The card from the Alamodome, December the 14th, is going to be televised live on Showtime. Yes, it's live. It's not a pay-per-view, so people can watch it on Showtime. A big thank you to Stephen Espinoza, the President of Sports at Showtime; and Matt Blank, the Chairman; and as well as the Chairman and CEO of CBS parent company, Leslie Moonves.
I'd like to thank, as well, Corona, AT&T, Casamigos Tequila, and Grudge Match in theaters December 25th for being the sponsor for this great, great event.
Tickets at the Alamodome-and this is unreal-start at $10.00. Yes, you heard it right, at $10.00. For $10.00 to be able to see what is easily the best card of the year.
There's no excuse for San Antonio not to be coming out and coming out in masses. The tickets are selling very rapidly. I expect to be somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 people at the Alamodome on the 14th. This is going to be party San Antonio. This is going to be embracing the great sport of boxing, and for as little as $10.00, you can be there. That's less than a-
For those who don't have tickets, please get your tickets, and for those who have them, I look forward to seeing you there at the venue.
Now, when you look at the main event of this great card, just to remind you quickly all, the telecast will be opening up with Beibut Shumenov fighting Tamas Kovacs for the WBA Superlight Heavyweight World Title. Then Leo Santa Cruz against Cesar Seda from Puerto Rico for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title, and then Keith "One Time" Thurman with 21 wins, 19 knockouts, fighting for the WBA Welterweight Title against Jesus Soto Karass. Then the cherry on top is, what I think is one of the most talked about fights of the year, and that's world champion Adrien Broner against Marcos "El Chino" Maidana.
These are two fighters which really don't need much introduction. Both of them are stars. Both of them are exciting. Both of them deliver. Both of them are fan favorites, and we, as fight fans, we can't wait to see that fight. This is one of those fights that we call it Danger Zone, which deserves the title Danger Zone, because it is a dangerous fight for Broner. It's a dangerous fight for Maidana and that's what we as fight fans want to see.
Marcos "El Chino" Maidana with the record of 34-3, 31 KO's certainly knows how to knock people out. He has that one-punch knockout power. He was the former WBA Junior Welterweight World Champion. He began his quest for a second world title in 2012 when he moved up to 147 pounds.
After losing to Devon Alexander, he went on to score an exciting eight round TKO over tough contender Jesus Soto Karass in September of last year, which turned out to be one of the fights of the year. In 2013, he defended his WBA International Championship in his hometown, Buenos Aires, against Angel Martinez. Then most recently, he turned in a great performance against Josesito Lopez here in Carson, California. Now, here he is knocking on the door to become the Welterweight World Champion against Adrien Broner.
Marcos, if you could maybe make a quick opening statement before I'm going to introduce Adrien?
Marcos Maidana
I'm excited to be on this great boxing card the next 14th of December in San Antonio. I'm in the last stage of my preparation, which has been great; and once again, I'm convinced that Adrien Broner has never fought a rival like me, so it will not be easy for him.
R. Schaefer
Thank you. Now, the man I'm going to introduce, he talks the talk. Some of them don't like him because of it, but you know what? He's one of those guys who not only talks the talk, but he walks the walk. He is, without question, quickly becoming one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He has a record of 27-0, with 22 knockouts. He is already a three division world champion.
At 130 pounds in 2011, he won the WBO World Title against Vicente Rodriguez in three rounds, by the way. In 2012, he defended the WBA with fourth round TKO over then undefeated Eloy Perez and then against Vicente Escobedo in July. Closed out 2012, by capturing the WBC Lightweight World Championship in a very impressive knockout performance against Antonio DeMarco and becoming a two division champion, knocked out Gavin Rees earlier this year inside of five rounds, and most recently jumped weight classes from 135 all the way to 147 where he challenged Paulie Malignaggi at the Barclays Center in New York in a very exciting fight that turned him into a three-time world champion in three different weight classes.
Many people feel that he is heir apparent to the pound-for-pound throne. He knows you only get there if you fight tough fights against tough opponents and he knows that with Marcos Maidana he has exactly that. Marcos Maidana wants nothing more than beating Broner, knows what this is going to do, and Broner will be well prepared to take care of business.
It's a pleasure for me now to introduce to you, Adrien "The Problem" Broner.
Adrien Broner
Hey, what's going on, everybody? I really don't have to say too much; he already told you all what I've been doing to these boxers in my past few years, and it's been devastating. I took this fight because a lot of people were saying that I was picking my opponents and I haven't fought any legitimate fighters, but I was just blessed with the talent. I make good fighters look basic. Now, I take on El Chino, Maidana, hard-hitting knockout artist, Argentine superstar, pretty face, what can I say? It's going to be a hell of a fight.
I really can't trash talk with someone who don't speak English, so I will not be the villain like everybody try to make me out to be, a villain. What I want to say to El Chino and team Maidana is I hope he is 100% ready. I hope he's 110% ready. I hope he doesn't have any colds the week of the fight. I hope his team trains to the best of his ability, you know, his coach, Garcia. He has a great coach. I respect his coach. I want to come prepared because come December 14th, Saturday night, I will be victorious, man, and I just don't want no excuses.
It doesn't matter what I do. I just feel like I never get the credit that I deserve, so even when I win this fight, and I'm going to win this fight in a spectacular fashion. And I'm going to keep it professional. I don't have to bring nobody outside into this fight, because like I said before, he doesn't speak any English. I wish him and his camp the best and I hope nobody gets brutally hurt, but I'm coming in for the kill and I put my heart in on the line and he's really going to have to make me respect his boxing skills. December 14th, I will be victorious and I want everybody to come out and watch me.
R. Schaefer
Thank you very much, Adrien. We'd like to open it up now for questions for the members of the media.
Q
Marcos, a lot of the comments leading up to this fight where he talked so much about how much he wanted to fight Adrien, didn't really, to my recollection, wasn't saying anything about any of the other champions in the welterweight division or any of the other top fighters in the weight class. He seemed to have a total focus on wanting to get Adrien specifically in the ring. I know he was the mandatory, but knowing how many fighters in his weight class that Golden Boy promotes, I'm pretty sure that there could have been some other fight. My question is then what was it about Broner that made Marcos so intent on wanting to fight him specifically instead of any of the other good fighters in those weight classes at 140 and 147?
M. Maidana
No, it's not that I'm upset or anything with Adrien Broner. The fact is the thing that I really, really want in my career is to be the welterweight champion, the WBA Welterweight Champion. And it happens that Broner won that belt unexpectedly because he was a lightweight fighter, but since he beat Malignaggi that kind of like became my obsession, because I want to be a world champion. It happens that he has the belt and that's why I want to beat him.
Q
My other question for Marcos then is when he and Adrien had their incident where they I guess almost came to blows, this was the night prior to the Mayweather/Canelo fight in September, I wonder how much-and I don't think that Adrien's fight and Marcos's fight was not 100% done at that point, how much did that incident fire him up to want to get that deal done and what happened in that incident if he could give his point of view on it?
M. Maidana
Like I said before, I really wanted to beat and knock him out even at that stage that the fight was not done already when the incident happened in Las Vegas. But after the incident, I tell you the truth, it really lightened me up and it was a motivation for me, because I'm not used to fights or getting into arguments or coming to blows with fellow fighters, but this guy has something special. He's a provocative character, so it really gave me motivation to focus more on my training, training harder, and I just want for December 14 to be now.
Q
Hey, Adrien. You heard Marcos give his perspective on the incident prior to the Floyd fight in September. I'm curious what was going on in your mind when that happened and how much did that fire you up to want to get the deal done to fight him?
A. Broner
No, I actually missed it. I was making a rap while he was talking.
Q
Well, I asked him about the incident that you and he had at the MGM during the card that was a couple of nights before Floyd fought Canelo Alvarez, and I'm wondering what was going on as far as you were concerned when that took place and how much, if at all, did it fire you up to get the deal done to face him on December 14th?
A. Broner
To be honest, I was sitting with a nice lady. I was sitting with a nice lady friend of mine, and he just wanted some attention. Somebody had to tell him to do it, but that's boxing. That's boxing.
Did it surprise me? No. No. It's okay. I'm fine with that. That's what I'm used to. I'm happy that he's willing to fight me and that he's ready to fight. I like to see that, so I know he's not going to run from me. He's going to come to fight me.
Q
My other question then for you, Adrien, is when you made your welterweight debut and you fought Paulie and won the title earlier in the year; Paulie, we all know, is an excellent boxer, a very good fighter, been champion and all that, not blessed with big punching power and Marcos Maidana has been revered for several years as one of the best punchers in boxing. I wonder when you go into the ring with him, and only your second fight at welterweight, do you believe that the punching power difference between what he may have and what Paulie has is going to be a difference for you?
A. Broner
Dan. One more thing that people don't understand is the guys he knocked out he was able to hit. He's got to hit me first. He has to hit me first, and he's never been hit by me. We'll all see what happens December 14th.
Q
What's up, man? So tell me this with you fighting your second fight at 147, and you seem like you were more content to stand in front of Paulie with Maidana being a harder hitter, are you going to change your style and be a lot slicker since he has slicker fighters or are you going to go toe-to-toe and please the crowd in San Antonio?
A. Broner
Like I always say, I always say this, I don't fight anybody the same. Maidana has to show me-he has to make me respect his power and his boxing skills. You never know. When I make my adjustments inside the ring December 14th, then I'll do what I have to do to get my victory, but until then, we just staying sharp.
Q
What adjustments are you going to make?
A. Broner
I mean, you've seen the fight. Paulie's a hell of a fighter, so a lot of shots, but he couldn't hit me. He couldn't hit me with nothing flush, so with Maidana, he's definitely a proven hard-hitting puncher, but he's got to hit me. It's not like I'm going to let him hit me. He's got to hit me.
Q
We all know you being a student of the game have you looked at any mistakes, because as we all know, he seems to have a problem with slicker fighters?
A. Broner
I don't watch tape. You know? I know he's a hell of a fighter. He's going to come to fight. He's not going to lie down unless I make him lay down, and I don't have no problem with laying nobody down. I have done some Ralphie's in my days.
Q
My last question is with you making your San Antonio debut on Showtime, what are you going to bring to the table that we haven't seen to build the Adrien Broner brand so we can get to see you be on pay-per-view after your next fight and be held on pay-per-view on a consistent basis?
A. Broner
All I'm going to say to you fans is, and you reporters, just watch the fight. I don't care if you like me or dislike me. Just please watch the fight. You'll see something special.
Q
Hey. Back when you fought DeMarco, you were saying that that was going to be like your fight that was comparable to Aaron Pryor's fight with Alexis Arguello, but you ended up dominating in your first debut at 135 and walking him down. Do you think that given the way that Maidana fights, he comes forward, that you will end up walking him down once you make your adjustments?
A. Broner
I don't know how I'm going to end the fight. I don't know how the fight is going to end. All I know is I will be victorious.
Q
You talk about Paulie Malignaggi and also you talked about not getting respect. You know, there's another guy who throughout his career didn't feel like he would ever get his respect because of his style. In a way, is it good that people don't respect-aren't giving you credit so that you stay motivated? What are your thoughts on that?
A. Broner
I'm a self motivator, so I'm always motivated, but it comes with the territory of being an African-American that's on top, and like I always say, man, they're never going to give me my full respect. They're never going to do it no matter if I go in there and knock Maidana out in the first round; they're going to find some way to criticize, to criticize me. I just do me. I just get my victories and keep moving on with my career, because at the end of the day, some of you reporters never threw a punch and none of these writers never threw a punch, so I really can't read or think or take what some of you guys say and take it to the heart because it means nothing to me sometimes.
Q
Okay. My last question is you fought your first fight at welterweight; was that an adjustment? Now that you've had that fight at welterweight, will this be different for you having more acclimatized yourself to the weight?
A. Broner
Every fight is going to be different because every opponent is different, so we're going to see what Maidana brings to the table and we are going play our card when we get the game going.
Q
I have a question for Marcos Maidana. Marcos, going into this fight, the perception is that you don't do well against boxers-people who have good speed and boxing skills. Going into the fight with Adrien here, how do you expect to deal with his speed and his boxing ability?
M. Maidana
Okay. Yes, maybe you're right. In the past, I've had a few problems with boxers, slick boxers, but I don't think Broner is such a slick boxer. He's talented, but I'm preparing well. I had great sparing partners this time. I adjusted myself and be sure that Adrien is going to respect me in the ring. I will make sure that he respects me in the ring.
Q
Marcos, the fight that Adrien had with Paulie Malignaggi, people question whether or not he really brought his power up in the weight, and I'm wondering for you, do you think right now that he's a full fledged welterweight or do you still see him as a blown up lightweight?
M. Maidana
Adrien is now an established welterweight, the only thing is he is physically a welterweight now. No doubt about it, but the only problem is he's not been tested by a natural welter like me; that's why this is the hardest fight of his life.
Q
Adrien, you know, that's the question a lot of people have out there about you is based upon Malignaggi that isn't that much power in the weight class, Marcos Maidana; he does have power. Do you think you brought your power up to welterweight?
A. Broner
Of course. Of course, I did. Paulie, he's a hell of fighter. He's a hell of a fighter. He's more difficult than any opponent I ever fought. I give him that, but December 14th, man, you'll see a different Adrien Broner, just like every fight, I'm going to give you something different.
Q
I know during the call Richard Schaefer said that people don't like you for your trash talking in the ring. I'm wondering do you think more people tune in to watch you lose fights or win fights?
A. Broner
Both. It's 50/50. So it really doesn't matter.
Q
Adrien, you have accomplished a hell of a lot already, winning titles in three weight classes; and I do think that there are some of us, especially veteran boxing writers, who give you the credit you deserve. With that said, I'm wondering if you were compiling your own pound-for-pound list, where would you put yourself.
A. Broner
Honestly, on a pound-for-pound list?
Q
Yes.
A. Broner
I'll say I'm top five. Easy.
Q
Sure.
A. Broner
I'll even name them. I'll even name them. You've got number one is-I've got to pay homage to my big brother Floyd Mayweather, because he's still in the game.
Q
Right.
A. Broner
But, number two, I've got to give honestly and I've sat and thought about this, but I honestly got to give it to Andre Ward.
Q
Gotcha. Okay.
A. Broner
For the simple fact of what he's done in boxing and a lot of guys, they don't give them no credit.
Q
Right.
A. Broner
... after everybody he beat and I'm just telling the truth. But as number three, I have to say Adrien Broner.
Q
Okay.
A. Broner
As number four, I have to say Adrien Broner; and number five, I have to say Adrien Broner; that's how I see it.
Q
It seems like a lifetime ago that you were the lightweight champ, and it's only been less than a year. Does it seem like that long ago, like is it way in your rearview mirror or are you just taking it one fight at a time and then your weight the best opportunity ... that your coming to the ring at?
A. Broner
This is boxing. You can't look past or beyond or before nobody, so I got to take it one fight at a time, and right now, my main focus is Marcos Maidana. The hard-hitting, the body-bruising, the bone-cracking, puncher; he's a hell of a fighter. I don't care. I don't care who you fight. I don't care who he fights. If they win or lose, they know they been in there with a tough guy, so I know this is going to be a tough fight for me, not matter if I make it look easy or if I make it look like a tough fight. I'm just ready. I'm prepared. I'm winding down in training camp and I'm just ready to go.
Q
Okay. Alright. I guess my question, the way I was trying to phrase it, do you think you've grown into a full-whether or not you're a true enough welterweight to beat Maidana, but do you feel like you've grown into a true welterweight where this is going to be your home from here on out?
A. Broner
Listen, listen, Floyd Mayweather is not a true welterweight. I'm not a true welterweight. Me and Maidana can still make lightweight.
Q
Okay.
A. Broner
But what people got to understand is skills win fights.
Q
Yes. I just had a few quick questions for Adrien and Marcos. Adrien, in your last fight, you said that no one basically will give you any sort of respect from the media. Has that caused you to come to this fight with Maidana with a little bit of a chip on your shoulder and maybe want to be the first to stop Maidana in the fight?
A. Broner
Listen. I don't go up to a fight looking for the knockout. If the knockout presents itself, then you know I got to take it. But, I'm going to go in there focused and once he shows me what he brings to the table, I'm going to do what I got to do to get my victory. I can tell you one thing, that guy better be prepared. I just hope he's in shape and he's ready to fight to death the 12 rounds.
Q
Alright. Awesome. Thanks a lot. Also, real quick, this fight was also talked about being your first pay-per-view fight. Once that feel through, what were your feelings on that?
A. Broner
It don't matter, because I'm a pay-per-view fighter, so they've got to come see me anyway. As long as I keep doing what I do, they got to come see me. I'm okay. This is a pay-per-view fight right here for free, so you all should be happy.
Q
I just had a quick question for Maros. In Broner's past fight, arguably the only two fighters that you've ever struggled against could be a Malignaggi and Ponce De Leon. Have you watched these fights in preparation for Broner?
M. Maidana
Okay. Yes, I've been watching tapes of him of course like I always do through my preparation, and it's a tough fight, man. It's a tough fight for both of us. Of course, he is a great fighter, but makes mistakes. I won't tell you what mistakes I'm talking about, but you will see it on December the 14th. I'm very confident. I did a great preparation for this fight, and you'll see me on December 14th.
Q
Hello, Adrien. This question is for you. I guess you are vacating your lightweight belt. I just wonder what you thought about that?
A. Broner
Hey, if it didn't come out my mouth, then don't ever believe anything you heard through the grapevine. Right now, I'm focused on December 14th with defending my welterweight title with Marcos Maidana. Anything after that, we'll talk about after the fight.
Q
Yes. Why didn't you stay at 135? What prompted you to go up two weight divisions in the first place? Did you think there just weren't enough good fights at that weight class or were you attracted to the fights at the higher weights?
A. Broner
I just wanted to fight bigger names. I just wanted bigger fights. If I would've stayed at 35, I would be a big bully. People would call me a bully. I do not want to be a bad guy. I'm just doing what's best for my career, and right now, I'm at 147 and that's best for my career right now. If it's a big fight at 135, hey, let's make it happen, but right now, I'm worried about December 14th with my welterweight title defense.
Q
Is it your understanding that Omar will be elevated to the permanent champion at 135?
R. Schaefer
As of now, Adrien Broner is the 135 pound champion from the WBC; and he's the 147 pound champion from the WBA. Unless he states that he is going to give up the belt, he will continue to stay as the 135 pound world champion as well, so that's pretty much all I have to say. If, if Adrien decides that he is going to compete at 147 for good and he would give up the title, then, yes, Omar Figueroa would be elevated to full champion, but that has not been discussed. It has not been decided. It is totally up to Adrien.
Q
I thought that they had given him a deadline to declare.
R. Schaefer
Well, as of now, he's still the WBC 135 pound world champion, and I have not been informed by the WBC that they're planning to change that.
Q
You said something earlier about maybe having some kind of ceremony to give Omar the permanent belt, but-
R. Schaefer
If Adrien would have decided to stay at 147, but as Adrien said, and I said, Adrien has decided that he is going to keep the 135 pound title for the time being; and after the fight, he is going to decide what he wants to do, but that's not a decision which he has to take today or tomorrow or, frankly, any time before the fight.
Q
Hi, you really have accomplished a lot in your career at such a young age. This is your second fight in this weight class, and you're fighting ... can you hear me okay?
A. Broner
Okay. Well, first I was giving you a little bit of props and saying that you've accomplished a lot in your career at a young age. We know this is your second fight at your welterweight. You're fighting a solid welterweight that has a much higher KO percentage than your last opponent did, Paulie. Do you plan on staying little bit more active or busy during this fight, and throwing more punches than you did before?
A. Broner
Hey. Like I said, man, I don't know what I'm going to do, but I know I'm prepared for whatever he brings to the table. He's got to make me respect his boxing skills. He's got to make me respect his power that he allegedly has. I don't know. I never felt a shot from him. He's got to hit me. I'm going to do what I got to do to get my victory, but at the end of the night, I will retain my WBA title.
Q
My next question is for Marcos. We know you have an incredible career behind you. Your KO rate is absolutely amazing. I think it's at 83%. Do you think that a knockout is needed to win this fight or are you looking for a knockout?
M. Maidana (Speaking Spanish)
I'm going to San Antonio for the victory 100% either by way of knockout or by points, but I'm focused on winning this fight and I will.
R. Schaefer
Excellent. Thank you very much. Thank you to the fighters. I can't wait for December 14th at the Alamodome. One of the greatest match-ups of the year, fight of the year written all over it, card of the year for sure, so looking forward to see you there and thank you so much.
"DANGER ZONE: Broner vs. Maidana," a 12-round fight for Broner's WBA Welterweight World Championship taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T, Casamigos Tequila and Grudge Match. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, Keith Thurman will defend his interim WBA Welterweight World Championship against Jesus Soto Karass. Leo Santa Cruz will put his WBC Super Bantamweight World title on the line against Cesar Seda in a 12-round bout and Beibut Shumenov faces Tamas Kovacs in a 12-round clash for Shumenov's WBA Super & IBA Light Heavyweight World titles. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will air live at8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at6:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
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