PAULIE MALIGNAGGI VS. ZAB JUDAH FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Zab Judah, Former Five-Time and Two-Division World Champion

"I'm the real Brooklyn, New York.

"This is my office. They built this arena for me and on Saturday night I'm going to show the world why.

"We're in a gladiator sport. We have to fight to the best of our abilities. People want to see tough fighters with skills. Even though my last fight was a setback, it still got me back here today.

"Paulie wasn't born here, he migrated from somewhere else. To me if we were comparing sneakers I'd be Jordans at Foot Locker and he'd be Canal Street, he's not authentic.

"I'm authentic, I'm from here. I'm born and raised here."

"I feel great because I know we're going to have a Brooklyn champion in myself.

"I'm going to make sure Paulie's job [as SHOWTIME announcer] is locked in stone. After this he's going to be a full-time commentator.

"I came up doing this, I probably have more street fights than I have gym sparring sessions. You can ask anyone in my neighborhood, I was fighting anybody. I'm 36-years-old. I've never done anything but box.

"This isn't a game for me. People keep saying this fight is friendly but at the end of the day these are the old Roman days. Only thing different is I can't behead him, so I'm going to knock him out.

"I do the impossible. I'm the only one to put more hands on Floyd Mayweather than anyone ever has.

"I don't like to talk too much, but I'm ready.

"I love this, I'm good at this, we're the headliners.

"I know that this is a special opportunity for me, it's the opportunity to crown yourself the King of your city."

"This is the old Roman days, there can only be one king and I'm taking it back to that. Saturday night, I'm back."

Paulie Malignaggi, Former Two-Time, Two-Division World Champion

"Team Malignaggi worked really hard this camp and we're ready.

"I was blown away to be in the main event of such an incredible card. When I saw the co-features I said 'Wow.'

"Seeing everyone come up here [to the podium] one-by-one really lets me know how amazing this card is.

"It humbles me and blows me away that I'm still fighting with these top-level athletes.

"Me and Zab have had a lot of longevity across these years. The fact that we're still at this level speaks volumes about our skills, determination and ring savvy.

"Camp has been hard. I was very motivated, even without a world championship on the line. Zab is right, there can only be one king.

"Beating a Zab Judah leads to a world title fight. I have no doubt about it."

"The rewards of winning a fight like this are motivating in and of itself."

"This is like working in those gladiator days. You didn't get to pick who you fought. It could've been your friend, but it's either him or you.

"Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose on Saturday night. I've prepared very well.

"One thing we say in Brooklyn, is 'Brooklyn, stand up!' and Saturday I know Brooklyn will stand up."

Devon Alexander, IBF Welterweight World Champion

"[To Shawn Porter] I already beat you. So it isn't going be any different Saturday night.

"I'm ready. I'm 120 percent ready. I'm focused. Shawn is a solid fighter. He stepped to the plate like some people didn't. You guys know I was supposed to fight somebody else but Shawn Porter stepped up to the plate and now I've got to take care of him.

"I'm going to continue to win, continue to prove to people that I'm an elite fighter, that I deserve to be at the top, and that's what I'm going to do.

"Come Saturday night my winning ways are going to continue."

Shawn Porter, Undefeated Welterweight Contender

"I'm here, Showtime Shawn Porter is in the building.

"We had camp in Las Vegas. It was beautiful. It's been beautiful being here in Brooklyn and I'm ready to do it.

"This was my hardest camp training for my hardest fight.

"Not to take anything from Alexander, except his belt, but I know what he's got to bring and I'm ready to handle it."

Erislandy Lara, WBA Super Welterweight Interim World Champion

"I just want to thank my whole team for all the hard work we've put in this camp"

"On Saturday night, I'm going to be ready for Trout and we'll see who's got the balls to win this fight"

Austin Trout, Former Light Middleweight World Champion

"I'm happy to be here, I'm happy to bring it back to Brooklyn. New York runs in my blood. A lot of people don't know my mother, my grandmother, were both born and raised here. New York is in my blood.

"Over a year ago I came back to New York and I retained my title going against Cotto and I'm looking to have a repeat to regain my title back because I feel like that's my belt.

"Earlier this year I may have lost it, but I learned a lot from it and it's made me the better, stronger fighter, a stronger man.

"You all are going to see the reinvention of Austin Trout Saturday night."

Sakio Bika, WBC Super Middleweight World Champion

"I feel so very blessed and so very happy. On Saturday, Anthony Dirrell says he is going to take the belt off of me. I am not so sure it will happen. I don't know if he can do it. I don't know if he has the balls to do it.

"On Saturday it will just be Anthony Dirrell in the ring. On Saturday Anthony will step in the ring and feel the power."

Anthony Dirrell, Super Middleweight Contender

"Come Saturday, it's destiny. I've been through a lot - cancer in 2006. I overcame that. Motorcycle accident that broke my legs and hands. I overcame that. So Sakio Bika can't hold me back. This is meant to be and come December 7 it's over. It's going to be trouble for him.

"He looks for the knockout, but doesn't get it every time. I'm going to be looking for the knockout so that's what's going to happen.

"So everyone come out and support December 7. It's a hell of a card."

Sadam Ali, Undefeated Welterweight and 2008 U.S. Olympian

"I'm very excited for this fight. Second time fighting at the Barclays Center, my home, in front of my hometown of course. And look at the card we have going on, it's going to be so exciting top to bottom and I'm just ready to go out there and show what I can do."

Marcus Browne, Rising Light Heavyweight Star and 2012 U.S. Olympian

"I'm grateful to be on this card. You've got guys like Paulie that watched me coming up in the amateurs.

You've got guys like Zab that I watched coming up as a kid. So this is a beautiful thing with all of these other guys on this card. I mean it's a great card."

"I'm a fan first, but at the end of the day I've got to take care of business.

"I'm ready to go on Saturday night and I know these guys are. So God bless you guys and enjoy the show."

Bernard Hopkins, IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion and Golden Boy Promotions Partner

"First, there's a lot of history here in Brooklyn. It's becoming a major hotbed for boxing. At the Barclays Center, we're making history and I'm happy to be part of that and also part of the promotion.

"The four televised fights could be a main event on any day on any card. So to me, it's an early Christmas present to those who tune in and also come to the fight.

"To see four championship fights in December, closing out the year with a bang, are something special. But to see Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah, two Brooklyn legends that have basically the same fans, collide will be an extra treat for fight fans.

"This year has been a great, record-breaking year for ratings and of course the highest grossing pay-per-view of all time.

"The main event is going to be one of those fights where don't know who is going to win. It is going to be a barnburner. Its impossible to say that one guy has a landslide chance of winning. It is just that close."

Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center

"Welcome back to the Barclays Center. We appreciate everyone being here today. We are thrilled to host another outstanding night of boxing at Barclays Center this Saturday night. The 'Battle of Brooklyn' between Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah has great significance because the two represent the strength and the resilience of this great borough. As Paulie has said 'It's exciting to win a world title but it doesn't compare to winning the world championship of Brooklyn.'

"This is the culmination of our first year of boxing in Brooklyn, so it's fitting to have two of the greatest fighters from here taking the ring in this building on Saturday night. More than just a feature bout, Golden Boy Promotions has delivered an exciting fight card from top to bottom and we look forward to giving boxing fans another great at Barclays Center.

"Thanks to fighters like Paulie and Zab, Bernard Hopkins, Peter Quillin, Danny Jacobs, Danny Garcia, Louis Collazo, Eddie Gomez and up-and-comers like Marcus Browne, Sadam Ali and many others, Barclays Center has become the heart of boxing on the East Coast. It has also become a place for local boxers to become inspired to become future champs."

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

"This is a special card. There's really no other way to describe it. When we, Golden Boy, Barclays Center and SHOWTIME first began putting this card together, we wanted it to be something special, something memorable to cap off the year.

"We quickly decided that we wanted not just one or two good fights, or even, three good fights, but four high-quality, competitive, evenly matched fights. Three world title fights capped off by the 'Battle of Brooklyn' between Paulie and Zab, the two most well-known and accomplished fighters from Brooklyn in the sport today.

"As Bernard pointed out, it's no exaggeration to say that these are four main-event quality fights. Sakio Bika and Anthony Dirrell have been main event fighters. Erislandy Lara and Austin Trout have both been main event fighters. Devon has been in numerous main event fights and of course, we all are familiar with Paulie and Zab's great history.

"This is the type of card that SHOWTIME has become known for. High quality and competitive fights top to bottom. No mismatches, no one or two fight cards.

"Most of all I'd like to thank the fighters, acknowledge that it takes the commitment of the fighters to fight tough fights. It's something that often goes unrecognized, but every fighter on this card has agreed to, has made the commitment, to fight in a tough fight. And that's what makes this card so special."

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♔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 Sports and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

THE BATTLE OF BROOKLYN IN ON! Former World Champions Zab Judah & Paulie Malignaggi Set To Fight on Dec. 7 At Barclays Center Live on SHOWTIME

THE BATTLE OF BROOKLYN IN ON! Former World Champions Zab Judah & Paulie Malignaggi Set To Fight on Dec. 7 At Barclays Center Live on SHOWTIME

THE BATTLE OF BROOKLYN IS ON! 

FORMER FIVE-TIME, TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ZAB "SUPER" JUDAH TO FIGHT FOR BROOKLYN BRAGGING RIGHTS AGAINST FORMER TWO-TIME, TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION PAULIE "THE MAGIC MAN" MALIGNAGGI ON DEC. 7 AT BARCLAYS CENTER LIVE ON SHOWTIME^® 

PLUS, WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT INTERIM CHAMPION

ERISLANDY LARA TO MAKE HIS FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST FORMER WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION AUSTIN "NO DOUBT" TROUT AND 2012 U.S. OLYMPIAN MARCUS BROWNE SCHEDULED TO FIGHT

 Barclays Center will host two of the borough's favorite sons, former Five-Time, Two-Division World Champion Zab "Super" Judah and former Two-Time, Two-Division World Champion Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi, on Saturday, Dec. 7 todecide who is the true King of Brooklyn. The 12-round welterweight bout will be televised live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

"I am happy to be back fighting in front of my hometown crowd," said Judah, who is from Brownsville. "Paulie and I have known each other for a long time and we have a mutual respect for each other, but with this fight on Dec. 7 it is going to be like the ancient Roman days. There has to be a leader and that position belongs to me."

"I have always admired Zab's skills and his resume speaks for itself," said Malignaggi, a native of Bensonhurst. "But this is the 'Battle of Brooklyn' and winning this fight is worth more than any world title." 

"In a year of great fights, I have to say that this one is high on my list of the most anticipated," said CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer. "Paulie and Zab are two of the slickest, fastest and most charismatic boxers in the world today and when you add in the fact that they're fighting for Brooklyn bragging rights, it's going to be an early holiday gift for boxing fans."

 "Judah vs. Malignaggi promises to be a high intensity chess match between two master boxers," said Vice President of Super Judah Promotions Bill Halkias. "This fight is not only special to Brooklyn boxing fans, but also a highly anticipated fight for boxing fans in general. Who wouldn't want to see two highly skilled and experienced world champion boxers go at it for the right to be crowned 'The King of Brooklyn'? I believe Dec. 7 will be a night to remember."

"We've hosted some great fights at Barclays Center in our first year, but this one is different - this fight is about two Brooklyn-born-and-raised fighters proudly representing their respective neighborhoods," said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. "Paulie and Zab are pros at captivating audiences with their big personalities and boxing skills. We are delighted that they will once again step into Brooklyn's most celebrated ring for what is sure to be another memorable night of boxing at Barclays Center."

"Highly competitive, hard-fought, exciting fights have been the hallmark of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING all year long, and the December 7 card is no different," said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. "If you want tune-ups, appearance fights or mismatches, then look elsewhere.  But if you're looking for evenly matched, meaningful fights featuring four of the most skilled boxers in any division, then the December 7 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a can't-miss."

In the 12-round co-main event, the WBA Super Welterweight Championship is on the line as interim titleholder Erislandy Lara battles former champion Austin "No Doubt" Trout. The Cuban star, Lara, is coming off a 'Fight of the Year' candidate in his 10th -round title-winning stoppage of Alfredo Angulo in June, but the gifted Trout is hungrier than ever to regain his world title. Additionally, 2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne, who will be featured at Barclays Center for the fifth time in his professional career, will face an opponent to be determined.

"This is a great matchup with Austin Trout and I respect his skills in the ring," said Lara. "He knows the art of boxing like I do, and the fans will see the sport at its highest level when we fight."

"It's only been a few months, but I already miss being called 'champ,'" said Trout. "So I'd like to thank Lara, Golden Boy, and the WBA for this opportunity to get my belt back and I will get it back this December."

"Barclays Center has truly become my second home," said Browne. "Having the opportunity to fight there more times than any one else is an honor. I look forward to making another appearance there on Dec. 7."

Judah vs. Malignaggi is a 12-round welterweight fight taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions' sponsors Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). In the co-featured bout, Erislandy Lara defends his interim WBA Super Welterweight Championship in a 12-round fight against Austin "No Doubt" Trout. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Blessed with the speed, power and ring savvy that long ago earned him the nickname "Super,"Zab Judah (42-8, 29 KO's) has been dazzling fight fans in New York and beyond since 1996, winning world titles at 140 and 147 pounds along the way. Owner of wins against Micky Ward, Junior Witter, Cory Spinks and Lucas Matthysse, the 35-year-old southpaw has also squared off with the best of this era, including Floyd Mayweather, Kostya Tszyu, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan and Danny Garcia, who he recently extended the 12-round distance in a memorable championship bout in April. But to get back into a title fight, Judah must first successfully defeat Malignaggi.

A former junior welterweight and welterweight world champion known as "The Magic Man,"Paulie Malignaggi (32-5, 7 KO's) built an early reputation for talking a good game, but when the bell rang, his skills backed up his boasts. Despite his flashy style in and out of the ring, the 32-year-old has proven himself to be a true warrior, as evidenced by his victories over Juan Diaz, Lovemore Ndou, Vyacheslav Senchenko and Pablo Cesar Cano, and his battles with Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan. Coming off of a razor-thin split decision loss to Adrien Broner in June, Malignaggi's return to the ring has him more amped up than ever.

After graduating from the legendary Cuban amateur boxing program, Guantanamo's Erislandy Lara (18-1-2, 12 KO's) began his quest for professional glory in 2008, eventually settling in Miami. By 2011, he was one of the sport's unsung heroes, with the only blemishes on his record being a controversial draw with Carlos Molina and a majority decision loss to Paul Williams that most consider to be one of the worst decisions in recent history. Since then, Lara has done his best to take matters out of the judges' hands, going 3-0-1 with technical knockouts of Ronald Hearns and Alfredo Angulo. Lara's win over Angulo in June of this year earned the 30-year-old southpaw the interim WBA Championship, and he will look to defend his interim title on Dec. 7.

Slick southpaw Austin "No Doubt" Trout (26-1, 14 KO's) operated under the mainstream radar for many years, but the Las Cruces, New Mexico native never lost sight of his goals, knowing that he would capitalize on his first big opportunity. That opportunity came in February of 2011, when he traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico to take on Rigoberto Alvarez. In that bout, Trout won a 12-round unanimous decision and the vacant WBA Super Welterweight title, a crown he successfully defended four times with victories over David Lopez, Frank LoPorto, Delvin Rodriguez, and Miguel Cotto. In April, Trout lost his title in a hard-fought match with WBC champion Canelo Alvarez, but this December, the 28-year-old gets his chance to take the belt back.

After blasting through his first six opponents as a professional, Staten Island's "Sir" Marcus Browne (7-0, 6 KO's) proved that he could go the distance as well in his most recent bout, as he pounded out an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Lamont Williams at Barclays Center. On Dec. 7, the 22-year-old former Olympian seeks his eighth consecutive win.

 ♔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.

WBA Intercontinental Welterweight Champion Marcos "El Chino" Maidana, top rated welterweight contender Josesito Lopez and top rated super welterweight contenders Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and Erislandy Lara will face off

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.  The tripleheader will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).  Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.  Also featured will be a 12-round super welterweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and top rated super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a 12-round fight between veteran Demetrius Hopkins and unbeaten phenom Jermell Charlo for Hopkins' USBA Junior Middleweight Championship and Charlo's WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).



♔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.

Maidana vs. Lopez & Angulo vs. Lara Press Conference Quotes For June 8 Fights At The Home Depot Center, Live On Showtime‏

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME  CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 10p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.  Also featured will be a 12-round super welterweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara.SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME Extreme at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

MARCOS MAIDANA

"I know Josesito is a great fighter. I know he likes to stand and trade and fight. That's what I do and that's why it's going to be such an exciting fight.

"My plan is to go toe-to-toe. I don't know what Josesito is going to do, but that's what I plan to do. Pressure is the key to the fight.

"I'm feeling great. I've been in Oxnard, California for over a month already. I love training there. The weather is great and it's where my coach (Robert Garcia) is. It's going to be a great fight and I'm going to defend the honor of Argentina.

"The 147-pound division is where I feel best. I didn't feel that way at 140. Now I'm free and I can eat more. My body is different and you can see the definition."

JOSESITO LOPEZ

"When you're fighting a heavy puncher like Maidana, you have to be smart. The move up to 154 pounds helped me now that I'm back at 147. Now I feel I'm a true welterweight. I feel great in the gym; stronger and faster.

"I'm so excited about this fight and I'm the one receiving the punches. I can only imagine how excited the fans are. Years ago before I was at this level I thought, 'Man, this would be an exciting fight. I would love to get in there and bang with him.' Now we're here. It's a hell of a match-up. It could be the fight of the year.

"This is a fight I have to win. It's a fight that keeps me on the map. This is where I want to be and I'm working my ass off

"He's a strong puncher and I like to think I have a little punch myself. In the ring I just have to be smart whether it's defense on the inside or boxing on the outside. I have to be the smarter fighter and whatever works that's what I'm going to have to do

"We have to be smart and shoot our jab. We have to pick our spots and not let him. He's an inside fighter and he likes to bang. Well, I like to bang too. I've got to be in a position where I want to be, not where he wants me to be."

ALFREDO "EL PERRO" ANGULO

"This is my third fight after my time off and conditioning-wise I'm feeling like my old self, feeling like I used to feel. There's no doubt I'll be in better condition than I was for my last two fights. There was just too much time off. Now, I'm in a rhythm

"It's going to be a very good fight, the bull versus the matador. I have a lot of respect for Lara. He's a really good fighter and he wants to show he's the best, but he's going to have to come out and fight.

"He may think he's just going to box, but he's going to fight."

ERISLANDY LARA

"There's always a lot at stake when I fight, so I know I can't look ahead or take Angulo for granted. He is my total focus now. After I win on June 8; I can start thinking about a world title shot again.

"Angulo is a good fighter. I give him a lot of credit. He always comes to fight. I've worked very hard and am preparing for the best Angulo possible.

"The fact that I'm favored to win means nothing. Once the bell rings, it doesn't matter what the odds are. It's what you do in the ring that counts.

"Style-wise this is a perfect fight for me because Angulo likes to come forward. It's the classic boxer versus the puncher. I expect to put on a boxing clinic, so you can expect a smart fight from me.

"Obviously, the most important thing is for me to win, but I want to put on a great show for all the fans."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA

"We should have called this 'High Stakes' because you have the welterweight division where you have Floyd Mayweather. The winner between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez automatically puts himself in line and at the front door knocking to fight the very best.

"This is how important this event is. This is high stakes here for everyone on this card. Saturday, June 8 will be explosive, that's for sure.

"What's most exciting for Alfredo Angulo's team is that he's just now putting everything together and really learning the craft of boxing under Virgil Hunter. It's going to be very exciting to see him fight such an incredible fighter like Erislandy Lara

"Stephen Espinoza (Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME SPORTS) has now taken SHOWTIME to a whole new level. This is the home of boxing and it will continue to be the home of boxing for many years to come."

KEN THOMPSON, Josesito's Lopez' Co-Promoter

"Here we go again...one more time in L.A. and in every city thanks to SHOWTIME. We have the best fighter in the world in Josesito Lopez, the 'Riverside Rocky.'

"When Josesito and Marcos Maidana enter the ring for the main event on June 8, no judges will be needed. This fight will end with one great fighter laying in the middle of the ring, while the other great fighter will be standing and getting his hand raised in victory and that fighter is the 'Riverside Rocky,' Josesito Lopez.''

LUIS DECUBAS JR., Erislandy Lara's Manager

"This is going to be a great fight. We're happy to be on such a great card. Erislandy is ready. He knows he is in with a very tough, aggressive fighter.

"Angulo is a hungry and determined fighter, but so is Erislandy. We're excited about fighting on June 8."

ROBERT GARCIA, Marcos Maidana's Trainer

"We're training hard for this fight and we know what type of fight we have in front of us. We cannot take this fight lightly.

"We've gotten some great sparring in for this fight and I know Josesito and his coach have done the same. We're actually pretty good friends with Henry (Ramirez). We just know this is a fight that fans are really going to enjoy.

"We know both fighters' styles and we know this could turn out to be one of the best fights of the year. As everyone who has seen the last few of Maidana's fights knows, he is starting to use his jab a little more and using a little more footwork, in and out, so we're going to fight smart. I know this will be end up in a war and whoever is the best conditioned has the best chance to win

"I fought most of my fights on SHOWTIME so I'm just so happy to be part of SHOWTIME again.''

HENRY RAMIREZ, Josesito Lopez's Trainer

"Josesito has been living with me at my place the last few weeks. He wanted to do it and it was his idea. This way there are no distractions. Just eat, sleep and think boxing. It's been working out great.

"The return to 147 pounds will do him a lot of good. I think the time off will do him a lot of good, too, but we didn't really plan to be off this long.

"This fight, Josesito and Maidana, is a Fight of the Year candidate. Robert Garcia and I are good friends, but this is a sport and I know he has been preparing Maidana like I've been preparing Josesito.

"This will be a terrific fight."

VIRGIL HUNTER, Alfredo Angulo's Trainer

"I want to thank SHOWTIME and Golden Boy. This is going to be a great fight. We have great respect for Lara, who's a great Cuban fighter, but we know what a big chance this is for us.

"I believe Angulo has been judged a little harshly; after all, he has only had two fights after spending nine months in detention. That's tough for a fighter to be away that long. His first comeback fight lasted a minute. The last fight, he went 12 strong rounds and closed the show. He'll be even better on June 8.

"I don't think the styles will make a difference. The winner will be who wants it more. I expect Alfredo to hit another level. He's prepared and excited to fight Lara.

"Don't miss it. Tell a friend."

♔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.

Five of the six fighters who will compete on a special world championship edition of ShoBox: The New Generation this Saturday, June 30, live on SHOWTIME^® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. participated in an open workout Wednesday at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center.

In Saturday’s ShoBox main event, IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Cornelius Bundrage (31-4, 18 KO’s), of Detroit, Mich., will defend his title against former Undisputed Welterweight World Champion and current IBF No. 1 rated junior middleweight contender, Cory Spinks (39-6, 11 KO’s), of St. Louis, Mo.

The co-feature will match 2011 Prospect of the Year, unbeaten Gary Russell Jr. (19-0, 11 KO’s), of Capitol Heights, Md., against Christopher Perez (23-2, 14 KO’s), of Culiacan, Mexico, in a 10-round featherweight bout.

The tripleheader will begin with a 10-round junior middleweight match between former international amateur standout and top rated 154-pound contender Erislandy Lara (16-1-1, 11 KO’s), of Houston, Texas, by way of Guantanamo, Cuba, against former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez (30-2, 20 KO’s), of Lynwood, Calif., by way of Mexico City.

CORNELIUS “K9’’ BUNDRAGE

“I’m telling people to tune in. I’ve been promoting this fight, so I’m quite sure a lot of people will be watching. I think it’s going to be a great performance. I’m going to go out there and give it my all.

“I didn’t expect I would fight Cory Spinks like that the first time. I expect to fight him differently this time, but I might just go out there and bulldog him again.

“Cory Spinks is not the champ anymore. I’m the champ now.

“I'm more experienced now. In my last fight I defended my belt against the guy I lost my first fight to (Sechew Powell) and went 12 rounds.”

CORY SPINKS

“Spinks is Spinks again. Spinks wasn’t Spinks the last time we fought. The first time, I didn’t train properly. I was sick. I had no mechanics. I don’t care who you are, if you aren’t right mentally and physically, you’re not going to be able to do anything.

“I want to fight for titles. It doesn't matter who it is. K-9 is still there on top, so he’s got to get it.

“Fans are going to see the total package on Saturday. I’m ready. I’ve been blessed with a gift. I didn’t have to learn how to box. I always could and I could fight anyway I wanted. I can sit down with you, I can box with you. I will do anything I have to [in order] to win this fight.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“There has definitely been more growth. I’m always learning. I’m more mature mentally and physically.

“I think it’s good to fight someone with confidence. I don’t want to compete against someone who thinks he’s going to lose. I want to fight against a guy who thinks he can win.

“He’s used to guys pressing the action, so I’m not going to press the action. I’ll use my power and speed.

“I’m a versatile fighter. I’m definitely not one-dimensional.

“I’m always anxious to get in the ring. I love the ring. I’m always in the gym…always ready and in shape.”

CHRISTOPHER PEREZ

“No doubt there have been a lot of upsets in boxing over the last few months. I’m hoping that I can be the next.

“On Saturday night, boxing fans will know who I am. I know Russell has fast hands, but I have my game plan to be victorious.’’

ERISLANDY LARA

“If I go out there and do what I did to Ronald Hearns (KO 1), no one is going to want to fight me.

“Freddy Hernandez is a very good fighter. I’m prepared for anything he’s going to bring, but he needs to be worried about what I plan to bring.

“I’m not frustrated that fighters avoid me. I just have to keep working hard and taking care of the fighters my promoter puts in front of me. The big fights will come sooner or later. These guys can run but they can’t hide.”

Bundrage vs. Spinks, a 12 round fight for Bundrage’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. The ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader, which will also feature rising featherweight star Gary Russell Jr. facing contender Christopher Perez and top rated junior middleweight contender Erislandy Lara squaring off against former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez, will air live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The broadcast will also feature highlights of the eight-round fight between rising star Antonio Orozco and Albert Cruz Jr.

♔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 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Taylor, Truax, Lara and Hearns ShoBox: The New Generation Weights and Quotes‏

JERMAIN TAYLOR & CALEB TRUAX

ERISLANDY LARA & RONALD HEARNS

FINAL WEIGHTS & QUOTES

ShoBox: The New Generation Doubleheader Tomorrow/Friday, April 20

LIVE on SHOWTIME^® At 11 p.m. ET/PT

All four fighters participating in Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader made weight at the Coast Nightclub at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss., on Thursday, just one day before the exciting night of fights on SHOWTIME^® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the main event former undisputed 160-pound World Champion Jermain Taylor (29-4-1, 18 KO’s) weighed in at 160.5 pounds, while his undefeated opponent Caleb "Golden" Truax (18-0-1, 10 KO’s) tipped the scales at 160.75 pounds for their 10-round middleweight bout. In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, former Cuban amateur standout Erislandy Lara (15-1-1, 10 KO’s) weighed 156.5 pounds and former world title challengerRonald Hearns (26-2, 20 KO’s) 156.25 pounds for the fight contracted at 157 pounds.

The special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

What the fighters had to say on Thursday:

JERMAIN TAYLOR:

“I just want to say thank you to my team. I'm back in love with boxing. I can't say it any other way. After losing in Berlin, I took two years off. They were the best two years of my life, because I’m hungry again.

“I've been boxing since I was 11 and I never took a break. Never. When I lost those fights, it was time for me to take a break. I spent time with my family and for the first time in a long time, I missed boxing. Now, I'm back. I feel strong. I took care of business in December and I'm going take care of business tomorrow.

“I love this sport because I'm a fighter. And this is the only sport where you can lose, get knocked out, look bad and then fight your way back to the top. You can get down real low and you can still come back and be on top. I'm on my way back.”

CALEB TRUAX:

“I've prepared for the man that beat Bernard Hopkins but we'll see where Jermain's at tomorrow. I think he might be on the decline but that's not who I prepared for so I'm ready.

“This is where I wanted to be with my career, in a big fight. Being from Minnesota, I don't get all the opportunities to fight in California and New York or other big places. This is the biggest opportunity of my life and I plan to take advantage of it. Everything went well in my preparations. All I have to do is go in there tomorrow and get the job done.”

ERISLANDY LARA:

“I'm part of the A class of my division. A lot of guys don't want to fight me so I have to thank Ronald Hearns for taking this fight.

“I'm going by the name of "The Punisher" for this fight because people saw that I punished Paul Williams. I'm ready to fight another great fight.”

RONALD HEARNS:

“I'm grateful for my fight tomorrow. Thanks to my team, Lou DiBella and SHOWTIME. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I can't wait for the world to see me perform. It's time to get to work.”

LOU DiBELLA, Promoter:

“The Beau Rivage is our southern home away from home. It's truly the jewel casino of the South. Thanks to SHOWTIME and Stephen Espinoza for putting on this great card. It should be a tremendous night of boxing.

“Jermain is not an ordinary fighter. This is a man who was a pound-for-pounder, one of the few men to hold all four middleweight belts at one time and the only man to beat Bernard Hopkins twice. And this is a new beginning. It's not usual for you to see a guy like him fight in a 1,400-seat venue. But this is a comeback done the right way. It's not a cash out. He is looking to the future by looking into the past and remembering what got him to the top.”

PAT BURNS, Taylor's trainer:

“Jermain has made a new commitment to boxing and life. We're fighting a heck of a tough kid because that's how you pave a comeback. You can't fight guys from the graveyard. Caleb knows his life will change if he wins. It will change his financial situation so he's hungry.”

♔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 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.