me all over the country. Whether I’m in Vegas, L.A, New York or Chicago, the alumni network follows me around and has instilled this ideology of giving back throughout my career. For that I am grateful and I’m excited to make them proud on July 20.

“Whether it’s health or anything in life, I’ve always been huge on visualization and just going after what I love. I’m constantly throughout training camp closing my eyes and visualizing myself with that belt and visualizing round by round how I am going to win. I’ve done that every single fight of my career and it’s interesting because when you keep going through those motions mentally, when you step into the ring, it’s like you’ve already been there hundreds of times. For me it’s all about staying calm and staying focused, whether it’s press conferences or anything with the media, I say ‘have fun Mike.’ Those are the words I say to myself. If I come out all intense I don’t have a good fight. For me it’s just about staying loose and having fun. That is how I fight the best.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had a Chicago fighter win the world title. We’ve won NHL, MLB, NBA. We have a history of great sports so to be able to bring this title back to Chicago is a dream come true and I really look forward to it.

“I tell people to follow their passion no matter what and don’t let those one or two comments of negative energy into your head. At the end of the day I want to go to bed when I am 100 years old knowing that I went for it. That I put all the chips on the table and went for it because I don’t want to live with that pain or regret. Go after what you love, go after your passion and really do what you love because the pain or regret hurts a lot more than the broken hands and broken noses and all the pain that I have gone through.”

JULIAN CHUA, Lee’s Co-Trainer

“This is my seventh fight working with Jamal Abdullah and with Mike. He’s grown so much with each camp. We’ve worked on so many things for this fight and he’s in great shape as you can see. There will be no issue with him making weight and retaining his power for July 20.

“The excitement and enthusiasm inside the camp has grown each day. As a team we realize how high the stakes are and we’re all looking forward to victory next Saturday night.”

# # #

ABOUT PLANT VS. LEE
FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender and University of Notre Dame graduate Mike Lee Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen.

Following the action on FOX, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao battles undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information: visit http://www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and http://www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, http://www.facebook.com/foxsports & http://www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

CONTACTS: Swanson Communications: (202) 783-5500, contact@swansonpr.com
Tim Smith, Premier Boxing Champions: timothy@haymonboxing.com
TGB Promotions: (818) 817-8001
John Stouffer, FOX Sports: john.stouffer@fox.com
Benjamin Spencer, FOX Deportes: benjamin.spencer@fox.com
Katharine Sherrer, MGM Resorts International: (702) 692-6700
Bernie Bahrmasel, Mike Lee: (773) 592-2986
Media Credentials: http://www.magnamedia.com

CALEB PLANT LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Undefeated Super Middleweight World Champion Plant Talks Preparation for his First Title Defense as he Faces Unbeaten Mike Lee in the FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

Photos Credits- Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions

Caleb Plant Media Day_07_20_2019_Workout_Nabbel Ahmad _ Premier Boxing Champions Lee fight

Caleb Plant Media Day_07_20_2019_Workout_Nabbel Ahmad _ Premier Boxing Champions (1) Lee fight

Caleb Plant Media Day_07_20_2019_Workout_Nabbel Ahmad _ Premier Boxing Champions (2)Lee fight

Caleb Plant Media Day_07_20_2019_Workout_Nabbel Ahmad _ Premier Boxing Champions (3)Lee fight

LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2019) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant hosted a media workout on Wednesday at his Las Vegas training camp as he discussed his first title defense against unbeaten Mike Lee that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will precede the PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event that also takes place at MGM Grand and is headlined by eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao facing WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman.

Tickets for the live event, which is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 886-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Plant (18-0, 10 KOs) captured his world title in January on FS1 when he dropped Jose Uzcategui twice on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Here is what he said about his first world title defense and more from training camp with trainer Justin Gamber at City Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

CALEB PLANT

“Camps been great. It’s been a long camp and we are working hard. It’s been the best sparing that we’ve ever had. I’ve worked the hardest I have ever worked and I am fully prepared to defend my world title successfully on July 20.

“My training has been great. This is the best training camp I’ve ever had. I worked harder in this camp than I have in any other camp, and I expect for you guys to see the best Caleb Plant you have ever seen come July 20.

“We haven’t changed up a whole lot of things. Just working harder, throwing in a few extra rounds here and there. The work load has increased slightly, but we haven’t really changed anything other than that, it’s all been the same.

“A lot of people are going to be tuned in watching on July 20. There are a lot of eyes on us. I’m expecting to go out there and defend my world title successfully and in fashion and put a show on for everyone that’s tuned in.

“I may reside in Vegas, but Nashville and Ashland City will always be my home. I appreciate all the continued support from back home. I’m really hoping they will be tuned in because I’m going to put a show on and it’s going to be fun.

“I promised Aliyah that I would win a world title and bring it to her, and I’m promising my mother that I’ll defend it. I did what I said I was going to do last time, so you can expect me to do what I said I would do this time as well.

“This is a huge platform. PBC and FOX have put together an amazing platform for world champions like myself to display their talents. But at the end of the day it’s just another day in the office. I hope the viewership is high and I think it will be leading into the Pay-Per-View and I am just looking forward to putting on a great show.”

JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant’s Trainer

“We’re winding down. We’re toning everything down. We’ve already climbed the mountain and now were getting ready to climb the next mountain. We’ve already climbed the mountain of our training camp and now were going to get a little break, and recover some so we’re 100% on fight night.

“He’s looking great right now I couldn’t ask for a better version of Caleb Plant, this is the best version I’ve ever seen. I would describe him as a boxing god looking at the last time he sparred.

“As far as skill, technique, and just zeroing in. It’s not playing around and showboating during the sparring. It’s straight to business, it’s all business right now and I see it in his eyes. You see it in his focus. He’s zeroing in the fight, we’re ready.”

CALEB PLANT VS. MIKE LEE MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT & AUDIO RECORDING

Click HERE for Audio

Ray Flores
We greatly appreciate the media joining us from wherever they are around the world and we are very excited for Saturday July 20. We have the Super Middleweight Champion of the World Caleb “Sweethands” Plant putting his title on the line against unbeaten Mike Lee. It is the IBF Super Middleweight Championship of the World on the line from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It is FOX PBC Fight Night live on FOX and FOX Deportes and it all starts at 7 ET/4 PT. Brought to you by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions.

Tickets are available they are going quickly at AXS.com. You can also purchase them over the phone 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resort International box office as FOX PBC Fight Night will proceed the Fox Sports pay-per-view, the PBC paper-view which starts at 9 ET/ 6 PT and that happens also at MGM Grand featuring the Eight Division World Champion Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on the WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman in our main event.

Now Saturday July 20 is going to be a historic night of boxing and we are off to a tremendous start for the summer when it comes to PBC and a catalyst for that has been the promotor and the President of TGB Promotions a man who in my opinion needs to be in the Hall of Fame sooner than later, please welcome my dear friend, the President of TGB Promotions, Mr. Tom Brown.

Tom Brown
Well thank you Ray and thank you for being with us for the Caleb Plant versus Mike Lee IBF Super Middleweight Champion Conference Call. It’s going to be a huge night of boxing in Las Vegas and a spectacular night for the sport of boxing and for FOX on pay-per-view as well.

Caleb Plant will be making the first defense of his title on FOX in primetime as the build-up to the Pacquiao vs. Thurman pay-per-view event. The fans are in for a great night of action.

Caleb Plant put the world on notice with his exciting title winning performance back in January. And now Mike Lee, in his first world title fight has a huge opportunity to prove he belongs with the best as both guys put their undefeated records on the line. So now I’ll throw it back over to Ray to introduce the fighters and get things going. Thank you very much.

R. Flores
Now let’s get an opportunity to meet the challenger who is undefeated, but first I want to acknowledge his terrific team, his trainer Jamal Abdullah also another trainer that he has Julian Chua, Tareq Azim, his strength and conditioning coach.

This man is undefeated. Twenty-one bouts, 21 victories, 11 of those coming by way of knockouts. Thirty-two years of age. He’s been undefeated since turning pro back in 2010. He typically campaigns at 175-pounds but now is going down seven pounds to the super middleweight division. He could not pass up this opportunity having most recently come off of a victory over Jose Hernandez by unanimous decision last year.

Not only is he a terrific fighter but he has accomplished a lot in academics, he’s a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he earned a degree in Finance from the Mendoza School of Business. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know this young man for the past several years. He comes from a tremendous background and without a doubt, looking to make a statement and achieve his lifelong dream and become a world champion. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome the undefeated Mike Lee.

Mike Lee
I’m excited. I’m in California now feeling phenomenal. Training hard and sparring hard. It’s been the best camp I’ve ever had honestly. Weight is going down beautifully and I just feel fast and strong and ready to do this.

Q
Can you talk about what your goals were when you turned pro and how this fight fits into that?

M. Lee
Well the ultimate goal of any fighter or athlete is to compete at the highest level for a world title, a Super Bowl or whatever that may be. So for me this is a dream come true and I’m excited because you work so hard and go through all the days of training camps and injuries and surgeries and all that to get to this moment here. So it’s the pinnacle of the sport and that’s where I belong and I’m excited to show everybody that on July 20.

Q
What lead to the decision to take a fight at Super Middleweight?

M. Lee
My team and I have been talking about super middleweight if there was an opportunity for a big fight for a while so for me it didn’t necessarily come out of left field but when I got the phone call about this specific opportunity, I was all about it. I knew 168 wouldn’t be a problem and I knew I could bring my power and my speed down to this weight class and rehydrate the right way. So when a world title comes, you say “yes” and especially when I know that I can win. I knew 168 was a comfortable weight for me and here we are.

Q
Are you working with your nutritionist or doing anything different in your training?

M. Lee
Yes, I hired a new nutritionist. Normally I didn’t even really need one to make 175 but I think the key was starting to monitor and really, you know, get this stuff down early on and we had a lot of time to prepare so that’s been the key and he’s made me feel better than I’ve ever felt.

Q
2019 has really been the year of the upsets and I would say it’s fair to say you’re probably the underdog in this fight. Do you take some heart at seeing some of the upsets that have occurred this year in boxing and picture yourself being another one on the list?

M. Lee
Yes, I don’t really pay too much attention to it. Yes, people have been saying that a lot but at the end of the day I’ve just got to be the best me. Those fights and what people say and what anybody else says doesn’t dictate the outcome of this fight when the bell rings and so yes, obviously that’s something to know. That’s the beauty of the sport, it only takes one punch, especially when you have power like mine. It only takes one punch to win something so I like the position I’m in.

Q
How is the training, the preparation been for not just taking on Caleb and also losing the weight and still keeping the power that you had at 175 pounds?

M. Lee
Yes, I mean you just got to get scientific with it and that’s where I get smarter people than me around me and just trusting the team. It’s really about trust. Trusting that the weights I’m pulling are where it needs to be and you’re getting the right carbs, the right amount of fats, the right protein, all that stuff. So I have guys around me that have been doing this their entire lives and understand that. So in terms of preparation, everything gets ramped up for the world title fight. The hunger is increased, the training increases, you’re working harder and smarter so I’m just excited. I’m bringing this excited energy to all these training sessions and that’s what I’ve wanted for a long time. I’ve been top 10 in the world for my past three, four fights so this is what I’ve been waiting for.

Q
Has it been easy shaking off the ring rust during camp with the sparring and the training for this fight?

M. Lee
Yes, it really has been. We knew about this fight a long time ago. This wasn’t one of these things where I got a call four weeks before, six weeks before, so I’ve been training, I’ve been busy and we were just waiting for that phone call. That was really it, the right opportunity. And I’m really grateful my team gave me this opportunity here so yes we’ve had a long time to prepare for this.

Q
In your eyes, what do you think you possess that some of Caleb past opponents don’t have that would allow you to win this fight and become world champion?

M. Lee
Well I’m an entirely different fighter, that’s the beauty of the sport. Every single fight is different. And so it doesn’t matter. I don’t really care what his other opponents have done in or out of the ring. It doesn’t matter. On fight night, the bell rings, it’s just me and him. The best man will win so I never really look into that. I’m just telling you what my opponents say. I’ve been in so many press conferences where opponents either talk shit or they’re dismissive or they’re respectful, all across the board. I’ve beat them all. I plan on doing the exact same thing, so what comes out of his mouth doesn’t concern me whatsoever.

Q
In terms of separation training like you were just talking about, is there anything specifically that you’re changing or doing differently in preparation for Caleb Plant?

M. Lee
Not necessarily. I think, if anything, the weather has gotten better so we’ve done some more beach workouts and whether it’s shadow boxing or strength and conditioning — whatever it is on the beach, always helps. We’ve increased sparring. Listen this is my 22nd fight so we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here so in a sense, it’s not like we’ve really added too much.

Q
From your surrounding team and the people in your corner, how important have they been in the weeks that you’ve been training and preparing for this fight?

M. Lee
It’s huge. It’s everything. That team is going to war with you and you’ve got to surround yourself with people that believe in the same mission, believe in the same value in anything in life, that’s all of us. We’re a brotherhood. I’ve had the team for a long time and Jamal and Julian are phenomenal and they see things I can’t see and they help me and push me and motivate me and this is a dream come true for the entire team.

Jamal and Julian have been in corners for world title fights already so it’s nothing new to them. Teamwork is everything and most importantly everyone having the same vision which is exactly what we have.

Q
You’ve worked with Ronnie Shields and now Jamal Abdullah. What are some of the benefits or the greatest takeaways that you can take from all three of them?

M. Lee
I’ve learned so much from them. Ronnie I’m still good friends with. I turned pro with Ronnie in Houston, Texas and I was down there with a bunch of world champions so at a very early part of my pro career I got to get in there with some of the world’s best and just learned. Ronnie is phenomenal. Big on the fundamentals and just a calm, cool, collective guy. He’s been in the ring himself and I love Ronnie to death. He’ll be a friend for life.

Q
Why the 13-month layoff between the Hernandez fight and the Plant fight?

M. Lee
If anything we were looking for the right fight. I wasn’t with a promoter and we were looking to sign and we were talking to a lot of different promoters and certain opportunities came up and then like always in boxing, they say it’s going to happen and it falls through. And you can’t believe anything until you sign the contract so obviously after that fight, I took some time off, got back in the gym and then it was a frustrating few months just kind of waiting for that phone call. But we got it, so we’re here.

Q
I would think that you would look at maybe some things there that previous opponents may have done with Plant that you may have seen to take advantage of?

M. Lee
Yes, of course, you watch film. You definitely watch film and you see what guys did well and didn’t do well all of that kind of stuff. I was just saying you don’t really take it to heart because those guys aren’t me. You take it to heart in terms of what you’re looking at or you’re staring at in terms of film study and what not but it’s the mentality of knowing that, yes, it’s good to have those specifics down and a game plan down and certain combinations and a strategy down but at the end of the day those guys aren’t me so that’s what I meant about that.

Q
Is there anyone you’ve faced whether it be sparring or were actually in the ring with that’s most like Caleb and why?

M. Lee
I don’t know, I haven’t fought him yet. No one specific comes to mind in terms of but I’ve been fighting since I was 8-years old. I’ve been pro for 21 fights. I’ve been in and out of pro camps sparring and I’ve sparred and been in the ring with so many different guys so yes, you see a little bit of everything.

Q
Have you had like a standard eight-week training camp or is it extended beyond that?

M. Lee
Yes, extended beyond that but, we didn’t want to burn out so it wasn’t like we were boxing every single day. We were just getting strength and conditioning. Just getting the timing and the rhythm down. I think that really helps as you ease into it because I think too often fighters come into a training camp and they’re 25 pounds overweight or they’re not in shape yet and we had the luxury of coming into camp in shape. So camp wasn’t about getting in shape necessarily and losing weight as much as it was just fine-tuning things and keeping the rhythm.

Q
How instrumental has Notre Dame been in this fight? What have they done to kind of champion you on and do you expect any Notre Dame Legends to appear at your fight?

M. Lee
Yes, absolutely. I’ve had a lot of Notre Dame guys call in when they had their Notre Dame Day and Media Day and support me whether it’s buddies that I have known through the Notre Dame community, guys that played football like Justin Tuck, Golden Tate or just so many amazing people that I’ve met through that community. Notre Dame has been phenomenal. They got a camera crew coming out next week to spread the message to the alumni network so I’m just super appreciative of that community. It’s taught me a lot. It’s really matured me and it’s taught me a lot about giving back too.

They’ve been involved in pretty much all my fights throughout my career involve in different children’s charities and Notre Dame charities and so it’s been exciting to be a part of that community and alumni network.

Q
Have you had any updates on Tavion or if he was planning on being at this fight?

M. Lee
Unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll be able to fly out to Las Vegas but he just had a birthday party that I sponsored and took care of and made sure people were there and I’m still in contact with him and I plan on seeing him after this fight, so he’ll be watching on TV but yes I got to bring him in the ring and he held my belt. And I mean, it’s a beautiful moment when I’ve been able to really connect with a lot of different kids whether it through Family Reach or different children’s charities and if I get a chance to do what I love which is boxing and also give back, it’s such a win-win. And there’s been many different cases of kids like Tavion that I’ve helped along this way.

And it makes me really grateful for where I am and that I have this platform and position to do it. So I’m still involved in (Tavion’s) life. Unfortunately, he got sick again and will be going through another round of chemotherapy so he won’t be able to make the trip up to Vegas which I was bummed on about but when I fly back to Chicago with the belt, I’m excited to let him hold it.

Q
What do you do differently for recovery and to kind of manage the pain throughout camp and actually fight night because of the auto-immune disease?

M. Lee
Yes, it’s known as ankylosing spondylitis. And yes when I got diagnosed it was after almost two years in and out of hospitals and even the fights that I had some layoffs where things were really tough there was a dark hole in my life and I never dealt with those moments and understand and my immune system just shut down and it really took a long time to really diagnose what was going on. And at the end of the day a lot of it came down to my diet, a lot of it came down to my mindset. I started changing the way I was thinking about things and what I was eating and how I was eating it and even getting off of all the medication that doctors had me on was huge.

There’s still days of pain. I still have to manage it but I’m so far from where I was a few years ago and it’s a beautiful thing. I think ultimately I want to show people that whether it’s doctors, whether it’s anybody, obviously you have to trust what doctors say but at the end of the day I think the human will is the strongest thing and so I think it’s beautiful and I’m grateful that I’m in this position to fight the world title. And doctors told me to my face, I’d never box again and here we are July 20. I get to fight in front of millions of people and win a world title. I’m so grateful and happy. I can’t even imagine how happy I’m going to be the next day with that belt, but regardless it seems like yesterday I was sitting in those hospital beds and so here we are. I’m very excited and grateful.

R. Flores
Mike, final comment, as you prepare for your showdown coming up in a few weeks’ time in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, as you collide against Caleb Plant.

M. Lee
Thank you for everybody’s time. Once again, I’m excited. This is an incredible opportunity and I will make the most of it and I think I’m going to shock a lot of people. I know that this is my moment and as moments get bigger and bigger, I perform better and better. So I’ll see everybody July 20 and thank you again.

R. Flores
Now let’s turn our attention over to the man that Mike Lee is going to be standing across the ring from. First of al,l we’re going to acknowledge when I mention it’s a family affair, it is certainly a family affair with Caleb Plant as well. His father Richie Plant, he’s his co-trainer. His lead trainer is Justin Gamber, who is constantly immersing himself in studying the sport of boxing and learning about the history and working on different methods that will benefit Caleb. Also Larry Wade who is a sensational and a world class strength and conditioning coach.

Eighteen bouts, 18 victories, 10 of those coming by way of knockout. Just 26 years of age, originally from Nashville, Tennessee and now residing and training in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has been undefeated since turning professional back in 2014 and after the world title in January where he knocked down Jose Uzcategui twice in round two on his way to a unanimous decision. I have had the very good fortune of getting to know Caleb Plant for the past several years and what I could tell you about Caleb Plant is that in my opinion he is so focused, so determined and the thing about Caleb Plant is when he says something, he follows through and it becomes a reality.

He knew years ago he was going to be a world champion. The determination on Caleb Plant is second to none. So ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, please welcome the reigning and defending IBF Super Middleweight Champion of the World, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant. Caleb, if you have opening comments then give us an idea of how training camp has been going. You look terrific in videos that we see but your initial thoughts.

C. Plant
I just want to thank all you guys for hopping on this call with us. Really appreciate all the media. This is how people know how we’re doing and what we’re doing and it gets us to the rest of the world so I really appreciate you guys.

I want to thank my whole team and FOX, a beautiful platform that we’ll be performing on July 20. Camp is sensational. It’s literally the best camp I ever had. I’m sure you guys get on the phone with a lot of fighters and they say that. But this camp, I literally became a new monster and that’s exactly what you guys want to see July 20.

Q
Is being on this type of stage going to add any extra motivation to go out and have the best performance of your career?

C. Plant
I know it’s a bigger stage. There’s going to be a lot of eyeballs on me. But I think they chose me for this event because they know I’m the guy who’s not going to let them down. I think they know I’m the man for the job and that I’m going to put on the show July 20. At the end of the day, get in the ring, the bell rings and we fight so I don’t really feel any added pressure just it’s a little more excited to continue to show the world what I’m capable of.

Q
From your perspective have there been any change of mentality approaching a fight being the champion compared to being the challenger?

C. Plant
Absolutely not. If he thinks that I’m not gunning for him and I was gunning for Jose then he’s sadly mistaken. So the mentality has not changed. I don’t feel like I’m the hunted, I still feel like I’m hunting. I’m not satisfied. The goal was not just to become a world champion, that was just one goal. So in my eyes I’m 18 – 0. I’m only 26, I’m just getting started. I’m gunning for him more than I was gunning for Jose.

Q
With winning the IBF title being a goal, is it safe to assume that the goal is to unify the division and win the other World Titles at 168 pounds?

C. Plant
Absolutely. If I’m not mistaken there’s never been an undisputed super middleweight champion so that’s my goal, to become the first undisputed super middleweight champion of the world. But first things first, handle business July 20. I don’t care about any other fight. I don’t care about any other champions or what they’re doing or what they’ve got going on. The only thing I care about is July 20 and I’m focused on is handling business.

Q
Do you feel validated in a way as a fighter? Has your confidence increased, do you feel stronger as a fighter now knowing that you can beat a fighter at that top level?

C. Plant
I think it’d be hard to not be more confident after winning a world title and not just one that was an easy one to knock out of the park. Jose was considered the bogey man of the division, someone nobody wanted to fight. I came in after a year layoff, broke hand, hand surgery, no tune-up fight and I knew I could get the job done. But I don’t feel validated in a sense of what I’ve accomplished. I’m happy but I’m not content, so as I said, I’m gunning for him July 20. I’m focused, I’m zoned in but at the same time I’m definitely even more confident than I was before.

Q
Can you describe how you rate him in terms of other opponents you’ve faced? How would you compare him to some of the fighters that you have fought as you were coming up as a competitor?

C. Plant
I respect everybody as a man but if somebody wants me to respect their fighting skills then they got to make me do that. Just like my past opponents, they’ve respected me as a man but they didn’t think that I’d be able to get the job done and if I wanted them to respect my fighting skills then I had to do it when the bell rang. I’m not looking for validation from him and I’m sure hoping he is not looking for it from me because he is not going to get it unless he can maybe do it in the ring.

So as far as where I ranked with other fighters, I’m pretty sure we all agree that he’s not, he hasn’t accomplished or done some of the things that some of the other guys I fought have, but at the same time, he’s a different fighter himself, he’s a different guy. So as I’ve said before I’m taking him just as serious as I’ve taken any of these other guys. I’ve worked harder this training camp than I have in any other training camp in my entire life and I’m telling you, July 20 when the bell rings, you guys are going to see a difference. You guys are going to see a new Caleb Plant.

Q
Do you feel any added pressure not inside the ring but outside the ring character-wise upholding the responsibility of that title?

C. Plant
I’ve always tried to carry myself as a champion, talk as a champion and train as a champion. I’m not a grown man, I’m a growing man. So I’m going to continue to become better in the ring. I’m going to continue to become a better man outside the ring, but thus far I think I’ve done a good job of handling that responsibility. I think if I just continue to follow what I’ve done, I think I’ll be on the right path.

Q
Do you feel any animosity towards Lee personally or what are some of your perspectives on him as a person?

C. Plant
I think that Mike Lee is not someone who tells the whole truth. I have the inside scoop on a couple of different things and so I don’t know. But I have the same amount of respect for him as anybody else who I step in the ring with, which is none. If you want me to respect your fighting skills, then you’ve got to make me do that. I’m not just going to give you the respect that you want. July 20, when the bell rings, if he wants me to respect anything in his arsenal, then he’s got to make me do that because he’s not getting it.

To me, boxing is life or death. That’s it. So I don’t care about anybody in his village, I don’t care who lives there, I’m coming to burn it down. So unless he’s looking to do the same thing with me, it’s either going to be a long night or a short night.

On July 20 just tune in and something my father has taught me is the truth belongs to everybody and lies belongs to individuals. I’m going to give you the truth July 20.

Q
What were some of the things discussed from the mics between you two when they weren’t able to pick those comments up?

C. Plant
I don’t know. I honestly couldn’t even remember to tell you. I told him to sit down and he sat down so I turned the cameras and stood there with my belt. So but none of that is really important. What’s important is when we let our hands fly so. That’s all I care about.

Q
Listen, does this guy really know what he’s getting into? The reason why I ask this is one, he’s face off – it’s the first guys face in 13 months. Two, he’s dropping down in weight. Three, he’s fighting a World Champion. Does he really know what he’s getting into?

C. Plant
No, he doesn’t but that’s okay. It’s not my job. It’s none of our jobs to tell him otherwise. I’m going to let these hands do the talking on July 20, but no, he’s delusional. He’s never faced anybody like me. He’s never even come close. He just told you guys that he’s not even getting the sparring of anybody who even looks like me. How many people do you think I can spar that fights like Mike Lee? How many people do you think he can spare that look like me? And he answered it for you. I don’t even have to tell you. So no, he has no idea but that’s okay.

He’s going to learn a lesson July 20 one that he can’t be taught. One that can only be taught by me, so. I don’t like him that much. I don’t like anybody who’s in the ring with me. I don’t want to be friends. I don’t care about what they’ve got going on. To me, boxing is life or death so if I don’t win, I don’t get to go home because I won’t have a home.

Q
I don’t think you’ve ever had a pro fight in Nashville, have you? Would you like to do that at some point and bring professional boxing into Nashville, a big-ticket fight?

C. Plant
That’s something that I have not gotten to do yet but that’s something that we’re really looking forward to and we’re close to getting it done. When they approached me with this opportunity to fight here at MGM Grand, we were talking about a couple different spots one of them being Nashville, but I really loved this opportunity and they knew that I was the man for the job to handle it in fashion. But definitely I want to bring a big fight to Nashville at the big city. I think Jeff Lacy and Jermain Taylor, they fought in Nashville. There have been a couple of other big fights in Nashville but I think that I could be the one to make it a regular thing. So first thing is first, we’ll handle business July 20 and we’ll go from there, but that’s something definitely that we’re looking forward to in the future.

Q
Do you still feel that you represent Nashville as a fighter? Is that still an important part of your identity?

C. Plant
Nashville, that’s who I am. I may reside in Las Vegas, but Tennessee, that’s what made me. Ashland City, Nashville — those are the places that made me. I live in Vegas like I said, but Nashville is always home that’s the only important part of me and it always will be.

Q
How therapeutic has it been to go back in the ring and train and prepare yourself for such a big event here coming down here in a couple of weeks?

C. Plant
Boxing has always been like a sanctuary for me. It’s been a place that I could go and be somebody. I’ve said this in other interviews that as a kid I was somebody that nobody would want to be living in a place coming from a place where nobody would want to be in. So when I got to go to the gym, then I got to be somebody that everybody wanted to be. Even at a young age, grown men looking up to me. “Oohing” and “Ahhing” and I kind of got to be a superstar. And once I got back out of those doors I had to go back to being that kid that nobody wanted to be. And so that just kind of became like addicting. it became like an addiction for me to want to be there, want to be in the gym, not go home and just be a gym rat.

Through everything that came and left in my life, through all the things that I’ve lost, through all the things I’ve been deprived of or haven’t had, boxing has always stood by my side and boxing has always been there for me through thick and thin. Boxing is like a woman. If you treat her right and you do good by her, then she’ll stand by you and she’ll do right by you. But she’s a jealous woman as well and the difference between me and my opponent is I haven’t glanced off of her. I haven’t endeavored into other things. I haven’t. Fear not the man who’s thrown 10,000 kicks once but fear the man who’s thrown one kick 10,000 times. So that’s what I’ve done.

Q
What should they be anticipating when they see you in action here against Mike Lee for your championship? What do you want to showcase that new audience of fans who may not be too familiar with what you do or what you bring to the table?

C. Plant
They can expect fireworks. They can expect an entertaining person, an entertaining fighter and Mike Lee won’t make it out the final bell so either he’ll bail out before the final bell or I’ll bail him out myself but, either the way the white flag is coming out. I’ll wave it for him so it’s going to be one or the other.

R. Flores
Do you have any final words as you prepare to get back into training?

C. Plant
Again, I’m encouraging everyone to tune in. It’s going to be a great night of fighting. It’s going to be a spectacular. I’ll be defending my world title in a spectacular fashion, so this is something you guys aren’t going to want to miss, I can promise you.

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JORGE COTA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JORGE COTA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Former World Champion Jermell Charlo Battles Hard-Hitting & Dangerous Jorge Cota in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event Live on FOX & FOX Deportes This Sunday Night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (June 21, 2019) – Former world champion Jermell Charlo and hard hitting Jorge Cota went face-to-face at the final press conference on Friday before their main event showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night live on FOX and FOX Deportes this Sunday night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Friday’s press conference also featured former world champions Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja, ahead of their WBC Super Bantamweight world title eliminator, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer, who faces Akeem Black as a part of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and
Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Charlo and Cota squared off for the first time in front of media Friday, after Cota replaced WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison, who was forced to withdraw from his rematch against Charlo due to an ankle injury. Harrison and Charlo plan to have their rematch later this year.

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Carlo Cota Final Presser Joey Spencer Rig Sean Michael Ham Mayweather Promotions

Photo Credit- Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions

Here is what the fighters had to say from Rhythm & Riffs Lounge at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I’m ready to fight. I’ve been ready to fight since they robbed me of my title. I want my belt back and I want every title in this division. This is my moment, and Cota is in my way.

“I’m always motivated to fight because I love boxing. I want to get in the ring any moment that I can. At the end of the day, I’m here to fight any of the top fighters in this division who will get in there with me.

“I’m thankful for every opportunity that I have to fight. It’s time for me not to just put a show on, but to dominate a guy who thinks he’s going to come in and beat me.

“I’m going to press my action and do anything I have to do to win this fight. If he can hang in there and stand the power and punch output, he can go 12 rounds. I’m not running from anyone.

“I have been going hard in training camp since January. I’ve really been going hard forever. I have a lot to prove and a whole new ambition for this sport. You’re going to see it on Sunday in primetime on FOX.

“The top fighters in the division know what they’re facing in the Charlos. I know (WBA and IBF 154-pound champion) Julian Williams is in-studio, and I’m proud of the way he overcame adversity and did his thing against Jarrett Hurd. He fought that fight the the same way that I would have, he just got there first. Just like him, I’m coming back from adversity to prove a point.

“When the Harrison injury happened I just thought, why is this happening to me again? But we have to go through things like this in our careers. The goal hasn’t changed. The road has changed, but we’ll keep going.”

JORGE COTA

“They told me three weeks ago about the fight and I knew this was a great opportunity that I was going to take advantage of. I’m going to win and then fight for the world title.

“Andy Ruiz had a great victory and it motivated me a lot heading into this fight. Something similar can happen Sunday with me against Charlo. Ruiz showed the underdog can win, so I hope that Charlo is prepared for Sunday.

“I thought Tony Harrison won against Jermell. I thought he boxed very intelligently, took Charlo out of his game plan and that allowed him to win.

“I think Jermell is a boxer who talks too much. He was very serious when we filmed our “Face To Face” show and I think he’s a guy who doesn’t back it up. He may talk tough today, but it’s only going to be the two of us in the ring on Sunday.

“We definitely picked it up in training when I got the call about fighting Charlo. We got intense and there was a lot of added motivation. We did everything we needed to do for this fight.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“I’m glad for this opportunity that I have and I’ll always be prepared for any opportunity. I’m going to put on a great performance on Sunday night.

“I’m ready to continue my legacy as a pound-for-pound great and I feel I have the opportunity here. I’m going to be the King of 122-pounds. No one wants to see me in the ring.

“I’ve had a great camp and I’m well-prepared for Sunday night that I’m working towards something big and at the end, I’ll have beaten everyone in the division.

“I know that I’m where the best will fight that best, and that’s what I’m all about. I’m the best out there and I’m here to prove it.”

JULIO CEJA

“I’ve fought on big stages before so this will be nothing new to me. I’m not worried about his name. I’ve just prepared well for a great fighter like I do every fight.

“I’m more prepared for this fight than I ever have been. I’m mentally 100% ready for this challenge and anything that happens in the fight.

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity. We made changes in camp and have been working with the Joel Diaz and his brothers in Indio, California. They’ve helped me a lot and gave me intense training for this fight. I’ll be ready on Sunday night.”

JOEY SPENCER

“On paper he’s my toughest opponent. He’s got the best record of anyone I’ve faced and I just want to keep stepping up and progressing the right way. I know I can knock him out, but I’ll be ready to go six rounds. If I get more experience, I’ll never be mad at that.

“Before my last fight I got sick in training which affected my weight cut, but this time I’m completely healthy, plus I have a new strength and conditioning coach. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to fire away.”

AKEEM BLACK

“I’ve been training for this since before I even even knew about Joey Spencer. I’ve had a lot of time to watch him and study his fights. I’m going to be ready to show him something he’s never seen.

“Right now, I’m better than I’ve ever been. He’s fought nobody like me and I’ve fought much better competition to him. He’s going to find out on Sunday.”

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JORGE COTA FIGHT WEEK MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Former World Champion Jermell Charlo Battles Hard-Hitting & Dangerous Jorge Cota in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event This Sunday Night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (June 20, 2019) – Former world champion Jermell Charlo and hard hitting Jorge Cota took part in a media workout Thursday as they near their main event showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Sunday night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The workout also featured former world champions Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja, ahead of their WBC Super Bantamweight world title eliminator, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer, who faces Akeem Black as a part of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Plus, undefeated rising prospect Chris “Primetime” Colbert showed off his skills as he prepares to take on Alberto Mercado on a special edition of FOX PBC Fight Night Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

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Photo Credit- Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I want to get him out of there. This is a fight to show that I’ve been back and I never left. I feel like the judges took my title, so all I can do is go in there and be me.

“It was a quick change to Cota, but I’m always ready for anybody. Tony Harrison could have gone in there fighting like Cota, so it’s no difference to me. I’m prepared for anything. This is just the kind of adversity that champions face.

“I’m going to establish my strategy and be prepared for a 12 round fight. If it comes down to it and I see the opening, I’ll go from there.

“Training camp was really good. I feel like I trained way harder than ever. I was determined to get my belt back, and I’m still determined to get my belt back. Nothing has changed for me. I’m going to give Las Vegas a show and let them know what Lions are about.

“Everyone’s going to see how hard I trained and think that Tony Harrison made the right decision not fighting me right now.”

JORGE COTA

“I don’t feel any pressure at all for this fight. On the contrary, I’m very motivated to spoil Charlo’s plans on Sunday night.

“This win would give me an opportunity to fight for a world title and that’s why I’m in this sport. I want to reach the top and become world champion.

“I’m not worried about what Charlo brings to the ring. I know he’s a great fighter, but I have the power, speed and boxing ability to beat anybody. I’m confident of how this fight is going to end on Sunday.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready for Sunday. When you train 100%, you get the results you want, 100%. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.

“I know that I’m facing a great fighter who comes in with a rough and exciting style. I expect this to be a great fight for the fans.

“I’ve always been the champ and I’m ready to show the world that I’m still the champ, starting Sunday night.”

JULIO CEJA

“This is a great opportunity for me to showcase me skills against a talented fighter in Guillermo Rigondeaux on Sunday. I’ve prepared really well and I’m excited to get in there and get the job done.

“A victory would elevate my status in boxing and we’re looking to accomplish that and eventually reclaim that world title.

“I know I have a tough opponent but I also know that I have everything in my arsenal to get the job done. I hope he’s ready because I’m going to bring it to him.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m really excited for this one. I haven’t fought in Las Vegas since my pro debut. I’m looking forward to coming back to Mandalay Bay and putting on another show

“I bring an explosive style to the ring. I’m fan-friendly. I fight hard. I can also box if I need to. If it comes down to it, I can fight a good technical fight.

“I know that my opponent is a pressure fighter. I have to come out and use my jab to show him my boxing skills. I’m going to sit down on my shots and hopefully get him out of there.

“This was my best training camp yet and I feel stronger than I ever have. I’m looking forward to showcasing that.”

CHRIS COLBERT

“This is another day in the office for me. I get excited, but not like other fighters would. I’ve been doing this so long and I feel like I’m a young veteran in this sport. I have to keep proving myself and never take my foot off the gas, because other young fighters want to take my spot.

“I’m sure Mercado is coming to fight and so am I. All I know about him is his record. My team does the studying and they tell me what they see. I execute their game plan.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and for my great team behind me. My team knows what they’re doing and we’re going to keep fighting and winning and get on the big stage at the end of the year.

“Fighting on FOX is a dream come true. I remember watching Floyd Mayweather on the big TV and now people are going to be watching me. It’s ‘Primetime’ in primetime on Sunday.”

ADAM KOWNACKI VS. CHRIS ARREOLA, ANDRE BERTO VS. MIGUEL CRUZ & MARCUS BROWNE VS. JEAN PASCAL NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

ADAM KOWNACKI VS. CHRIS ARREOLA, ANDRE BERTO VS. MIGUEL CRUZ & MARCUS BROWNE VS. JEAN PASCAL NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Tripleheader of Action Packed Showdowns Live in Primetime Saturday, August 3 on FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX & FOX Deportes from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (June 18, 2019) – Polish star and heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki and former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola went face to face Tuesday at a press conference in Brooklyn as they previewed their showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 3 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Also going face to face Tuesday were two-time world champion Andre Berto and Miguel Cruz, who meet in a welterweight attraction, and interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Marcus Browne and former world champion Jean Pascal, who kick off FOX PBC Fight Night action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Photo Credits- Ed Diller/TGB Promotions

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from the Barclays Center GEICO Atrium:

ADAM KOWNACKI

“This is an exciting moment for me. When I first fought at Barclays Center, I fought after the main event, so this is just an amazing feeling to be headlining.

“Arreola has been in there with everyone, so I know it’s a tough test. He’s coming off two knockout wins, so I know he’ll be ready, but I’m more ready.

“I’ve worked very hard to get to this moment. This is another step toward me becoming a world champion. I’m looking to put myself in line for a world title shot.

“I can’t wait for this one. It’s another step in the right direction, I know it’s going to be competitive because Arreola is coming off of two knockout wins. It’s a do or die mood for him. I know he’ll be in the best shape possible and I can’t wait to show off my skills.

“Arreola is a good fighter. He has fought everybody from Deontay Wilder to Vitali Klitschko. Hopefully I will be able to do a good job and get the win.

“Chris Arreola and I are going to put on the Fight of the Year. We’re going to show that the big guys can really fight.

“The heavyweight division is hot right now and this is going to add to it. With our styles being guys who come forward, it doesn’t get better as a boxing fan.

“This is the third fighter I’ve had in common with Deontay Wilder. I knocked out Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington faster than he did, and I’m looking to do the same August 3.”

CHRIS ARREOLA

“Adam and I are going to put on a great fight. I’m really excited for this one. As a fan, this is the kind of fight I’d want to watch. It’s going to be a fight that’s talked about for years.

“Everyone knows this is going to be a great fight. People always have something negative to say anyway, so I’m only controlling what I can. I’m really looking forward to this fight and displaying the new tricks of the trade that I’ll be implementing into this fight.

“I’m nothing like the fighter’s he’s fought. I’m not an opponent. I’m here to fight. He’s going to have a tough time trying to put me out. A lot of people underestimate me, but you’ll see on August 3 that I’m a heavyweight to be reckoned with.

“The main thing that I’ve seen from Kownacki is that he throws a lot of punches. He throws a bunch of punches. You just keep throwing punches and one of them is going to land and that’s what I see from him.

“Training camp has been going great. I’m loving it. I’m learning a lot of new tricks of the trade and working on the old things also. I’m looking forward to this fight because the things that I’ve been working on with Joe Goossen, are going to come out in this fight.

“I’m going to be in the best shape possible on August 3. I’m saying it now, if I lose, I’m retiring. But I’m not going to lose. I’m coming guns blazing to get this win.”

ANDRE BERTO

“I started my career right here in New York after the Olympics and it always feels great to be back. This is going to be a great night of fighting. This is great event with a lot of fighters I know well, but this is going to be my show. I’m going to put on a great performance.

“Miguel Cruz I just found out is from Florida and basically my hometown. So it just got real personal and it’s going to be explosive.

“At the end of the day, I’ve never stopped working. I’m in fight shape right now. This is a lifestyle for me. I don’t care what Miguel Cruz’s plans are. I have too much to fight for me to lose.

“You have to find different levels of motivation for yourself for every fight. Whether its family or whatever it is. I have my new baby girl, I lost my dad. So it’s coming from a lot of different areas right now.

“I’m going to be a whole other animal on August 3. I know what’s been going on in his camp and I know how his sparring is going. So I hope he just stays focused.

“I’m just looking to go out and put on a show. I’m looking forward to going out there and just making it happen. It’s going to be big. I’ve done a lot within the last few months. Any great performance I come back with puts me in contention.

“I’ve had a lot happen in my life in the last year. A lot of great things and some tragedies. I believe that I’m really in a position where everything is bottled up and I can’t wait to let it out on August 3.”

MIGUEL CRUZ

“It’s going to be fireworks and we’re going to bring the house down. I expect both of us to have amazing performances, but especially myself.

“I’m coming for Andre Berto and then I’m looking at Keith Thurman and that world title. I’m ready to leave it all in the ring. I have nothing to lose. I’m going to show that I’m a very dangerous man.

“This is a new era of boxing. That’s the nature of the game. One day I’ll be the old lion. This is just what happens. It’s going to happen to Andre Berto on August 3.

“I don’t have any real personal feelings towards him. I’m very focused on my mission, so if he wants to get personal I believe it’s going to cause him to make mistakes. I believe that it’s going to be a disadvantage in many different ways. I’m going to continue my training camp in the way I’ve been doing it.

“We did grow up in the same area relatively so it does spark up that inner city rivalry. I think that’s how he feels. And it’s fine. I know a lot about him and he doesn’t know much about me. I feel like I have a lot of advantages in this fight. I feel like I have the youth, the strength, and the power to do a lot of damage in this fight. I feel like he’s underestimating me, he’s going to make some mistakes and get emotional.

“I’m sure I’ve sparked a little fire in him and he’s going to train harder but that’s not going to change the fact that his mind isn’t really prepared for exactly what’s going to happen.

“I already feel like Brooklyn is my home and I’m going to make it my home going forward. I like the warmth that I feel from the fans and I especially know there’s going to be a lot of Puerto Rican support for this one. There’s going to be three stellar fights and I plan on stealing the show.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“I just want to thank everyone for allowing me to display my talents on this stage. I’m going to be in the best shape possible. I’m coming in shape for 15 rounds.

“I am always going to be underestimated in a sense, especially to a veteran like Pascal. He has to keep himself in the fight and the only way to do that is to downplay what I do. Come August 3, I will just display my talents and take care of business.

“This is a great card. You know Adam always comes with the thunder and excitement. Andre has always been in exciting fights. But when you’re watching my fight, make sure you don’t blink.

“The division has no one else like me. Pascal has fought a lot of great fighters, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me. It’s going to be something he’s never seen before in that ring.

“I am not focused on the future right now. The only thing I am focused on is Jean Pascal, because we won’t get there if we don’t take care of business with him the right way. It’s not about just winning it’s about winning the right way. We are going to focus on him right now and after that it is what it is.

“Jean Pascal always comes to fight and he comes in great shape. But he’s in my way right now. I’m going to knock you out, I promise you. I’m making sure I’m ready for him. I know exactly what he possesses and we respect that. August 3 it will be my time.

“I remember sparring Jean Pascal and he said I was green. But the fruit is ripe now. He knows what time it is.”

JEAN PASCAL

“This is going to be a great fight. Marcus is a tremendous fighter who’s going to train very well. We both know we’ll be at our best. I’ve been there and one that before. I’m up for any challenge.

“Marcus is the rookie and I’m the veteran. I’m going to show him who’s the boss.

“This show is very special for me because you will see the two best Haitian boxers on earth in Andre Berto and myself. I hope the big Haitian community in New York shows up to see us.

“I’m one of the best in the world. I always train hard and I’m always ready for a challenge. I know it’s not going to be easy. I don’t take any easy fight at any point in my career.

“I love the sport and I love to display all of my talent. It’s going to be technical fight and a chess match on fight night.

“I’m very happy to be here. I want to thank everyone who made this dream come true for me to fight at Barclays Center. This is a tremendous place to fight and many champions have fought here. I’m going to be part of history.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“I’m excited to kick off another heavyweight fight promotion right here in Brooklyn. This is our 5th event headlined by a heavyweight fight but our first headlined by a heavyweight from Brooklyn.

“Brooklyn loves their heavyweights. Adam is undefeated in eight fights at Barclays and this has certainly become his home and we welcome him back. There aren’t many fighters I know with the grassroots fan base that you have. We’re also excited to have Chris Arreola here for a fight that will have a great atmosphere on August 3.

“We also welcome back Andre Berto and Miguel Cruz for what we know will be an exciting welterweight matchup. I’m also thrilled that Marcus Browne is back for his 13th appearance at our venue. Thank you for being a fixture here and we also welcome Jean Pascal to challenge for your interim title.

“This is our 35th fight night. It’s been an incredible journey and PBC has continued to give us some of the best fights out there. FOX is the biggest platform in the sport of boxing today and we’re happy to have them come here on August 3.”

JERMELL CHARLO & JORGE COTA TALK UPCOMING SHOWDOWN ON “PBC FACE TO FACE”

JERMELL CHARLO & JORGE COTA TALK UPCOMING SHOWDOWN ON “PBC FACE TO FACE”

“I’m not here to play around in the ring. I’m going to be vicious.” – Charlo

“I’m going to put the pressure on him from the first bell.” – Cota

Charlo vs. Cota Headlines FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes This Sunday Night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (June 19, 2019) – Former world champion Jermell Charlo and dangerous contender Jorge Cota talked about their upcoming showdown when they met for “PBC Face To Face” as they near their matchup this Sunday night that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT live on FOX and will see Charlo and Cota square off after WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison suffered an injury that forced him to withdraw from his scheduled rematch against Charlo.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Cota will be looking to take advantage of the biggest opportunity of his career, while Charlo looks to secure the rematch with Harrison for later this year.

Video segments from Charlo and Cota’s sit down are available HERE and HERE. “PBC Face To Face” originally aired on FOX on Saturday, June 8 and re-airs again on FS2 on Saturday, June 22 at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Here are some quote highlights from Charlo and Cota’s discussion on “PBC Face To Face” ahead of Sunday’s showdown:

Charlo on having his rematch with WBC Champion Tony Harrison rescheduled after Harrison was injured in training:

Charlo: “Unfortunately I had to make the decision to move forward after the injury. My decision was to take on whoever would stand in the way and be my next victim.”

Cota on his underdog status and what fans can expect from him:

Cota: “I think that many have called me the victim in the ring and the result has been that I became the monster. I am the demon in that ring. When other guys are in there, my punches scare them. I expect this fight will be the same.

“Jorge Cota is a demon and he’s the next man who will be fighting Tony Harrison for the WBC Super Welterweight World Title. I will have my hand raised on June 23. I have all the strength and desire to go forward. Many things have happened to me that I’ve overcome and I will not miss out on this opportunity.”

Charlo and Cota’s thoughts going face-to-face for the first time:

Charlo: “I don’t think he cares about skills, and skills pay the bills. This is boxing. It’s not about his history or his will. It’s not about anything else but who is the best man in the ring.

“I’m glad that I could bless another warrior with the chance to be here. This guy is going to be relentless. He comes to fight. I’m glad that he’s gone through what he has to get here. But the devil will be defeated, in all aspects of my life. I have the heart of a lion and I’ve paid my dues in this game. This is going to be the ‘Jermell Charlo Show’ on Sunday night.”

Cota: “Sometimes talent isn’t enough. It takes a combination of things to be great and obtain glory. It’s true that he’s built a career and he’s a good fighter. But he’s had the support to get here and I’ve had to grind for everything.”

Cota on the Charlo vs. Harrison fight last December on FOX:

Cota: “For me Harrison won the fight. He threw better punches and landed more shots. A lot of people thought Jermell had won, but I saw it for Harrison.

“Jermell is a good boxer. But I think that when he’s under pressure, he doesn’t know what to do. I’m going to put the pressure on him from the first bell.”

Charlo and Cota on what this fight will look like stylistically:

Charlo: “There are not a lot of fighters who think they can put pressure on and make it out against me. I’m talented and very smart. I’m different in the ring. Nobody comes forward against me. Tony Harrison never wanted to exchange. You look like you want to exchange, and I love it. That’s how you get the best Jermell Charlo.”

Cota: “I invite you to go in there and exchange with me. I’ll go ahead and stop at the center of the ring and go blow for blow.

“Charlo is a smart fighter and I have nothing against him. But right now, he’s in my way and I’m going to go through him.”

Cota on the motivation gained from seeing recent big upsets in the sport, such as heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr.:

Cota: “Andy Ruiz and I were on the same card in April and he’s a great example for all boxers, not just Mexicans. He showed that he could beat the best and do it convincingly. I was very motivated after seeing that. If he can achieve it, I can also do that.”

Charlo on fighting an opponent who comes in as the underdog:

Charlo: “Cota is super dangerous. Everybody has a plan. I’m not here to play around in the ring. I’m going to be vicious. It may look one way right now to him, but when I’m standing in the ring, its’s going to be a whole different story.

“I chose Jorge because I believe we can make a great fight and excite the fans. I think I’m the best 154-pound fighter in the world and I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been.”

Charlo on not looking past Cota June 23 and ahead to marquee matchups in the division:

Charlo: “My focus is completely on Cota. I have a warrior in front of me. I have to get him out of the way. Then I’m going to get the victory I feel I already got, then go on to unify. I have to face everybody to prove that I’m the best.”

Cota on what this victory would mean to his career:

Cota: “I think a victory against Charlo would be the next step for me towards a world title. For my family it would be a way toward the next step of our lives. I have to go through Charlo to reach the next level that I’m chasing.”

Charlo and Cota on how this fight ends June 23:

Charlo: “If all goes as planned and if the referee doesn’t help him, he’s going to be out. I don’t predict the round. It’s going to be off his mistake. If you make a mistake, you will pay for it.”

Cota: “I cannot say exactly how it will end. I can’t see the future. But I can assure you that they are going to raise my hand. I will take the win.”

CALEB PLANT LAS VEGAS MEDIA ROUNDTABLE

CALEB PLANT LAS VEGAS MEDIA ROUNDTABLE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight Champion Plant Defends Title in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event Against Unbeaten Mike Lee Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2019) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant hosted a Las Vegas media breakfast roundtable Saturday morning as he discussed his upcoming title defense Saturday, July 20 against unbeaten Mike Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen

After FOX PBC Fight Night, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao takes on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Here is what Plant (18-0, 10 KOs), along with his trainer Justin Gamber, had to say Saturday from Hecho En Vegas at MGM Grand about their matchup against Lee (21-0, 11 KOs) and more:

CALEB PLANT

“I’ve been working hard. Sparring is great. My weight is on point and I’ve been eating good. We’re rolling. Last camp I found my groove in probably my third or fourth week. This time it was in my second week. I’m going to be an improved Caleb Plant.

“As I’ve worked more on strength and conditioning with my coach Larry Wade, everyone can see how my power has developed. I’m sitting down on my punches more as well. But there’s no substitute for sharpening your tools in the shed. I’m still working on my craft as much as ever.

“We’ve seen so many big upsets so far this year in boxing, so I have more than enough motivation to focus on the task July 20. I’ve always said that the only fight I worry about, is the one that is signed.

“I already feel like I’m the best out there. Good luck to Mike Lee. I hope he shows up. He’s going to be getting a mattress sponsorship, because July 20 he’s going to sleep. This isn’t going 12 rounds.

“Justin Gamber is underrated and I believe he’s one of the best teachers in boxing. That’s what he is, a teacher. There’s a lot of guys with stopwatches and whistles, but not everyone can teach the art of boxing. Different fighters need different things and Justin knows I don’t need to be screamed at to get going. It’s all positivity and he makes it easy to understand.

“I think I’ve shown that I’m special and I’m different. I can bring things to the table that no one else can. I don’t have to raise my voice for you to know that I mean what I say. You already believe me. I’m going to continue to walk how I walk and talk how I talk.

“Media recognition and stature has changed since winning the title, but who I am and how hard I work, I’m still the same Caleb that I’ve always been. I’ve looked at myself as a world champion from a young age. How else do you become a world champion?

“Jose Uzcategui was everything they were building him up to be. He’s a relentless pressure fighter with power in both hands and I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I don’t think he knew what he was getting himself into, and I tried to warn him.

“We’d love to unify and be undisputed, that’s the goal. For now, we’re just focused on the task at hand. I have my hands full on the big stage July 20. If you look too far down the road, it can mess up the immediate future. I am really focused on getting past this challenge.”

JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant’s Trainer

“Caleb has been the ultimate student. I couldn’t ask for someone better. When I think of Caleb as an amateur, I think of just an athletic guy. Since he turned pro he’s really developed his skill set and fine-tuned his technique. He’s a guy who now has that athletic ability combined with skill and high boxing IQ.

“Caleb amazes me every day with how he tries different things and how he can break it down, fine tune it and perfect it. We’re just making sure that he can use his skills at the right time in the fight.

“The super middleweight division is in one of its hottest eras and I think Caleb Plant is head and shoulders above the rest. When I think of a possible future fight with Caleb against David Benavidez, I think of Floyd Mayweather vs. Diego Corrales. The offensive-minded big man against the smaller, better boxer. I see Caleb doing a similar job one day.”

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