SHAWN PORTER VS. JULIO DIAZ II TO HEADLINE "THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO" FIGHT WEEK CARD ON THURSDAY, SEPT. 12 AT MGM GRAND HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS LIVE ON FOX SPORTS 2 & FOX DEPORTES

 It's boxing's biggest week, an opportunity for the stars of entertainment and sports to descend on Las Vegas for "THE" fight of 2013, the championship showdown between unbeaten icons Floyd "Money" Mayweather

and Canelo Alvarez.  However, before the world turns its eyes to the MGM Grand Garden Arena to watch these two warriors collide Saturday, Sept. 14, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions kick off festivities two days earlier, on Thursday, Sept. 12, with a special three-and-a-half hour, action-packed broadcast on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes from MGM Grand Las Vegas' Premier Ballroom.

It's the rematch fight fans have demanded, as unbeaten Shawn "Showtime" Porter faces former World Champion Julio "The Kidd" Diaz in the 10-round welterweight bout as the main event of the tripleheader.  The co-featured bout showcases Las Vegas up and comer Badou Jack as he takes on Mexico's Marco Antonio Periban and in the opener boxing's top prospects Julian "J-Rock" Williams faces Hugo "The Boss" Centeno Jr. in a 10-round junior middleweight clash.

Porter vs. Diaz II will take place on Thursday, September 12 at MGM Grand Las Vegas' Premier Ballroom located in the MGM Grand Conference Center on the third level.  The event is presented by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O'Reilly Auto Parts.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 6:00 p.m. PT.  The FOX Sports 2/FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. 

Additionally, with the purchase of a ticket, fans will be given a reserved seat for the "THE ONE: Mayweather vs. Canelo" Official Weigh-In taking place Friday, September 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  Fans will also receive a 10 percent discount on tickets for closed circuit viewing of the Mayweather vs. Canelo mega-event on Saturday, September 14. 

"Two days before boxing's biggest night, this is the kind of event that will get things started off in the right way," said Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe. "There are three exciting and evenly matched fights on this card that will give fans another opportunity to enjoy an exciting night of boxing while they anticipate the outcome of who "The One" will be in Mayweather vs. Canelo." 

"This is the perfect way to kick off the festivities for Mayweather vs. Canelo and I know all boxing fans will love this card," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.  "Shawn Porter vs. Julio Diaz is a rematch the fighters and the fans demanded and as good as their first fight was, I think this one will be even better. In addition, we've got Marco Antonio Periban facing Badou Jack in an important super middleweight bout with title implications and there will definitely be fireworks between two of the sport's top prospects, Hugo Centeno Jr. and Julian Williams."

"Getting a full card of quality fights on FOX Sports 2 and FOX Deportes, tapping into the energy being created by the Mayweather vs. Canelo bout later in the week, is a strong offering," said FOX Sports SVP Programming & Research Patrick Crakes.  "We will continue to work with our partners at Golden Boy Promotions to put together packages for fight fans across the country."

"When I was approached with this rematch, there was no question in my mind about taking it," Porter said.  "We had a great fight the first time, but this time around I want a knockout. I'm looking to make a statement on September 12 and I will."

"I think I won the first fight and I'm not the only one who feels that way," Diaz said. "But I give Porter credit for agreeing to this rematch so we can settle things.  He's a good fighter, but on September 12, I'm going to prove that I'm better."

"Marco Antonio Periban is one of the top super middleweights in the world, and I respect him for his accomplishments," said Jack.  "This is the big fight I've wanted though, and I won't let this opportunity pass me by because when I win, I'll be one step closer to becoming a world champion."

"I believe I should be the super middleweight champion right now, but this is boxing," Periban said.  "So to get back to a title fight, I have to make sure I leave no doubts in my fights."  "Badou Jack is a good fighter with a bright future, but he's in my way and I have to remove him on September 12."

"This is the kind of fight that boxing needs, two undefeated fighters putting it all on the line and having the confidence to back up their talent," said Williams.  "Centeno's a tough guy and I know he's going to bring it on September 12, but I have more tools than he does and more ways to win and he's going to find that out once we're in the ring."

"I'm really excited about this fight and this event, because the world is going to be watching," Centeno Jr. said.  "We're both unbeaten and rising up the ladder, and this fight will prove who's going to keep going forward. I expect it to be me."

On December 15, 2012, Akron, Ohio's Shawn "Showtime" Porter (21-0-1, 14 KO's) looked to add the name of former World Champion Julio Diaz (40-8-1, 29 KO's) to his list of accomplishments, but the veteran from Coachella had other plans and the two went to battle for 10 exciting rounds before a draw verdict was rendered.  Since then, the 25-year-old Porter scored a dominant win over previously unbeaten Phil LoGreco and the 33-year-old Diaz gave Amir Khan all he could handle before losing a close decision, setting up the rematch the fighters and the fans wanted.

Coachella's Julio "The Kidd" Diaz (40-8-1, 29 KO's) may have initially made his mark in the lightweight division, where he won the IBF World Championship twice and defeated fighters like Javier Jauregui, Jesus Chavez and Ricky Quiles, but it appears that at welterweight, Diaz is even more dangerous.  After a yearlong layoff, Diaz is winner of two fights by knockout with the only blemishes coming in controversial bouts against Amir Khan and Shawn Porter.  Now, he looks to avenge his draw with Porter by defeating his unbeaten foe on September 12.

A 2008 Olympian for Gambia, Swedish-born Las Vegas resident Badou "The Ripper" Jack(15-0, 10 KO's) has become an international boxing sensation in recent years and the 29-year-old is just approaching his fighting prime.  A pro since 2009, Jack scored a third round knockout over Michael Gbenga on the undercard of his promoter Floyd Mayweather's fight against Robert Guerrero.  After his July 19 victory against Farah Ennis, "The Ripper" is looking for another quick finish on September 12.

Mexico City's Marco Antonio Periban (20-1, 13 KO's) looks to bounce back from his controversial majority decision loss to Sakio Bika in their June battle for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Title by taking on undefeated young warrior Jack in a 10-round clash at 168 pounds.  The 28-year-old Periban is a crowd-pleasing battler who can do it all in the ring.

Opening the night of fights will be a rare meeting of undefeated top junior middleweight talents is another proud graduate of Philadelphia boxing's School of Hard Knocks, 23-year-old Julian "J-Rock" Williams (13-0-1, 7 KO's).  Having already faced a stellar level of competition thus far in his career, Williams stepped up even more in June when he faced former World Champion Joachim Alcine, dropping him three times en route to a unanimous decision victory.  On September 12, he meets fellow unbeaten Hugo Centeno Jr.

Oxnard, California's Hugo Centeno Jr. (19-0, 10 KO's) has spent time making his name known among 154-rising stars, with the 22-year-old scoring a near shutout of fellow prospect KeAndrae Leatherwood in March.  Now Centeno Jr. has the opportunity to make his record 20-0 when he faces Julian Williams on September 12.

"THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO," a 12-round fight for Canelo's WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather's WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O'Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition.  In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions.  Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina square off in a 12-round battle for Smith's IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing.  The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV features a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane.  The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.  The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

A native of Accra, Ghana, now residing in Bronx, New York, Clottey is best known in the area for his sensational war with Miguel Cotto on JUNE 13, 2009 at Madison Square Garden, losing a very close and controversial split decision

STAR BOXING PRESENTS "ROCKIN FIGHTS 10" AT THE PARAMOUNT, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

UNDEFEATED TOP U.S. PROSPECT CHRIS ALGIERI HEADLINES,

SPECIAL ATTRACTION FORMER

WORLD CHAMPION JOSHUA CLOTTEY

ALSO, "MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO"

LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS

In March of 2010, Clottey challenged boxing legend Manny Pacquiao for the WBO Junior Welterweight title in front of over 50,000 fans at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

Johnson has faced numerous notable names over his five-year career including Glen Tapia, Jermell Charlo and most recently Paul Mendez, dropping a hotly contested unanimous decision on JULY 26 in Redwood, California.

Heavyweights will also see action at 'ROCKIN FIGHTS 10" as hard hitting prospect Constantin Bejenaru, 3-0-1 (2KO's), of Catskill, New York, will battle Buffalo, New York, native Excell Holmes, 2-1-1 (1KO) over four scheduled rounds. Renowned trainer Kevin Rooney says Constantin is the most explosive heavyweight he has trained since Mike Tyson. 

Opening the show, popular Huntington, New York junior middleweight prospect Wendy Toussaint returns to The Paramount, facing off against pro debuting Cory Boyd of Babylon, New York in a scheduled four rounder.

Toussaint made his successful pro debut, pitching a four round shutout over On'rey Towns on JULY 20.   

Advance tickets for "ROCKIN FIGHTS 10" ($50 to $200 VIP seating) are available online through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com), the Star Boxing website (StarBoxing.com) and The Paramount Box Office, phone (631) 673-7300.

The Paramount is located at 370 New York Avenue in Huntington, New York. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m.

ABOUT STAR BOXING  

Star Boxing Inc. recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary (promoting pro boxing continuously since 1992).  The company has produced some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star Boxing continues to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star Boxing is proud that is has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.  For more information on Star Boxing, visit their official website atwww.StarBoxing.com and follow them on Twitter @ Star Boxing andFacebook at Star Boxing.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

All Access: Mayweather vs. Canelo - Full Episode 1 - SHOWTIME Boxing

Boxing superstars Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez meet on Sept. 14 in one of the biggest sporting events of the year. And they've invited the ALL ACCESS crew along for the ride. From the harsh reality of training camp to jet setting in luxurious private planes, ALL ACCESS Mayweather vs. Canelo offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of two of the best fighters in the world. Premieres Saturday, Aug. 24 at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

"SUPERMAN RETURNS" ADONIS STEVENSON VS. TAVORIS CLOUD; WBC WORLD LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP September 28, live on HBO in U.S. from the Bell Centre in Montreal

 World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and linear world light heavyweight champion, Adonis "Superman" Stevenson (21-1-0, 18 KOs), will defend his crown for the first time, facing former International Boxing Federation (IBF) world light heavyweight champion, American Tavoris "Thunder" Cloud (24-1-0, 19 KOs), on Saturday, September 28 in a titanic collision at the Bell Centre in Montreal, airing live on HBO in the United States.
"Superman Returns" will be co-promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP), in association with Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.
This prestigious boxing event launches the start of the new GYM season, which promises to be more exciting and glamorous than ever.
Stevenson, who turns 36 on September 22 and now lives in Blainville, won his world light heavyweight title by knocking out undisputed light heavyweight king "Bad" Chad Dawson (31-3-0, 17 KOs) in 76 seconds. His dramatic victory before a stunned audience at Bell Centre and HBO viewers was amazing as "Superman" immediately catapulted into the stratosphere of elite international boxing stars. Stevenson was the IBF super middleweight mandatory challenger but IBF Carl Froch wasn't interested in battling the dangerous southpaw Stevenson. Instead, Stevenson gained instant fame and a privileged place among boxing's greats. The Bible of Boxing, The Ring Magazine, selected him as its Fighter of the Month for June, as the WBC also did.
"Adonis Stevenson" goal is not to become just a world champion," GYM president Yvon Michel said on the eve of Stevenon's fight against Dawson. "Adonis Stevenson has the required potential to become a major international attraction in professional boxing, but to get there he needed the stage offered him in the June 8 fight of June 8: a seasoned and dangerous opponent, world title, and prestigious television. The table is set; the future is now in his fists of steel! This prediction is now being achieved!"
Back on June 8, 2012, Stevenson's late, great trainer Emanuel Steward had prophesied, "Adonis will become an authentic, major star in boxing." His presence in the life of Stevenson was short, like a shooting star, but the mark he left is indelible. His head trainer is now Stewart's nephew, Javan "Sugar" Hill, who can now say their mission has been partially accomplished. Knowing that there is often a small margin between victory and defeat, Hill once again because the recipe works has brought back Stevenson to training camp on the reclusive borders of Michigan in Traverse City.
The powerful Stevenson is riding a streak of eight sensational knockout victories including Dawson (KO1), Darnell Boone (KO6), Don George (TKO12) Noe Gonzalez (TKO2) Jesus Gonzales (KO1), Aaron Pryor Jr. (TKO9), Shujaa El Amin (TKO1) and Derek Edwards (KO3). In fact, the last time a fight Stevenson went the limit dates back to 2007.
The 31-year Cloud, fighting out of Tallahassee Florida, has had an illustrious nine-year pro career, highlighted by his 4 years reign as IBF world champion. He won his title in 2009 winning a decision over former world champion Clinton Woods (42-4-1, 25 KOs). He then defended it four times, first against durable Glen Johnson (50-13-2, 34 KOs), another former world champion, following against contenders Fulgencio Zuniga (24-4-1, 21 KOs), Yusaf Mack (29-3-2, 17 KOs) and Gabriel Campillo (21-3-1, 8 KOs). His winning streak ended at 24, the same time as his reign as champion concluded last March in New York, losing by decision to the inimitable Bernard Hopkins (52-6-2, 32 KOs).
According to The Ring Magazine, Cloud is ranked fourth among the world's leading light heavyweights, and he is considered the No. 1 175-pound light heavyweight contender in the United States. Cloud has suffered only the one defeat in his entire career and he has never visited the canvas. Cloud has an experience advantage over newly crowned champ Stevenson having fought a total of 123 rounds, including 78 in world championships, nearly as Stevenson's total of 80 rounds fought. Cloud believes he has what it takes to become world champion again because of his proven track record combined with his aggressive style and power. This major challenge has Stevenson chomping at the bit to make his mark. Since his resounding and expeditious victory over Dawson, HBO executives demonstrated a sustained interest in presenting the next fight for "Superman" on the air, provided it he agreed to face "Thunder" Cloud, considered by many as the most dangerous contenders in the division. They say in life you need to be careful about what you want because it might happen; Stevenson wanted strong opposition his first title defense, and that is what he has on Sept. 28.
Other fights on the Sept. 28 card will be announced in the next days and GYM is working hard to put together a memorable gala event.
Tickets will go on sale starting August 17 at the Bell Centre, online at www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514-383-0666) or club Boxing Champion (514 376-0980). Ticket prices range from $50 in the red up to $ 300 on the floor.
BELLATOR ANNOUNCES RAMPAGE VS. TITO PAY-PER-VIEW

It was announced live inside the Bellator cage tonight that two of the biggest names in MMA Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Tito “The People’s Champion” Ortiz will meet in a light heavyweight battle live on PPV Saturday, November 2nd. The announcement was made with both Rampage and Tito inside the Bellator cage to a nationally televised audience on Spike TV at Bellator 97 inside The Santa Ana Star Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“Rampage vs. Tito” will be held at Southern California’s Long Beach Arena, with tickets on sale at 10 AM PST this Saturday, August 3rd. Tickets can be purchased on Bellator.com, Ticketmaster.com, as well as at the Long Beach Arena Box Office.

“To have two of the biggest names in MMA headline our first PPV is awesome,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “Rampage vs. Tito is a fight I’ve wanted to see for years and to have it as our Main Event on our first Pay-Per-View is a spectacular next step in Bellator’s evolution. They’re both re-energized, excited and ready for a war. This will be a great fight.”

“Honestly, I feel like I’ve been re-born.,” Jackson said. “My excitement, energy and aggression, it’s all back and bigger than ever. I feel like a kid again. The Rampage you’ll see Nov. 2nd will be better than any Rampage you’ve ever seen. Everybody knows Tito and I have a very long history. He’s a former teammate and friend, and it’s one of the reasons I stayed away from the UFC as long as I did. But, I want to be very clear; any sort of friendship we once had doesn’t exist when that cage door shuts. I’ve got a ton to prove on November 2nd, and unfortunately for Tito he’s the guy I have to make an example of. He’s in my house now and Saturday, November 2nd on PPV, it’s going to be a horrible night for Tito Ortiz.”

“I’m back,” Ortiz stated. “Over the last few years, my passion for MMA was completely killed, dealing with UFC politics and with Dana. I didn’t have that drive to compete, my heart wasn’t in it. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m free. Bjorn and Bellator put together an opportunity that made me part of the promotion, part of the family. I feel like I can breathe again and my old friend is going to be on the receiving end of all that happiness turned into an old school Tito Ortiz ground and pound beating. I’ve fought and beaten the very best in MMA history and on Nov. 2nd, Rampage will be the next huge win on my record. This is a new era for the People’s Champion.”

Jackson arrived in Bellator in June as a former Pride and UFC champion, having last fought on Spike TV in September 2007, in a fight vs. Dan Henderson that drew nearly 6 million viewers, making it one of the most watched fights in the sport’s history. In 2009, Jackson served as a coach on Spike’s “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” the highest-rated season by far in franchise history, delivering over 3 million viewers per week. Rampage joins a Bellator Light Heavyweight division that features “King Mo”, Emanuel Newton, Vladimir Matyushenko, Attila Vegh and now, Tito Ortiz.

Ortiz joins Bellator as a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and throughout his career has been one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures during his sixteen year career, fighting the likes of Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Vitor Belfort, Rashad Evans and Ken Shamrock. A true MMA icon, Ortiz will now start a new chapter of his career fighting under the Bellator banner beginning on November 2nd.

More information regarding Bellator’s first PPV will be made available in the coming weeks. A press conference with Rampage and Ortiz will take place on Monday, August 5th. Information regarding the press conference will be available shortly.

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/BellatorMMA
♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION MOVED TO SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO CARD, ORIGINALLY SLATED FOR SEPT. 6, FEATURES HEAVYWEIGHT MATCH UP BETWEEN SETH "MAYHEM" MITCHELL VS. CHRIS "THE NIGHTMARE" ARREOLA; ALSO, RAFAEL MARQUEZ VS. EFRAIN ESQUIVIAS

Golden Boy Promotions is pleased to announce that the SHOWTIME^®doubleheader will now take Saturday, Sept. 7, making it a boxing fans' weekend at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The event was originally slated for Friday, Sept. 6., in Indio, Calif. The event was originally slated for Friday, Sept. 6. 

The telecast features a 12-round clash of heavyweight contenders between Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (26-1-1, 19 KO's) and Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola (34-3, 30 KO's) and a 10-round featherweight meeting between Mexican superstar Rafael Marquez (41-8, 37 KO's) and California prospect Efrain Esquivias (16-2-1, 9 KO's). The SHOWTIME telecast and event start time remain the same. All tickets bought for Sept. 6 will be honored on Sept. 7.

 Mitchell vs. Arreola, a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Heavyweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The doubleheader will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be televised live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Doors open at 5 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 5:30 p.m. PT.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Mike Tyson breaks down claims to be on the verge of dying; "I've Been Lying About Being Sober"

Mike Tyson breaks down about sobriety when asked about reconnecting with Teddy Atlas at the ESPN Friday Night Fights post-fight press conference in Verona, New York.


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

KEYSTONE BOXING PRESENTS RUMBLE AT ROSECROFT SEPTEMBER 7, 2013!

 

KEYSTONE BOXING PRESENTS RUMBLE AT ROSECROFT SEPTEMBER 7, 2013!
4 Rounds
Light Heavyweight
Eric Govan  vs  Jess Noriega

4 Rounds
Junior Featherweight
Marcus "KO" Bates  vs  Johnny Portillo

4 Rounds
Junior Welterweight
Ty "Showtime" Wright  vs  Benjamin "Wildcat" Olinga

4 Rounds
Lightweight
Joshua Davis  vs  Aaron Chavez

6 Rounds
Junior Welterweight
Mike "Yes Indeed" Reed  vs  Ramesis "Payasito" Gil

6 Rounds
Junior Middleweight
Alantez "SlyAza" Fox  vs  Zain 'Tiger" Shah

MAIN EVENT
10 Round
Vacant WBC USNBC Super Middleweight Title Bout

"The Real Deal" Phil Jackson Benson vs Scott "Cujo" Sigmon

*****ALL BOUTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE*****♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

GH3 PROMOTIONS UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT ANTOINE DOUGLAS & UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT DORSETT BARNWELL TO SEE ACTION ON MIKE TYSON PROMOTED CARD THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE TURNING STONE CASINO RESORT

Tomorrow Night at the Turning Stone Casino Resort it will be a historic night of boxing as legendary Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will promote his first show under his new company Iron Mike Promotions.

The show, which will be televised on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights is co-promoted with Greg Cohen Promotions; will feature two world title bouts.

In the main event, Argenis Mendez will defend the IBF Jr. Lightweight title against Arash Usmanee.
Usmanee is promoted byArash Usmanee.

On the undercard two members from Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions will be featured.
In a six round Middleweight bout, Antoine Douglas will take on Edgar Perez in a six round bout while Heavyweight Dorsett Barnwell will take on the veteran Marlon Hayes.
Douglas of Washington, DC has a record of 8-0 and is looking forward to his third appearance at the Turning Stone Casino Resort.

“Training has been great. I am ready as usual and I feel stronger that I ever have.”, said Douglas.
He does not know what to expect from Perez, who will bring in a record of 5-5 with 3 knockouts.
“I don’t know much on Perez. I saw a little footage and I know that he comes straight forward and is durable.”
Douglas is looking forward to competing in front of the iconic Tyson.
“I am excited to fight in front of Tyson. I cant wait to meet him. I plan for the victory as usual”
Barnwell (9-0, 4 KO’s) of Norfolk, Virginia is looking forward to getting his 10th victory.
“Camp was great. I am in tip-top shape and I feel great”
In Hayes (23-12 with 11 knockouts), Barnwell will be facing his most experienced foe by a wide margin.
“Hayes was a lighter weight. He has fought a lot between Middleweight and Light Heavyweight. I expect him to be active and throw a lot of punches. I am not expecting much power from him. I expect him to stay on the outside and survive”
Barnwell, looks to impress Tyson who will sitting ringside.
“Being a Heavyweight it’s a special thing. He is one of the all-time greats and was the total package. It will be great to perform in front of him”
Said promoter Vito Mielnicki, “Greg and I have been moving our young guys this year and we look forward to seeing Arash win the world title and we expect big wins from Dorsett and Antoine”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Badou Jack fight on September 12th will be for the NABF super middleweight title!

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

"Tyson Is Back!"Tyson Is Back" Press Conference Quotes; Features a World Championship doubleheader on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Friday, August 23

The final press conference forIron Mike Productions' inaugural event this Friday evening - "Tyson Is Back!" - was held today at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Acquinity Sports, under CEO Garry Jonas, recently partnered with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to form Iron Mike Productions, which is presenting "Tyson Is Back!" in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

"Tyson Is Back!" features a World Championship doubleheader on ESPN Friday Night Fights, headlined by International Boxing Federation (IBF) super featherweight champion Argenis "La Tormenta" Mendez (21-2, 11 KOs) making his first world title defense, in the 12-round main event against IBF No. 13-rated Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs). Unbeaten Claudio "The Matrix" Marrero (14-0, 11 KOs), rated No. 2 by the WBA, meets WBA No. 4 Jesus Cueller (22-1, 18 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature for the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight championship.

Providing chief support are a pair of 10-round fights featuring Cuban knockout artist Alexei "The Mexican-Cuban" Collado (16-0, 15 KOs) against Mexican featherweight Hugo "Guerrero" Partida (19-4-2, 15 KOs), while welterweight Ed "The Lion" Paredes (33-3-1, 22 KOs) faces another tough Mexican fighter, Noe "Platanito" Bolanos (24-8-1, 16 KOs). 

Also fighting on the undercard is unbeaten Virginian middleweight Antoine Douglas (8-0, 6 KOs) squares-off against Russell "Spiderman" Jordan (15-10, 10 KOs), of Rochester (NY), in a six-round bout.

Former Toledo-Ohio-based amateur star, Albert "Prince" Bell (1-0, 1 KO), is back in action former World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion Mauricio "Cry Baby" Martinez (36-14-1, 24 KOs) in a four-round match. The 20-year-old Bell captured gold medals as an amateur at the 2011 National PAL Championships and 2012 National Golden Gloves Tournament. 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Mike Tyson: "It is my privilege and an honor to be at Turning Stone for my first show. I'm privileged to have the champion, Argenis Mendez, who is going against Arash Usmanee. We also have 'The Matrix,' Claudio Marrero fighting Jesus Andres Cuellar. I'm really excited about this show."

"I have such an affinity for this place (upstate N.Y.). I won the state championship in Syracuse. A lot of my childhood friends will be at the fights."

"I think fans should vote for who they want to fight. Should the winner of this fight (Mendez vs. Usmanee) fight (Yuriorkis) Gamboa?"

"I never want to be back in the ring. I understand what these guys are going through. We want to be known for being worthy but most fighters are shy."

"In most fights you know who is going to win before the fight. It's not going to be that way with us. We want the best fighting the best."

"I'm going to watch them (IMP fighters), as a fan, and be so happy I'm not in there." 

Argenis Mendez: "In my opinion, he (Usmanee) did win that fight (controversial loss by 12-round decision to Rances Barthelemy in their IBF title eliminator to determine Mendez' mandatory challenger), and that's one of the main reasons I chose him to defend my world title. 

"I understand how to train properly for a fight, what it entails, and I expect a great fight from him and me. I want to thank Iron Mike Productions - Garry Jonas, Henry Rivalta and Mike Tyson - and my trainer, Lee Beard, for such an intense camp. I also want to thank Garry Jonas and my manager, Jose Nunez, for being there through the good times and bad times. Jose has been a stableperson in my career.

"When I became champ, I didn't lose my hungry. I'm aware of hunger. I'm sure Arash is hungry but I'm even hungrier than I was before. Friday night, you (Usmanee) will have to go through the storm, Argenis Mendez." 

Arash Usmanee: "I've worked so hard for so many years, it feels surreal to be here. I'm not going to let this opportunity pass. I want to thank my team - promoter (Greg Cohen), manager (Paul Keefe) and trainer (Eddie Mustafa Muhammad) - my sponsors and Mendez for giving me this opportunity. I had a good camp, I'm sure did too. We'll have a good war and then, hopefully, we can do it again."

Claudio Marrero: "I'm in excellent condition. I want to thank my fans for their support. I'm glad he (Cuellar) he had a great camp. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if he trained with Rambo and The Rock. On Friday night it's going to be me and hi; no managers or trainer fighting. He's going to fight 'Matrix' Friday night."

Jesus Andres Cuellar: "I want to thank Mike Tyson for me being on his show. I also want to thank my manager, Sebastian Contursi. I had a great camp. I'm ready to win and take the title back to Argentina. I also want to thank my team and sponsors. Withoutyou uys this wouldn't be possible."

Ed Paredes: "I'm honored to be fighting on Iron Mike's first show. I grew-up watching Mike fight. He was a big puncher. I have power, too, and can punch with both hands. I'm looking for an explosion. Don't blink! I'm putting on a great show and knockout."

Alexei Collado: "I want to thank my promoters for giving me an opportunity to fight on his first show. I'm waiting for my opponent (Hugo Partida). He must be scared because he's not here. I will be an angry man in the ring. I love fighting." 

Albert Bell: "I'm her eto put my work in. I let my hands do my talking."

Mendez, Marrero, Collado, Paredes and Bell were promoted by Acquinity Sports and are now fighting under the Iron Mike Productions banner.

Doors open at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Event Center at 6:00 p.m. ET, Friday, August 23. The first undercard bout starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. The live ESPN2 telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Iron Mike Productions, previously Acquinity Sports, is a boxing promotion company co-founded and led by Acquinity Interactive CEO Garry Jonas. It is a partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

For additional information go online at.IronMikeProductions.com or TurningStone.com.
♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Brooklyn Brawl: Bragging Rights! Returns August 22nd to Fight Factory Gym

 

BRAGGING RIGHTS ON THE LINE IN BROOKLYN BRAWL New York City’s newest boxing series returns to the Fight Factory Arena July 30 for an exciting night of professional boxing. The "Bragging Rights" show is stacked with local talent and cross town rivalries between New York’s toughest contenders. The night features a battle between hard punching former New York State Lightweight Champion Jonathan Cuba of Queens, NY who will look to spoil the dreams of undefeated Brooklyn prospect Dimash Niyazov in a widely anticipated cross-town duel. The show includes another cross borough battle between Brooklyn cruiserweight Miron Kadirov and Armin Markonovic of Queens. Both are looking to climb up contender status and put on an impressive performance for New York City fans. Also jumping into the ring will be four-time Detroit Golden Gloves champion and Kronk boxing gym product Anthony Barnes who’s looking to extend his undefeated streak in his New York City debut. Rounding out the eight-bout card will be 9-0 welterweight prospect Rajiv "Badabing" Bhattacharya of the UK who’s looking to capture his first professional title. The Bragging Rights show will also feature a special musical performance by upcoming Hip Hop sensation Describe which will entertain fight fans with a vibrant, energy-driven and rhythmic vibe through his pulsating and inspiring music. David Diamante, known as "The Voice of the Nets" will serve as fight announcer. Fans will enjoy an exciting night of boxing and see contenders of today and champions of tomorrow in the exciting Brooklyn Brawl Bragging Rights

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

GH3 PROMOTIONS SIGNS UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT DANNY KELLY‏

Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated Heavyweight Danny Kelly to a promotional contract.

Kelly of Washington, DC has a professional record of 4-0 with all of wins coming by knockout.

Kelly had a relatively brief but successful amateur career where he had about fifty fights and in that time.  He placed 2^nd in the National Golden Gloves tournament; 3^rd in the Pan-American games and even traveled to China where he fought the 2008 Olympic Silver medal winner Zhang Zhilei.

“I am looking forward to fighting and getting my career off and running”, said the 22 year-old Kelly.

“I am friends with (Fellow GH3 Promotions fighter) Antoine Douglas and they are doing a great job keeping him busy and moving him”

Said Kelly’s trainer Darrell Brown, “”It is a great thing to sign with Vito and GH3 ad to give Danny this opportunity”

“Danny can box on the outside and really fight on the inside.  He has good hand speed and  very good feet”

Said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki “Danny is a very good prospect and we are excited to sign him.  He joins a great stable of fighters that we are assembling that includes Antoine Douglas, John Thompson, Jerry Odom and Dorsett Barnwell to name a few”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

"THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO" SHOWTIME PPV® UNDERCARD MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT & GARCIA vs. MATTHYSSE SIZZLE VIDEO

 DANNY GARCIA, LUCAS MATTHYSSE, ISHE SMITH, CARLOS MOLINA, PABLO CESAR CANO AND ASHLEY THEOPHANE DISCUSS THEIR UPCOMING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP  FIGHTS

 ON SEPT. 14 AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, NEV.

Danny Garcia vs. Lucas Matthysse - Pre-Fight Action - SHOWTIME Boxing

Kelly Swanson
Thanks everybody for joining us today for "THE ONE" media conference call with the pay-per-view undercard fighters. At this point, I'm going to turn it right over to our hosts of the call; that's both Oscar De La Hoya and Leonard Ellerbe; Oscar is President of Golden Boy Promotions and Leonard Ellerbe is CEO of Mayweather Promotions.  So I'm going to turn it over to Oscar, and then he will introduce Leonard. 
 
Oscar De La Hoya      
Yes. We are one month away from the mega event, "The One: Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez," which will be a 12-round fight for Canelo's WBC and WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World title and Mayweather's WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship.  We also have a tremendous co-main event, Danny Garcia vs. Lucas Matthysse, which obviously you all know that fight could have been a pay-per-view itself, but for the fans Mayweather decided along with Ellerbe and Golden Boy Promotions that this fight belongs on the big stage along with Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez.  That will be a unification fight for the lightweight world title.  Also, Mayweather promotions put on a tremendous undercard, co-main event with Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina.  Ishe Smith is promoted by Mayweather Promotions.  Also another spectacular fight with Pablo Cesar Cano, who had a tremendous fight against Sugar Shane Mosley in Cancun, Mexico a few weeks ago, is fighting against Ashley Theophane, which will be a ten-rounder in the welterweight showdown.
 
This event is being brought to you live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions along with Canelo Promotions.  We are excited and thrilled to once again by hosting the live events throughout the MGM properties, which will host the closed circuits at ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. Also, to make sure that fans get a unique experience nationwide, for all the fans who cannot make it to Las Vegas or watch it at home on pay-per-view, NCM Fathom will be showing Mayweather-Canelo on over 400 movie theatres to get that experience with other fans.  Get your popcorn, your drinks, and experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a Mayweather vs. Canelo and the entire card in movie theaters. 
 
It's a wonderful wonder experience.  I really recommend this experience to anyone who hasn't seen a fight.  We're expecting this even to shatter all records.  We have broken one record already, which is the live gates and those are obviously indications that this event will break the pay-per-view record of 2.5 million homes so it's very exciting for boxing.  It's very exciting for all the fighters, everybody participating so let's show the world that this is "THE ONE."  This is the one that is going to put boxing on that worldwide stage and show everyone that boxing is the best sport in the world.
 
So without any further ado, I would like to introduce to you the CEO of Mayweather Promotions and that is Leonard Ellerbe. 
 
Leonard Ellerbe           
I'd like to welcome everyone to the call today.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us.  We have a tremendous event, obviously, on September 14th and it all starts, with the Mayweather vs. Canelo.  We have three other undercard bouts-two of those which are world championship fights, so we've got a total of three world championship fights on the card.  This is the biggest pay-per-view card definitely that I can recall in recent history from top to bottom. 
 
And to start off in the first fight on the show a gentleman, he's originally from London, England.  He's now living in Las Vegas fighting out of the Mayweather Boxing Club, a gentleman that I just recently signed last week, a guy who I would say is the definition of what a blue-collar worker is all about, a guy who didn't have it easy.  He worked his way through fighting some very, very tough fights.  He owns victories over Delvin Rodriguez who is getting ready to fight Miguel Cotto.  He's beaten a number of different top guys along with DeMarcus Corley who took forward 12-rounds.  He's just a very, very tough fighter.  A guy who we're very proud to have on our stable, so without further ado, I'd like to introduce Ashley Theophane.  He's 33-5 with one draw with 10 KO's. 
 
Ashley Theophane       
It's a pleasure to be on "THE ONE" card.  It's the biggest boxing event in the world.  It's going to be one of the biggest ever and it's a big achievement on that.  Leonard and Floyd have put me on the card and I'm looking forward to it.  And for me, obviously, I've got Pablo Cano.  He's fought Erik Morales.  He's fought Paulie Malignaggi.  He's fought Johan Perez, Shane Mosley.  He is a very tough operator, and I'm going to be in great shape, but to me every time he steps up is when he's lost, and to me this is another step up, and he's going to lose again, but I respect him.  And I'm saying I'm going to be 110 percent ready, and I didn't fly over here from London, England to take a loss, that's not even on my mind.  I'm training with the best in the world.  I've got a great training team, and we're going to be ready for "The One" and it's an honor to be on the show with-you've got Ishe Smith who is world champ.  You've got Danny Garcia who is world champ.  You've got Lucas Matthysse, and then you've got the pound-for-pound king who is Floyd Mayweather himself so it's a great card.  It's one of the best I've ever seen, and it's going to break records. 
 
For me coming from London, England it's a very big deal.  It's all over the news in England that I'm part of Mayweather Promotions, and I'm representing the UK and at the same time I'm representing like Mayweather Promotions, which is the face of boxing.  Mayweather Promotions is taking over boxing.  They've just had their first world champion, Ishe Smith who is the first Las Vegas born world champ.  So it's great to be part of such a great team, and I have to thank Floyd and Leonard again for this great opportunity that they believe in me and I believe in me.  So it's just all about taking it to the next level and Pablo is the-he's the great step in the right direction so I want to thank everyone.
 
Q 
Ashley, can you just give us some perspective on what you already did, on you know how big it is to sign with Mayweather Promotions at this point in your career, and also, how important it is at your age to reignite your career against someone like Pablo?
 
Theophane                  
Well, it's great to be with Mayweather Promotions at any point in your career if you're just starting out, if you're in the middle of it, or if you're at the end of it.  I've been a professional for ten years now, and to me it feels like the right time.  Floyd has been a professional for years, for nearly 18 years.  I've been a professional for ten.  You've got to have been around for a long time.  I still feel that I've got a lot left in me, another five or six years so.
I'm not worried about the age.  I'm 32-years-old.  I'm going to be 33 but if you look at the guys who Pablo lost to he lost to guys who were in their 30s so experience is a very-youth is good but experience at the same time is-you can't buy experience and that's what I've got.  I'm a smart fighter.  I'm a strong fighter.  I've been in with like some good like boxers.  There's Delvin Rodrigues.  He's going to fight Miguel Cotto next.  You've got Garcia -  he's going to fight Lucas Matthysse.  I've beaten DeMarcus Corley.  He's fought everyone in boxing.  I've been British champ so I've been around the block.  I've sparred with the very best in boxing so to me I'm at a good point in my career, and I don't want no easy fight.  This is going to be my ... fight.  I'm training up with Mayweather Promotions.  With them behind my back the world is my oyster and Leonard and Floyd both believe in me and it's just up to me to do it in the ring and that's what I'm going to do.
 
Q                                
Do you still believe that you could still win a world title maybe even despite your age?
 
Theophane                  
Yes, 100 percent.  You don't have to be a world champion in your 20s.  Like there's no age where if you're 32-years-old you can't win a world title. Ishe Smith has shown-he won his first world title-oh, I think he was 34-years-old or 33-years-old so it doesn't matter because everyone they get their-because they get their opportunities at different times in their careers so the age is not an issue.  I still feel good.  I'm 32-years-old.  I haven't been in like many hard fights because I'm a smart boxer and I have a good defense.  The age it doesn't play a role.  I eat well.  I don't smoke.  I don't drink.  You don't see me out in the clubs so the age is not an issue.
 
Q                                
And have you set a time limit on when you can-how long you want to wait to do it?
 
Theophane                  
Well, I've been a pro for ten years.  I would be-I'm happy to be a professional for another five years so I'm cool.  Floyd is 36-years-old now and he's still in great shape.  If he wanted to continue to go on like Oscar did with SHOWTIME he could.  If you live the life you can't put an age restriction.  You've got Bernard Hopkins, he's well in to his 40s and it's not an issue.  I don't want to be boxing when I'm 40-years-old but I've set a goal.  I've had 39 fights so I'm just focused on this fight and to get a win; that's it.  That is the most important thing.
 
Q                                
Ashley, when you look at your opponent he's had some notable fights.  Do you take that into consideration knowing that you want to make it big in the states and want to win, of course, a world title and not-as you just finished saying, you may-whether you said it or not you may be patterning your career under Mayweather and you want to have a world title before it's all over.  So what are you doing in consideration to prepare for Cano?
 
Theophane                  
Well, if nothing really changes I'm always in shape so it's just continuing to put forth the hard work in the gym to do my runs, my swimming and stuff, and it's all about just being focused and being smart.  I'm not going to really change anything up.  I've watched him fight in the past and to me every time he stepped up he lost.  He may have 20 KO's but you have to look who is he knocking out?  He's knocking nobody out.  You've got Erik Morales.  You've got Paulie Malignaggi, and you've got Shane Mosley so every time he stepped up he lost.  If you look at the guys who I beat and you look at the guys who he beat there's no comparison, so that is what you have to go by.  But with every fight you have to respect your opponent, and I respect him because all of those fights that he stepped up he gave them a very hard fight so I expect a hard fight, but I expect to win as well.
 
Q
Boxing takes all of your life.  Mayweather said-and I'm quoting Floyd Mayweather and I think he's absolutely right because 44 tried and 44 failed.  He said that, "Boxing is a 24/7 business not a 9 to 5er."  Do you believe in that concept?
 
Theophane                  
One hundred percent and you have to see that.  I've been a professional for ten years.  I've never had it easy so I had to go on the road.  I've boxed in five countries.  I've won in five countries, but I've never had it easy.  For me I'm used to being in the backyard and having to fight the promoters' guy and I'm supposed to lose and I win.  So for me I'm used to doing it the hard way so to finally have a team to back me and believe in me that's only going to make me a better fighter because I know that they have my back.  So for me I'm just continuing to work hard and to even work even harder.  So we have a young lion who may-he may watch me and think that I'm old now and it's his time, but he fought that against the other three guys he stepped up to and he always was a bit short.  He's going to be a bit short again because I'm in that class where he stepped up.  He is going to lose.  It's just how but I'm focused and I live the life.  I don't party.  I don't drink.  I don't smoke so I don't put no limit on what I can achieve.
 
Q
Ashley, Do you have a weight at which you feel most comfortable and when you're ready to fight for a title it's just going to matter on the best opportunity or do you have a particular weight class in mind?
 
Theophane                  
Well, all through my career I've boxed being the junior welterweight and welterweight division so I don't really like to restrict myself.  It's just on the opportunity, the opponent.  I want to fight the best in the world in both divisions so I make weight like good so I'm okay.  The weight issue is not a problem for me.
 
Q
Leonard, I just wanted to ask what caught your eye about Ashley that led Mayweather Promotions to want to sign him and put him on this show?
 
Ellerbe                         
Well, Ashley's a gentleman that I'm very familiar with.  I've been watching him work for the last couple months.  He's a guy that once I did my research on him-obviously, I had watched him in the Danny Garcia fight a couple years ago and it was a fight that I personally thought that he got the bad end of the stick.  And he's a gentleman that like I say he has tremendous character.  I think that he's had a tough road, as he just mentioned, with going in other fighters' backyards and getting it done the hard way.  So now with us-with him being part of Mayweather Promotions I think that we're going to go out and create these opportunities, and he just has to go out and win.  And I think that he will be a guy that the world will get a chance to see him on September 14th.  He'll put on a tremendous fight, and he's going to make a lot of noise, and he's going to be right there in the thick of things with the Danny Garcias and Lucas Matthysses right off the bat.
 
Q
My question for Ashley was I just was curious how he came to wind up in Vegas training at Mayweather's gym and how he had kind of met them and wound up with them.  I heard what Leonard had said a little earlier about seeing him and doing his research, but I'm curious how and when that Ashley ended up in Las Vegas working with Floyd and the gym.
 
Theophane                  
Well, it goes back to Cotto camp when I came over to Vegas because I was in New York.  That's where I normally train and I was there for like eight weeks, and I knew that Floyd was going to fight.  I just thought that I would just come over as part of my camp and just do two weeks at the Mayweather Boxing Club.  I came over for two weeks.  Leonard and Floyd were very nice to me.  The sparring there it was great. When I left back I wished Floyd well in his fight with Miguel Cotto, and then the next time came for the Robert Guerrero fight and I had other fight which was going to come up so I said I'll go out to Vegas again, went out to Vegas for four weeks for this time. I was sparring with great guys, and I just liked the vibe at the gym.  The Mayweather Promotions team was all like just friendly with me and I just stayed there for like the whole camp, and it just went on like this from there.  So I think Leonard and Floyd just heard about the work that I was putting in the gym, and then I got to spar with Floyd and it was just step-by-step, bit-by-bit just keep working, the way I've done my whole career just putting in the work.  Floyd and Leonard listened to what others were-like said that I was a good boxer and they got my record, and then the rest is history.  I signed up with Mayweather Promotions to take it to the next level now.
 
Q
I have one other question for you, Ashley, and Leonard made reference to it in his comments about thinking that maybe you came out on the wrong end of the stick in the very close good fight you had with Garcia a couple years ago, which is really the first time he had ever faced what people would consider yourself one of the top guys in the weight class.  I'm curious to see him in this undercard fighting in the co-feature and a pretty big fight.  Do you feel like with a good performance on a card in which he is also features that you could perhaps if he does okay in his fight get a rematch with him like for the title?
 
Theophane                  
You know I don't focus on one opponent because there's many great boxers in the welterweight and the junior welterweight division, but if a rematch happens it happens.  A lot of people thought that I beat him the first time around.  To me it was a close fight and they gave it to him.  It happens in boxing, but the fight could happen down the line.  I thought I won the first time.  I've watched him fight and he's big so I'm very happy that he's gone on to be a world champ, but I don't think that he has improved much since I watched him fight.  He beat Amir Khan.  He beat Erik Morales, but other than that I haven't really seen much improvement, but you never know.  It could happen in the future.  I just want to fight in the division, and I'm not just going to focus on one man.  It's whoever.
 
Oscar De La Hoya      
Now I would like to introduce to you the other participant, which will be fighting Theophane.  He has a record of 26-3-1, 20 KO's.  He hales out of Mexico, Tlalnepantla, Mexico.  He's one of the top hopefuls from Mexico.  We would consider him a future world champion who is fighting the best and this is no exception.  Theophane is a fighter who is going to bring his a-game and Cano understands that.  He's coming off two close decision losses against Paulie Malignaggi and Shane Mosley.  Obviously, we know him making his breakthrough battle against legendary Eric Morales, and so he's always here to put on a show.  He's in tremendous shape now.  He's ready to take the world by storm September 14th so let me introduce to you Pablo Cesar Cano.
 
Q
Pablo, what has your preparation been for this fight with Ashley?
 
Pablo Cesar Cano
I understand I came off two controversial fights, but I am preparing very hard.  I am 100% ready and I am not looking for a knockout.  I am just looking to make a great fight, and just give the fans what they want.
 
Q
You are very young.  Do you feel that's an advantage? 
 
Cano
I believe it is an advantage however there are older boxers just like Bernard Hopkins that even though he's at an older age he's still very strong, very fast, and I believe age is nothing but a number, and I'm going to just give 100 percent and fight a great fight.
 
Q
Pablo, you've been in with three former champions and lost close decisions.  Is there any concern that after this fight you could, at an early age, slip in to opponent status or more or less sparring partner mentality?
 
Cano
I understand I have been in three close fights with three great champions with great names and that I have gained a lot of experience, and with that experience I'm taking that in to account with my new plans.  I'm just going to fight, and gain more experience there.  I just believe that I am going to give a great fight.
 
Swanson
We will now make the transition to our next set of fighters and will turn it over to Leonard to make the introductions. Leonard.
 
Ellerbe                         
Mayweather Promotions' first world champion, what can I say?  A gentleman that has been the epitome of what hard work and dedication is all about.  He's a guy that's been around the sport for quite some time.  He's had his ups and downs but he's persevered.  He's a guy that's obviously just not even a year ago was initially-you know got the opportunity to come in, worked with Floyd to help him prepare to get ready for Cotto, and he made the most of the opportunity because he's a guy that we've been familiar with for quite some time.  He's been knowing the whole Mayweather family for a number of years.  A guy that we know firsthand the kind of setbacks that happened in the sport and a lot of times it's really about the right situation that you're in to protect your best interest and he was a guy that we took under our wing.  We got him an opportunity with "K-9" Bundrage for the world title, and he definitely made the most of that opportunity and the sky is the limit.  He's a guy, like I said, who represents not only Las Vegas with being the first born Las Vegas world champion, which is a tremendous feat within itself, but he's a very, very proud champion.  He understands what being world champion is about.  He has a responsibility to that, and he wants to be the best that he can be.  He's a guy, like I said, I personally admire quite a bit. Without further ado, I'd like to introduce the IBF Junior Middleweight Champion, none other than Ishe Smith.
 
Ishe Smith                   
Training is going great.  I had put in eight weeks before I suffered the cut to fight July 19th and we took a couple weeks off and got right back in the gym so training has been great.  It's just a fabulous, wonderful opportunity to be fighting on this card; the biggest card of my career.  You know I'm not the main event.  It's just an honor.  It's just sometimes I just can't believe it.  It's taken me 13 years to be on a big card, but I'm truly honored.  I'm truly blessed, and I wouldn't be here without God and just without him placing the right people in my life, like Mayweather Promotions people. It's been a great ride.  It's been a real good ride.
 
Ellerbe                         
This next gentleman has been around for quite some time himself.  He's a guy that's finally getting his shot after quite some time.  He began making a lot of noise with his definitely heavily disputed draw against Lara in 2011.  He's won four of his last five fights.  He has beat former world champions like Kermit Cintron and Cory Spinks with his only loss coming with a controversial DQ against James Kirkland in March of 2012.  He's a very, very tough competitor.  It took quite some time for me to make this fight happen, and we were more than happy to put this fight as a world championship fight on the biggest card ever, and we know that Carols Molina-he's a very, very tough fighter, and he's coming to win, and his promotional company, Warriors Boxing, they've been behind supporting him, and, like I say, he's coming to lay it on the line come September 14th. So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce Carlos Molina.
 
Carlos Molina              
I'm ready.  I had a good training.  I was ready July 19th.  We've been training all summer long and the best shape of my life.  I'm just entering my time in my career.  I just turned 30-years-old.  I'm feeling great.  I'm feeling my best and I am ready for September 14th.
 
Q
I have a question and maybe Ishe and Carlos you can both answer this.  I'll start off with Ishe.  I know you probably would have liked to have the fight when it was originally planned on July 19th after participating in your training camp and doing all the things you do to get ready for the fight, but now looking back is it almost better for you do you think that this fight was postponed and now you get to be on a much, much bigger stage than you would have otherwise been on previously?
 
Smith                           
I think so.  It's a privilege to, like I said, to be on the biggest card of my career, bigger than any contender card I ever fought on, bigger than any show boxing main event, bigger than any co-features that I've been on.  It's a blessing.  July 19th was because I work a lot with the youth out here in Vegas.  I coach various sports, and I had a lot of people coming in town and these tickets are already sold out so it's disheartening.  Now I'm not able to have the people that can't get tickets or can't afford these kind of priced tickets to come see me fight but they'll be tuned in on TV watching on pay-per-view.  And like I said, it's just an honor.  Mayweather Promotions made sure that I get another date at home after this so it definitely is an honor.  I don't take it for granted at all.
 
Q
And Carlos, how about yourself?  Like you just said you were going to fight the 19th on TV but not on a big mega card like this.  Do you think from the way you look at it it's almost better to be on this level of a show than had you been on that other card on the 19th?
 
Molina                         
Yeah well I mean like to me really it doesn't matter where it is.  I just want to fight.  I want to fight for the IBF belt and wherever it happens to be-this happens to be an even greater opportunity I feel, but like I said it doesn't really matter as long as I get the title shot and get that belt.  But yeah to be on a big card like this and get all that exposure that's definitely better.
 
Q                                
Well, especially because the main event happens to be taking place in the same weight class where you guys both fight, and certainly people will look at that main event, look at the winner of the fight between you two, and it's certainly not out of the question if the winner wants to further unify the title they would have to see you.  Do you think about at as a prospect of-it may be a long shot but-landing a shot with the winner against Alvarez or Floyd?
 
Molina                         
Yes, definitely.  I mean right now, first things first is, Ishe.  I'm ready for that fight.  The belt, without that it's nothing else but getting that and making a statement in this fight, and then being considered to be-being on the radar for these guys.  If they don't want to give me the fight right away I'll be really-I'll be willing to fight anyone.  Just keep winning and sooner or later you might get that.
 
Q                                
All right.  I have just one other question for you, Ishe.  With regard to the cut that you suffered, how bad was it and how is it now?
 
Smith                           
It was pretty bad at the time, but we have great doctors.  I was able to see a doctore here in town, and we did the right things we needed to do, and it's healed up really well.  I've been sparring for some weeks now and everything is going perfect, everything is great.
 
 
Q
Ishe Smith, I have been following you for years before the contender series but you remind me of a very young Sugar Ray Robison and that is the truth.  I'm wondering how come after the contender you seem to fall off the radar screen and I didn't see you for years and years until now finally Golden Boy-not Golden Boy but Mayweather Promotions finally put you where you belonged a long time ago.  I see the emotion broke out of you when you won the title.  Has it been frustrating all these years to finally come up in to a title owner and under the biggest fight of the year card?
 
Smith                           
Well, you know I think as a man I needed to go through those things.  Those things you can't predict life.  Obviously, it's not the way I scripted it starting off and then going to the contender, but things happen and I couldn't be happier with my life where it is right now.  I have some very important people that have helped me get to where I am today, and without them I wouldn't be where I am, and that's why I'm always grateful to Mayweather Promotions and everything that they've done for me.  But you know this is the biggest card.  It don't matter what happened in the past.  This is probably arguably the biggest card in the last ten to fifteen years just because of the main event and the co-feature so it's a privilege and an honor to be on this card, and, like I said, as a man I think I needed to go through those trials and tribulations to be where I am today and I'm truly blessed.
 
Q
Yeah this question both of you can answer.  Given your past and you both had tough luck stories-and Ishe, I thought you beat Fernando Guerrero by the way-knowing what you've been through, each of you, and knowing who you're fighting has been through similar situations could this, for both of you, and each of you answer, be the most difficult fight and at the same time probably bring out the best in each of you?  Can each of you answer that question?
 
Molina
Ishe is a pretty well-rounded fighter.  I feel like the harder I train-it depends on how hard I train to make the fight easier for me, so I'm not sure.  I can't say something like that until I actually get in there and go through it and do it, but I feel like it is going to bring out the best in me because there's a championship fight that I would have.  Even though I train for every fight and I can pine for the championship fight this is it right here.  This is what I visualized since I started boxing and it's right in front of me, and I'm so focused.  I'm so ready.  I'm ready to go.  I wish the fight was closer.
 
Smith                           
Whenever you're world champion you know you've got a lot of people gunning for you and coming to take what you've earned and what you fought hard to accomplish.  And I was able to do that in Detroit, and I don't want to fall victim to looking past Carlos.  He's a tough competitor, and I've trained really hard so I won't have any hiccups and I don't have any trip ups.  This fight we're in tremendous shape and I'm ready to go, but I think it's going to be a good night of boxing.  Everyone on the card is going to be great from top to bottom, and I'm looking forward to putting on a tremendous fight for all the Las Vegas fans and all the fans across the world who will be tuned in on pay-per-view.
 
Q
One more question for Ishe.  Can you address Carlos' style?  Have you faced anybody with guess awkward would be the best word?
 
Smith                           
I've faced all kinds of styles.  They said K-9 was going to be too big and strong for me and he was awkward.  You don't worry about styles; skills pay the bills, and come September 14th I'll be ready to go and I'll be keeping my title here at home.  I don't worry about he going to fight.  I just have to listen to my coach and go out there and execute the game plan, and I feel like the one fight I didn't do that-where I didn't listen to him was the only fight I lost and that was Danny Jacobs.  But, as you said, I thought I beat Guerrero and since I've been with Eddie we haven't lost a fight at 154 pounds so I'm extremely excited to be defending my title at home.  To accomplish so much in my career in such a short period of time being with Mayweather Promotions and having this wonderful opportunity to fight on the biggest state in boxing is just amazing.
 
Q                                
Ishe, first of all you've ended up with an opponent who is, in my mind, going to be much trickier than K-9 Bundrage.  Why did you select him as an opponent?  How did that come to be?  This is a fight nobody saw coming, and do you see any parallels between youself and Molina?  You have had similar circumstances coming up.
 
Smith                           
He's a hard worker.  You can't really say that he's tougher or trickier than K-9 because K-9 was a world champion.  Like I said, I don't worry about styles.  I just go in there and fight my fight.  I told Leonard to make this fight.  I fold Leonard when I won the title that he was going to be the first guy I fought.  I didn't have to make this mandatory until November but I respect his story.  I respect where he come from, and I want to give the fans what they want, and I want to fight the best.  That's just the bottom line.  I want to fight the best in my division and go out on top.  When I retire I want to be talked about and I want to be remembered, and I think that's what everybody wants in this game, and I think I've already left a legacy by being the first Las Vegas born world champion but it's not complete.  We still writing the script and, like I said, I'm excited to be fighting on the biggest card in boxing and I can't wait to go.
 
Q
You're a titleholder now.  Have you changed any in your day-to-day approach to life or has anything changed in your mind or what you do or how you approach things in general?
 
Smith                           
You know you've become champion it just takes your training to another level because you realize you got guys coming for you.  There's not a week that I can't go by without somebody mentioning my name so that all comes with the territory.  I haven't changed anything.  I still work very hard.  I still train hard, and I'm ready to defend my title and keep my title.
 
Swanson
Thank you very much gentlemen. We will now move on to our co-featured fight of the evening and I would like to reintroduce Oscar De La Hoya to make the introductions.
 
De La Hoya    
It is very exciting to be introducing what we expect is an explosion come September 14th with two great fighters, and I am saying great because you have on one hand Lucas Matthysse who has a tremendous, tremendous record, an outstanding knockout ratio, 94% of his wins come by knockout; and on the other hand you have the champion Danny Garcia who is undefeated, 26-0, 16 KO's who keeps on proving to every single person day in and day out that he is going to be great.  He is going to be taking all comers.  This is a fight that, like I said before, belongs on its own pay-per-view on any given day.  This is a fight that the people have been waiting for.  This is a fight that when you finish watching if you do not love boxing already you will fall in love with the sport because this is what it's all about.  Putting Lucas Matthysse against Danny Garcia in that same squared ring will be a tremendous, night for every boxing fan across the globe.
 
Let me introduce to you first-he is rated number one at 140 pounds by the Ring Magazine, has scored a staggering 94% of his wins by knockout.  He does possess the highest KO percentage of any world champion in history, and has won six fights in a row by KO including his third round KO of Lamont Peterson on May 18th.  He has a record of 34-2, 32 KO's, Trelew, Chubut, Argentina, Lucas "The Machine" Matthysse.
 
Lucas Matthysse
Hi.  Good afternoon.  I'm here at the gym trying to train.  We're sparring and I'm very happy and pleased to be on this call.
 
De La Hoya                
Now, I'm going to introduce to you a young man who needs no introduction.  He is the unified super lightweight world champion.  He first won his world title in 2012 by dropping then ... legendary Erik Morales for the WBC 140 pound title, and, like I said before, he keeps proving everyone who has doubt in him-he keeps proving them wrong in every fight that he's in.  He has great knockout power but at the same time he does possess the talent of a boxer/puncher.  He hales out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He is the unified super lightweight world champion with a record of 26-0, 16KO's, Danny "Swift" Garcia.
 
Danny Garcia              
Hey.  What's up, everybody?  I want to say good afternoon to everybody.  I hope you're having a blessed day, and I'm very motivated for this fight.  I've been working hard in the gym, and I'm very excited for September 14th and it's going to be another epic showcase by me that night.
 
Q
Lucas, what is your plan for this fight? 
 
Matthysse
I am training very hard.  It's a hard fight but I'm going to give the fans what they want, and I'm going to bring the win to Argentina.
 
Q                                
Lucas, Danny Garcia as an athlete and as a fighter or are you going to go in to the ring and just give it your all?"
 
Matthysse
I respect Danny as a fighter.  He's a great champion, but I am going to give the fight 100%.
 
Q
Lucas, can you talk about what it has been like for you since you've signed with Al Haymon?  Do you have this new sense that you're going to be able to be in big fights such as this in your future?
 
Matthysse
Yes the plans are to have bigger and greater fights and to continue fighting.
 
Q
Danny, just from some of the stuff that I've read and some of the way your father has reacted I get the sense that he feels you're not being as respected as a champion as you feel you should be and he feels you should be, and, in fact, that maybe you're not being treated as or perceived as the a-side.  Most notably, he talked about Lucas' presence on the cover of Ring Magazine.  What are your thoughts?  What do you have to say about that and is that true?
 
Garcia                         
You know I really don't care what the media thinks or who they think is the best because in my heart I know I'm the best, and I hold the titles, and September 14th is going to be another day at work for me, and I'm just going to defend my title.  I'm still champion and the people who don't believe hey that's their problem.  I know in my heart I'm the best 140 pound fighter in the world, and I'm going to show it on September 14th.
 
Q                                
Last question for you, that left hook sequence-where Lucas dropped Lamont Peterson with his left hook, and obviously Peterson landed his but it didn't have as much of an effect.  You are known as the left hooker.  If that sequence happens in your fight can you kind of address what might happen?  Do you think he's seen a left hook like yours?
 
Garcia
We'll have to see.  I've fought big punchers.  I took big shots before, but Peterson when he threw that left hook he was more in a position that's why he got the end of it.  But I'm just going to be smart.  I'm going to do what I do best, make adjustments in the fight and get the victory.
 
Q                                
Okay.  My question is for Danny Garcia; Danny, do you think that for this match the winner deserves the fight with Mayweather and Canelo's winner?  Do you think you are ready for the fight with Mayweather?
 
Garcia                         
It's a big fight but I've got to worry about my fight.  I'm not really worried about the future right now.  My future is Lucas Matthysse and I'm not looking past him, but that's up to Golden Boy and Al Haymon and whatever they want to do.  I'm just a fighter and that's what I do is fight, so whoever they put me against that's what I do.
 
Q                                
Why do you think that the people doesn't believe you after the many fights, many knockouts in favor of you?
 
Garcia                         
I really don't know because I feel like I'm before my time a lot of people still don't understand it because I'm not supposed to be here right now.  It wasn't supposed to be my time right now.  I made it my time.  I took it and the people still don't understand it but I'm just going to keep building my legacy and proving myself.
 
Q                                
My question for Lucas is he had such an easy time knocking out Lamont Peterson, I wondered did he anticipate that victory was going to be as easy as it, at least, looked on the outside of the ring, and does he think that he can do something similar and make that kind of statement against Garcia?
 
Matthysse
Going in to the Lamont Peterson fight was difficult at the beginning but then it became easy for me and that's why I knocked him out.  With Danny Garcia, I have prepare myself but I believe that I'm going to do my best and just give a great fight.
 
Q
Do you think though that the end result could be the same, an early knockout because your power at least it looks so good in his recent fights?
 
Matthysse
I respect Danny Garcia as a champion.  I am going to give a lot of resistance, but I feel that I am confident enough to give a great fight.  It is going to be a difficult fight but I'm not looking for a knockout. I am looking to have a great victory and give a great fight.
 
Q
I have just one other question for Lucas.  Some of the comments Danny has made-although he is showing respect for Lucas it doesn't sound like he really thinks a whole lot of his punching power.  He has said that he has a built up record in Argentina where he really didn't fight a lot of top opponents, and then when he came to the United States and fought people like Zab Judah, like Devin Alexander that-the way Danny described it was as soon as somebody hit him back he lost, and that the record and the knockout power is maybe a little overrated.  How does Lucas respond to that?
 
Matthysse
On September 14th I'm going to prove to Danny-That's going to be the proof that when he feels my punches if they're strong enough or not, and that will either give him the benefit of the doubt if he is strong."
 
Q
How do you think the ambiance is going to be around Las Vegas?  There's going to be a lot more Mexicans than there is Argentinians.  Do you believe the Mexicans are going to be behind your back?" 
 
Matthysse
Yes.  I believe the Mexicans will be behind me; although, there will be a few Argentinians there to support me and to see a great fight.
 
Q
If there is a victory against Danny Garcia what element will it give you with the Argentinian public?" 
 
Matthysse
I would be on top of the world.  The Argentinians will-it would be the best fight of my life.
 
Q
Hey, Danny.  I know that you said that your job is just-on your team is just as a fighter but the reality was this fight was on the table for a while.  How soon after your win over Zab Judah did you realize that you would probably be fighting Lucas Matthysse?
 
Garcia                         
I accepted the fight when he came to me.  I think it was about five, six weeks ago, five weeks, six weeks ago.  As soon as the fight was gave to me I accepted it but it took them time because the negotiations; you know it's a big fight.  It's not an easy fight to make, and as my fighter I accepted the fighter.  Me and my dad we accepted the fight and the negotiations-where the fight was going to take place, the money so it was a lot of things but the fight got done.  I'm happy and then I'm happy to give the fans again what they want.
 
Q
I guess what I was trying to get at like when you-before you even accept a card do you have like an idea of who you want to fight next?  I know you're the type, you know I fight whoever they put in front of me, but obviously I know you always want to fight the best.  Did you recognize Matthysse as the best of the lot and that you would have to fight him?  Not that you would have to fight him but fight him to prove that you are the best.
 
Garcia                         
Yeah no doubt it was a fight that the fans wanted and the boxing world.  He's buzzing off his last two victories; his last two knockout wins so the fight was built up.  Showtime made it big.  The media made it big so it was only worth it to fight with me.
 
Ellerbe                         
I want to touch on to what Danny just added on.  I just think this is kind of important.  A lot of times when you have big events like this and obviously this is a main event on its own, but there was a lot of criticism coming Danny's way, unjustifiable, by members of the media and the fans because obviously those out there who thought that Danny was unafraid to take the fight.  But let me go on the record with this; I know firsthand.  Obviously, I have a very close working relationship with my business partner and everyone knows who that is and we at least talk ten times a day.  Danny and his dad, I know firsthand, have been very, very adamant that they wanted that fight to the point where they were bugging Haymon about making the fight.  What's taking so long? 
 
I just want to be clear that this is a fight that Danny and his dad wanted from the very beginning.  It's just a matter of the things that take time for fights to come together, and it's just not simple little things.  Obviously, when you're talking about large amounts of revenue and other particulars that come in to play because that's great but you know fighters at this level there's no such thing about being scared of one another.  When it comes down to it nobody is scared to make money.  Danny didn't get to this level-his father is a tremendous trainer.  They didn't get to where they're out-Lucas didn't get to where they're at-two fighters being scared of one another.  This is a tremendous fight and this is the fight that the fans have demanded and both guys want to fight and it's going to be a great fight come September 14th.  I just wanted to add on the fact that I know firsthand that Danny and his dad had demanded this fight to the point where they were bugging Mr. Haymon about what was taking so long in getting this fight made.
 
Q
Danny, I know that you were ringside for Lucas' KO Peterson and you're a champion.  I mean we all know that you have the ability and the goods to make this happen and pull off a victory, but I'm just wondering what you're doing psychologically to prepare yourself because he's a scary dude.
 
Garcia                         
I'm doing the same thing I always do, just training hard, and yeah he has power but I have power too so if he's not careful he's going to get hurt.  But I'm not going in there worrying about another man.  I'm doing what I do best and just training hard, staying focused, and adapting; adapting to the fight.  I'm not going in there worrying about another man's power.  I've got power myself so I'm just going to go in there, make adjustments and get the job done.
 
Q
Hey, Danny.  Was the random blood testing as a result of what happened with Eric Morales or is it something that's related to suspicions that have crept up concerning Lucas' camp or his results in fights?
 
Garcia                         
No.  That has nothing to do with Lucas Matthysse.  Ever since I won the world title, ever since I bet Erik Morales the first time, Amir Khan took the test, Morales took it again, Zab Judah took the fight and now this fight.  It doesn't matter who I fight for what it's just something I feel needs to be done if you want to be the champion.  And it's my fourth defense and it's the fourth fighter who has took the test; it's just something that comes with do you have to beat the champion and that's something I ask for.  I just want a clean fight and that's it.  It has nothing to do with Lucas Matthysse.  It's just what I do.
 
Q
Hey, Danny, this question is for you.  You've been in lots of fights.  We all know this is not going to be an easy fight.  Would you say this is your hardest fight up to date?
 
Garcia                         
I could probably answer that question after the fight because the fights not here yet.  I really don't know because sometimes the hardest fights-sometimes you think the hardest fights will be the easiest fights, sometimes you think the easiest fights will be the hardest fight.  You really don't know until the fight happens, but you know at this level you know you're going to get hit.  It's all about preparing for the fight and making adjustments, and that's what I feel I bring to the table.
 
Garcia                         
Okay.  You know I'll thank the media for taking the time out to ask these questions, and I'm very excited about  being a part of this and I'm training hard. I'm very motivated, and I can't wait to show my fans and all the new fans that are going to be watching me September 14th what I'm about and I'm going to keep the title in Philadelphia.  I'm going to do this for all my Latinos around the world.  The end.
 
Matthysse
I just want to thank everyone for their time today.  I am training really hard in Argentina and will be ready for September 14.
 
Ellerbe                         
You heard today from all six guys who are fighting on the card, and we have, like I said, a top fight card, best that I've seen in recent history.  We're expecting great things.  We know we have great fights, and the Matthysse v. Danny Garcia, like I said, that fight is fireworks all over.  You have Matthysse who is known as-he has the most feared man out there in boxing today and we know that Danny's a great champion and that fight's going to come down to one guy trying to impose his will and the other guy doing what he does.  I think you're going to see a tremendous, tremendous fight in that fight.  I think you'll be able to see Garcia be able to do things that many people hadn't seen him do before, and I think that you'll be able to see what happens when Danny backs Matthysse up.  All those things will be answered in that fight and come September 14th those questions will be answered on that night.  And the fight before that we have Ishe and Molina; that's going to be another barn burner, another world championship fight.  Ishe is coming to win.  Carlos is coming to win.  It's going to be a great fight, and to open up the card Ashley and Cano, both guys have never ever been in a not exciting fight. 
 
From top to bottom we have a tremendous card, and we're just really, really truly excited.  Mayweather Promotions working with Golden Boy Promotions, Richard, Oscar and their great staff and obviously my staff and Kelly's staff we've all been working together to make this a great night of boxing, and we look forward to all you guys continuing to support this event, and come September 14th expect a great night.
 
 De La Hoya                
Thank you very much.  Guys, we have we have exciting news coming up in the weeks leading up to the event so we will talk soon, and we will see you soon.  Thank you.
 
 

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