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Tag: Rances Barthelemy
Gervonta Davis, Gary Russell Jr., Andre Dirrell, & Rances Barthelemy Get The W
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GARY RUSSELL JR. DEFEATS OSCAR ESCANDON IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN CROWD FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Andre Dirrell Wins Via Disqualification Stoppage, Rances Barthelemy Earns Hard-Fought Decision Win
Gervonta Davis Stops Liam Walsh to Retain IBF Junior Lightweight Title from Copper Box Arena in London
Catch The Encore Presentation of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on Monday, May 22 at 10 p.m. on SHO EXTREME
Click Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
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National Harbor (May 20) – From the MGM National Harbor “Mr.” Gary Russell Jr.,
(28-1, 17 KOs) had a successful homecoming in front of a nearly sold out crowd as he defended his WBC Featherweight World title with a seventh-round stoppage against the very tough, strong-willed Columbian
Russell Jr. took control of the action from the outset, peppering the shorter Escandon at will and dropping him in the third.
However, the brave Escandon fought his way back into the fight in the fourth and fifth stanzas, but Russell stormed into the seventh, battering the hurt Escandon and dropping him early, causing referee Harvey Dock
About the victory, Russell Jr. said, “First and foremost, I want to say happy birthday to my father. Secondly, I’d like to tell all the fans that came to support me: I love you all. Thank you. “I fought a tough competitor. I knew Escandon wanted to come and bring his best. I knew he was going to come forward. I was ready for him. We are warriors. “I want Lomachenko [next], that’s a no-brainer. I don’t want to do it for the fans or for the media, I want to do it for myself. And I want to do it twice. I’ll knock him out the first time and then, he’ll want me to fight him again. “I’d love to unify against all the other guys in the featherweight division. I’d like Leo Santa Cruz, Lee Selby, Oscar Valdez.” About the knockout loss, “I was getting my rhythm going and I felt like Gary was getting tired. I didn’t see him coming with the big punch he threw at the end and that was it. I went down and was hoping to get a 10 count,
“I knew that Gary was going to go fast from the first to the fifth round and it was part of my strategy to let him do that and get tired. It didn’t work unfortunately. “Now we need to go back to the drawing board to rest and see what my manager has planned for me.”
Said trainer and father Gary Russell Sr., “I’m ecstatic. I’m really happy. I got three wins. Three stoppages. It’s my birthday. I’m 15 minutes from home and I can
“We prepared fully for Mr. Escandon. We knew he was going to do what he did – come forward. I don’t want to diminish or take anything away from Mr. Escandon. He really is a hard, rough fighter. Throughout the course
Co-featured on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in a 12-round clash for the IBF Interim Super Middleweight Title, Flint, Michigan’s
Uzcategui started fast, battering Dirrell from the opening round, cutting off the ring and slamming away with body and head shot through the first three rounds. Dirrell saw success starting in the fourth round, countering well.
Over the next four rounds, the contenders traded even as the fight became more hotly contested. At the end of the eighth round, with Dirrell backed into a neutral corner, Uzcategui let loose with a three-punch combination,
Following a delay to allow medical personnel to attend to Dirrell, referee Bill Clancy declared that Uzcategui was disqualified with Dirrell being declared the winner.
Said referee Bill Clancy about his decision, “The bell rang to stop the round. The round was over and Andre [Dirrell] was knocked out with an illegal punch. So therefore, Dirrell will win this fight by disqualification.
“That’s a blatant foul. Earlier in the fight, I had warned Uzcategui. I warned him. Dirrell wins the fight, he was clearly unable to continue.”
About the ending, Dirrell said, “All I remember was him [Uzcategui] throwing a shot at me at the same time the bell rang. After that everything was blurry. I remember a shot and then all went fuzzy.
“I forgive Uzcategui. I forgive his camp. I don’t want to win a championship like this. I wanted to win fair and square. But I forgive him.
Following the decision, Dirrell’s trainer and uncle Leon Lawson punched Uzcategui in the corner, sparking a brief altercation in the ring that was quelled by MGM National Harbor security and local police.
“I’m sorry for what my coach has done. My coach is my family, my uncle, and he was worried. He cares for me. He loves me. Please forgive him.
“I’m going to stand up like a man. I didn’t win like I wanted to, but I’ll be back. I’m going to come back as soon as they let me.”
Stated a very disappointed Uzcategui, “I felt very good. I was hurting him the entire fight. I felt like I could hurt him anytime I wanted. Nothing he hit me with hurt me.
“I was throwing a three-punch combination and I didn’t hear the bell. I didn’t mean to hit him. The third punch wasn’t that hard of a punch. I was surprised he stayed down.
“He did the same thing against Abraham that he did against me tonight. He quit against me and he quit against him. I deserve to be the winner.”
The live televised fights in The Theater kicked-off with two-division world champion
The opening two rounds of the fight featured excellent action with both fighters attempting to impose their will. In the third round Relikh suffered a low blow resulting in a two-minute delay, however, no point deduction
With the undefeated, blue-haired Barthelemy switching stances often in the fourth stanza, he was able to score at will against Relikh.
However, Relikh came out charging in the fifth, battering away against Barthelemy who was caught against the ropes and scoring a knockdown when the ropes held the Cuban up from a barrage of hard punches.
Recovering nicely in the sixth and seventh, Barthelemy badly hurt Relikh with a multitude of body shots from both hands.
In the eight round Barthelemy truly turned the tide for good in the ninth, drilling Relikh to the canvas with a blistering left hook to the body. Through the championship rounds it was all Barthelemy who finished
Said the victorious Barthelemy, “It feels great to be going forward. The 11-month layoff really took a toll on my body and I felt it in the ring.
“I knew it was a close fight but knew I should get a unanimous decision.
“Relikh was a hard hitter. He surprised me with a right hook in the 5th round and I hit the canvas, so I knew I had to be careful going forward. I knew I had lost that round and had to come back stronger.
“I took the sixth round to take a breather and then I came back to work the body. Once I knocked him down, I saw that he was hurt and protecting himself upstairs a lot more so I knew I was going to have to be more strategic
Replied a very disappointed Relikh, “Of course I thought I won. Even TV thought I won. The referee did his job when he called it a knockdown in the fifth. I thought
“The two low blows definitely affected me. It takes the wind out of you. This is boxing not MMA.”
Hot super bantamweight prospect Gary Antonio Russell improved to 8-0 with six knockouts with a dominating performance and knockout stoppage of Puerto Rico’s Jovany Fuentes, (7-9, 6 KOs). Following knockdowns
Making his pro debut, super lightweight
Gervonta Davis went on the road in the first defense of his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship and made a statement with an emphatic third-round TKO
The southpaw Davis (18-0, 17 KOs) set the pace from the opening bell, connecting seemingly at will with a strong left hook. In the third round, America’s youngest world champion floored Walsh with a strong left after
“Tonight we were in the groove,” Davis said. “I think he was hurt pretty bad. The ref did his job and it was just a matter of time. I used my boxing IQ tonight and picked my shots, and when I picked my shots I
“I’m still on the rise. I became a champion super-fast, but I’m still rising and there’s more to come.”
Promoter Floyd Mayweather was ringside in London to support his fighter, who he’s christened “the future of boxing.”
Walsh (21-1, 14 KOs), who entered the bout as the No. 1 challenger and the decided local favorite at Copper Box, was disappointed with the stoppage.
“He’s very fast, very active, but that was too quick,” Walsh said. “He won fair and square, but sometimes they stop the fight too early. I never got an opportunity. I’m not saying the result would be different,
“I’d love to fight him again. I’d fight him for next to nothing. |
Rances Barthelemy Training Camp Quotes & Photos
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Two-Division World Champion Battles Kiryl Relikh in 140-Pound Title Eliminator on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 20 From
MGM National Harbor in Maryland
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HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/
Premier Boxing Champions
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (May 10, 2017) – Cuban star
Rances Barthelemy will look to take one step closer to becoming the first Cuban fighter to win world titles in three weight classes when he battles
Kiryl Relikh in a WBA 140-pound title eliminator on Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBC Featherweight World Champion
Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against top challenger Oscar Escandon plus super middleweight contenders
Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis defends his IBF 130-pound world championship against Liam Walsh.
Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to
http://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Already a champion at 130 and 135-pounds, a victory over the former title challenger Relikh will put Barthelemy in the mandatory position to face unified 140-pound champion Julius Indongo and do something that
no fighter has done in the rich history of Cuban boxing.
Here is what Barthelemy had to say from training camp in Las Vegas:
1) How is training camp going? How have you benefitted from sparring and training alongside of your brother Leduan and Yordenis Ugas and have their recent performances been an indication of
how you expect to perform?
“Training camp is going really well. Training alongside of my brother and Yordenis under the tutelage of Ismael Salas is the best thing that could happen in my career. They keep me focused and
motivated to get better every day. Yordenis and I have been helping each other during our camps, he’s an Olympic athlete so having him to train with is really beneficial. We have a new strength and conditioning coach as well who has us in the best shape possible.
I know May 20 you guys will see the best Rances Barthelemy yet.”
2) What would it mean to you to become the first three-division world champion from Cuba?
“It would mean the world to me, after all that it took to defect from Cuba, the near death experiences, the imprisonments, leaving my loved ones behind, it would all have been
worth it. I want to inspire the youth that come after me as well, let them know to never give up on their dreams no matter the conditions you live in or what the naysayers may say. Me winning a third world title and making history for a Cuban would prove that.”
3) What did you take away from Relikh’s loss to Ricky Burns?
“I didn’t get to watch the fight but watched the highlights and it seemed like a very entertaining fight. People were saying that it probably should have gone the other way even, so it seems like
he put on a good performance.”
4) How would you characterize Relikh’s style and how do you see this fight playing out?
“He likes to come forward a lot and attack. I’m prepared for that if that’s what he plans to do come fight night but I also anticipate having to make adjustments. I always prepare to adjust to
whatever my opponent brings. Being a cerebral fighter is a skill that has helped me succeed inside the ring.”
5) Can you address your 11-month layoff and how your training has been geared towards shaking off any ring rust you may have?
“There will be no ring rust come May 20 as we have been in the gym non-stop since my last fight against Mickey Bey. We took a few weeks off to visit Cuba for the first time since my defection.
Aside from that I made sure to stay active and I’ve been training hard to be prepared when my name got called. The 11-month layoff happened for reasons out of my control. My management team has been trying to get the best opponents and unfortunately it took
longer than we expected but we are here now and I’m as prepared as I have ever been.”
6) How did you trip back to Cuba come about and what was it like to be back in your home country?
“It was very emotional and a long eight years since I had been back. I didn’t know if I’d be able to go back or not. But I visited the Cuban embassy in Washington D.C. and they told me I’d finally be able to
go back to visit my loved ones. It was nothing but nerves until I got over there. It was an emotional time and everyone welcomed me back with open arms in my hometown of Havana. It’s something I will never forget, especially for the way I was received.”
7) How do you rate your skills and progression as a fighter considering your last three dominant wins over top quality opposition? Do you feel that you are at the peak of your career?
“I am definitely at my peak physically, and I’m looking to match that on paper this year. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. I don’t like to rate myself, I leave that to the people
and the media. They’ve taken notice and that’s why I am where I am today, but I am expecting big things to happen this year.”
8) Why did you feel it was time to rise in weight, especially considering the wealth of talent at 135 right now? Who do you consider to be the top 135 fighter now that you are gone?
“My body was asking for it, 135 was taking too much of a physical toll on me. It may not have been noticeable, but I struggled to make weight during my last fight at 135 and felt I lost some of
my power because of the drainage. Since I moved up to 140 I definitely have felt a lot better. It was the right move. Plus, I now have the chance to go after a third world title in a third division, which would be the first time for any boxer from Cuba.”
9) Why did you make the decision to move from Miami to Las Vegas and how do you think it has benefited you?
“To be honest, there is nothing better for a Cuban than to be living in Miami, because the weather is just right and what we are used to. But at the same time it presents a lot of distractions too. So moving
to the boxing hub of the United States is better for me so I don’t get wrapped up in anything extra other than boxing. Plus, there are so many sparring partners here and I can go up to Mt. Charleston and get my runs in up there
Rances Barthelemy Gives Training Camp Update
RANCES BARTHELEMY GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE
WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN AGAINST DENIS SHAFIKOV THAT HEADLINES
PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT
LAS VEGAS (December 9, 2015) Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) will look to win a world title in a second weight division when he headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike against Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) on Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
PBC on Spike coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200.
As Barthelemy and his team put the finishing touches on their Las Vegas training camp, see what the exciting Cuban had to say about training, his opponent and more:
On training camp in Las Vegas:
“It’s been a smooth camp so far. I’ve sparred 12 rounds with multiple sparring partners on a few different occasions. I’m very sharp right now and my timing is right where I want it to be. My weight is good and I’m ready to go the distance if I have too.”
On his relationship with Coach Ismael Salas:
“Salas and I have a great relationship and together we are on the same page. He knows what I like to do and he can see flaws in my opponents from the corner. We have plan ‘A, B and C’ for this fight. Salas is a great trainer. We’ll be prepared for anything Shafikov brings to the ring.”
On his matchup with Denis Shafikov:
“This is a very difficult fight, one that I am fully prepared to win. We are both southpaws so it will be very interesting to see how the fight plays out. I’m going to fight my style and dictate the pace. He throws a lot of punches in combinations, something I’ll have to be ready for. This will not be a boring fight. The fans can expect to see me throw a lot of big shots.”
On fighting for the lightweight world title:
“Capturing a world title at lightweight will be a great accomplishment for my career. When an opportunity like this comes your way, you have to seize the moment to be great. That’s what I plan to do against Shafikov. The ultimate goal is to win as many world championships as possible in multiple weight classes.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
FIREWORKS BETWEEN ADRIEN BRONER & SHAWN PORTER AT PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFEREN
Press Release For Immediate Release
Photo 1 – Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
Antonio DeMarco Vows To Defeat Rances Barthelemy For Cancer-Stricken Sister on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS
Antonio DeMarco Vows To Defeat Rances Barthelemy For Cancer-Stricken Sister on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS
Promoter Floyd Mayweather & Premier Boxing Champions Fighters
Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
LAS VEGAS (June 18, 2015 – An animated Adrien “The Problem” Broner held court for several minutes Thursday, as a calm “Showtime” Shawn Porter delivered his own strong message in advance of the exciting weekend of Premier Boxing Champions action at MGM Grand.
In a different role than his usual one as boxing’s pound-for-pound king, President of Mayweather Promotions Floyd “Money” Mayweather helped run the press conferences alongside Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe.
On the Saturday, June 20 PBC on NBC show, Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) will take on Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) after Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) battles Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco (26-1, 14 KOs). Televised coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Also at Thursday’s press conference, main event participant on the Sunday, June 21 PBC on CBS card Antonio DeMarco (22-0, 13 KOs) vowed to bring home a victory for his cancer-stricken sister in Sunday’s PBC on CBS main event showdown against former world champion Rances Barthelemy (31-4-1, 23 KOs). Sunday’s co-feature showcases a welterweight matchup between Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) and Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs). Televised coverage begins on CBS Sports at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
Also in attendance on Thursday were rising stars from Mayweather Promotions who will be competing on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets for Saturday’s event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50 and tickets for Sunday’s event are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card for tickets to both events, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets for both events are also available at http://www.mgmgrand.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com. The weekend of action is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions
“Mayweather Promotions has always done record-breaking numbers and our ultimate goal is to find the next Floyd Mayweather. With all of the talent out there, it will soon happen.
“I want all of the fighters out there to keep working hard, stay focused and know that there is no limit to what you can do.
“With all the media here talking to him, it’s obvious that Adrien is doing something right. He’s entertaining and people like it.
“There’s no limit to how far Adrien Broner can go in this sport. He can fight. I’m in the gym with him and he’s boxing top guys. He’s pushing himself.
“Shawn Porter is a really solid competitor. It’s not an easy task for Adrien, he’s going to have to fight.
“Mayweather Promotions wants to continue to work with all fighters and help build their careers so that they can get to that top level.”
ADRIEN BRONER
“This is the AB show. You’re all getting it first, live and personal.
“I’m fighting Shawn Porter and I’m fighting his dad. It’s like I’m fighting his dad because the check comes in his dad’s name, then he pays Shawn.
“Since both Shawn and his dad get a check, if I whoop both of them, will I get paid twice?
“I like Shawn as a person, but he gets so much negative energy from his dad. That’s just the truth”
“After I whoop you Shawn, come sign with About Billions and I’ll buy you a nicer car than your dad’s. I already wrote out the contract.
“This is going to be a great fight. I’m very excited because I love putting on a show for the fans. This boy will not beat me.
“I’m coming to deliver a beat down. Shawn Porter is a football player, I’m going to take him out. It’s going to be fun.”
SHAWN PORTER
“I feel great, it’s a good day. I’m just counting down until fight night.
“I’ve been working on everything in camp. I have a lot of speed, power, quickness and the whole nine. It’s going to take everything to win this fight.
“He’s got good speed, so we’re preparing for him to use a lot of that. We’ll make adjustments as we go along but the key is definitely taking care of his speed with our speed.
“It’s so sweet to be fighting at MGM Grand, this is what you want as a fighter. It’s my time now. I’m so excited about this opportunity.
“Number one, we have to take care of business. We know that if we take care of business it’ll be a great Father’s Day on Sunday.”
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“I just have to stay focused and put on a spectacular performance on Saturday night. Hopefully next time I’ll be the main event. It’s a process but I’m getting there.
“I’m ready for anybody in the welterweight division, I’m ready for any kind of step up in competition period. I’m not the guy to shy away from anybody.
“Porter and Broner are a little more seasoned that me, but skill wise I think I’m right on par with them. Skill for skill I can match anybody in boxing.
“A lot of guys aren’t in the position that I’m in to get the opportunities that I have. This is my third year as a pro and it’s all been coming pretty fast. It’s all about timing. I’m enjoying the process.
“You’re going to be looking at the future of the sport come Saturday night.”
PHIL LO GRECO
“There’s no such thing as the right moment. The perfect fight is when you want it to be. I got the call and decided that this is the perfect timing.
“It took me about 30 seconds to decide to take this fight. When you know why you fight, it makes these decisions easy.
“A year ago there was no way I thought I’d be on this stage. Now I have real opportunities and we’re here now.
“Win, lose or draw, I’m going back to the gym next week.
“I’m a pressure fighter. I like to engage and give the fans what they want to see. This is a great opportunity. Saturday is going to be fun.”
RANCES BARTHELEMY
“I’m feeling good moving up in weight. Everybody knows Antonio DeMarco is a very, very tough fighter. He’s one of the best I’ve ever fought. His record who he has faced proves that. He’s experienced, but so am I.
“I want to be the best Cuban fighter of all-time and I’m on my way.
“I’m in tremendous shape and I’m ready to go. I want to showcase my skills on Sunday to show the world how I can fight.
“Who do I want to fight? I’ll fight anyone they put in my way. I’ll fight Godzilla if he’s there.
“I don’t do predictions but this is going to be an entertaining fight. Unlike past Cuban fighters, I have power and can knock people out. In the amateurs you don’t need power. But in the pros, that’s what it’s all about.”
ANTONIO DEMARCO
“This is going to be a tough fight, a difficult fight, but I have a great responsibility. My 15-year-old sister told me that if I win, she will beat cancer. She was diagnosed with bone cancer last November – and it was life-threatening. But her last chemo treatment was yesterday.
“From a ring standpoint, I am really looking forward to Sunday. I am very prepared, I am relaxed and ready to go. Besides for my sister, my other main motivation is that this is a chance to get my career back on track. A victory and I can get back to where I was and in position to challenge the best.
“I am treating it like another fight, but of course it is much more. Exposure-wise, you can’t get better than network television.
“I know Rances is going to be a difficult opponent. He’s a great fighter. But I have the experience to come up with a game plan to win. From a career-standpoint, this is a very important fight and I’m ready for it.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ
“It’s an honor to be here in this building among some of the greatest fighters in the world. Omotoso has never fought anyone like me before.
“I’m here to restore the greatness of Pittsburgh boxing. Everyone knows ‘The Pittsburgh Kid’, Paul Spadafora, but we all carry the torch differently. I respect him as a fighter and he’s done some great things. We were raised differently and I’m amazed at the great things he’s accomplished. But I’m here to bring a new look to Pittsburgh boxing.
“Omotoso is tough. His record speaks for itself at 25-1. His only loss was to Jessie Vargas who’s fighting for a world title. I don’t take anybody lightly. I’ve trained hard for this and I don’t think he’s fought anyone as fast as me or hits as hard as me with both hands.
“I’m going to throw a lot of punches and it should be fun to see. It will be an entertaining fight. The main goal is to win. If the opportunity presents itself to knock him out then I will. I’m not going to go in there trying to knock his head off or anything. I have to box smart.
“In this game it’s all about longevity and the less you get hit the longer you can fight so I don’t want to get hit. That’s my goal.”
WALE OMOTOSO
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to fight on such a big stage. Fighting on network TV provides all of us such a lift. Getting this kind of national exposure is what fighters like me need and what we work so hard to get.
“I’m totally ready to take advantage and I look forward to being able to showcase my talents on Sunday. All my friends and countrymen are going to be able to watch it, and I don’t want to let them down.
“I really don’t know much about Vasquez, other than he’s a southpaw whose quick, he is just another fighter who can fight. But we can all fight. It’s not like he has four hands and two heads.
“The best man will be victorious and I am confident that is me.
“I can’t wait for Sunday. I wish it was time to fight right now. This is going to be my Father’s Day present to my kids and wife.”
Standing-8 