Share SBS w/Family or Friends

Showing posts with label Omar Figueroa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Omar Figueroa. Show all posts

Saturday, July 27, 2013

"KNOCKOUT KINGS II: Andre Berto vs. Jesus Soto Karass" Final Press Conference Quotes‏; SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader Saturday, July 27, LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) From AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas


ANDRE BERTO, Former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion

"There's really not much to say, these guys had said it all.

"I'm in tremendous shape, I'm focused. I'm going to put on a hell of a performance.

"I'm just going to go in there and be me. I'm not worried about the title of the show, I'm not worried about his record. I'm just going to go in there and get the win.

"I am in great shape and I have everything to bring to the table. I have the speed, I have the power. I have the explosiveness and I'm going out there and do what I know how to do.

"I've known Virgil (Hunter) since I was 13 so it's not like he's a stranger to me. Everything's been flowing pretty well and it's been a great situation for me.

"The show is called Knockout Kings but no matter how it goes, I know it's going to be exciting. You're definitely going to see a lot of speed, a lot of power and a lot of explosiveness, it's going to be an exciting show.

"It's going to be a hell of a fight; I'm in shape. I'm in good spirits. I'm focused and I know Soto Karass is ready too."


Andre Berto, Jesus Soto Karass, Omar Figueroa, Keith Thurman - Pre-Fight Action - SHOWTIME; A lineup of power-punchers is ready to rock San Antonio when Showtime Championship Boxing rolls into town. Watch Andre Berto, Jesus Soto Karass, Omar Figueroa Jr., and Keith Thurman in action before they throw down live on SHOWTIME, Saturday July 27 at 9PM ET/PT.



JESUS SOTO KARASS, Veteran Welterweight Contender

"My preparation has been great. My team knows what Berto brings. He's an ex-champion. We know that he's a quality fighter and he's tough. But that's why we train for this.

"The losses you see on my record, I wasn't taking it serious. But, believe me, we're taking Andre Berto very serious. Not only have I matured personally but I've matured in the ring. The preparation has been very good. We know we have a tough opponent, but we're here and we're prepared to win.

"Every fight I come with a different plan. We have a plan for Andre Berto. We have a Plan A, a Plan B, it doesn't matter; we'll be ready for him.

"My only prediction is it's going to be a war. I'm going to leave my heart in there. If I have to die in the ring I will

"Out of the ring we're friends, but inside the ring it's another thing. I don't have anything against Andre Berto but once we get in the ring I'm looking to knock him out.

"I want everyone to help, help me with breast cancer awareness. We have a raffle going on - it's $10 to buy a ticket and you can win the gloves and the trunks that I wear in the ring. Let's go knockout cancer as well.

"The reason I support Susan G. Komen is because of Oscar De La Hoya. It really touched my heart that Oscar lost his mother, Cecilia, to cancer. So being a boxer I felt like I would join that fight to knock out breast cancer.

"I'm ready; I'm only a pound-and-a-half away. I can't wait until tomorrow so I can get on the scale and go eat."

OMAR FIGUEROA, Undefeated Rising Star & WBC Lightweight Contender

"This is it, this is seventeen years of work. This is why every boxers starts, what every boxer dreams of. This is it. The goal is the green belt, that's the one, that's the best one. That's the one we all want.

"This is a great opportunity, this is what we have been working so hard for.

"I want to thank my opponent's team for having agreed to this fight, he's ranked number one and that's what we wanted.

"We don't take anybody lightly. We are ready, we know that a fight can take many directions with every step you take in the ring, so we are ready.

"I'm excited to be on this card. It's really an honor to fight in the KNOCKOUT KINGS because is one thing to be considered a fighter and another one to be considered a knockout artist.

"I'm fighting with great knockout artist such as Keith Thurman, Berto, Chaves and Arakawa and all these are great fighters

"We are the backbone [of boxing] because we fight to knock someone out, we try to provide the fans with the most excitement we can and we go in there ready for war."

NIHITO ARAKAWA, WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship Contender

"I'm happy to have this chance at my first world title. That gives me extra motivation to win this fight.

"I don't think I can win by points. I have to knock him out - I think that's my only chance to walk out of here with a world title

"My nickname is "Baby Faced Sniper," but when I saw Omar Figueroa it looks like he's a little bit more baby faced than I am. So I want to give him my nickname "Baby Faced Sniper."

"I've prepared for this world title chance for my entire life and I know Omar has prepared for this as well. We're both going to fight as hard as we can to get that first world title. I know I want it and I know he wants it, so it's going to be an exciting fight."

DIEGO CHAVES, WBA Interim Welterweight World Champion

"We know we have a tough opponent, we have very similar records, neither of us can lose concentration during the fight because it can end with only one punch that's why we are very well prepared and we know we can take the win.

"I know Keith is a good fighter, but I hope he's ready because I'm going to show him and the world why I'm a world champion and why this belt is coming back with me to Argentina.

"He may be undefeated, but he's never faced anyone like me.

"I've been training hard, very hard. We are looking forward to a great fight, and we are confident the we'll come out victorious.

"It's going to be a war. I'm not going to leave my belt in the judges' hands- I plan on taking care of Thurman on my own."

KEITH THURMAN, WBA World Championship Welterweight Contender

"It's a tremendous fight. I'm 20-0 with 18 knockouts; Chaves is 22-0 with 18 knockouts. You don't see this very often with young fighters.

"But I'm the kind of fighter that's knocking on everybody's door. Everybody in the welterweight division will soon know about Keith "One Time" Thurman. We're moving up one step at a time and we're going to step over Diego on Saturday night, guaranteed.

"The KO bonus has nothing to do with the way I fight. My motto is already KOs for life and the nickname "One Time." I do my best to get the fighter out of there because if we don't have to do the distance then that, to me, is a job well done.

"We're always looking for that knockout; we're always looking for that one punch that can change the fight around. That's just me, that's just "One Time." That knockout bonus is just another check waiting.

"I definitely don't think he's faced anyone like me. That's why I'm confident. I believe he's been spoon-fed his entire career. A lot of people say the fighters I've fought knew I was favored, but they were still world-class fighters and I dominated them each and every round. And I plan on dominating Diego Chaves every round Saturday night.

"Knockout Kings II - this event has that title for a reason. I guarantee you'll get your moneys' worth."

ANTHONY DIRRELL, Light Heavyweight Contender

"I battled cancer and it didn't hold me down. I'm still here and I'm ready.

"Coming up this Saturday, I'll win with by knockout. "

ANTHONY HANSHAW, Light Heavyweight Contender

"It doesn't matter what happened when I fought his brother. The fact that I lost to Andre just gives me extra motivation. When I fought Andre, I wasn't in shape at all. But I'm in some of the best shape of my career to fight Anthony. I had a great camp and I'm ready to give him the first loss of his career."

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Former World Champion & Boxing Legend

"I want to thank the Susan G. Komen Beast Cancer Foundation - you are important in every one of our lives because we all have moms. But that's not to say that men can't get breast cancer as well.

"I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for giving us the opportunity to put on the type of fights that we've been bringing to San Antonio.

"I also want to thank SHOWTIME. I won my first world title on SHOWTIME and fought several times on the network, so it's not just a thing for me to say that I'm proud to be them. It means a lot more than just face value; it's what in my heart because they've been with me for several years.

"We're still recovering from the Canelo-Trout fight and now we're bringing Knockout Kings II where we have three world title fights and I don't know who is going to win. Will the fights go the distance? Probably not when you have these types of punchers. Who's going to win the fights? I have no idea. Am I going to be in the front row? You bet.

"I've watched these guys on TV and I'm awed by the type of power that they have. Omar - I call him 'Mini Mike Tyson' - I hope he gives us two rounds so we can really appreciate the power that he has."

ABOUT "KNOCKOUT KINGS II"   
"Knockout Kings II," featuring former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto facing tough Mexican veteran contender Jesus Soto Karass in a 12-round main event for the vacant NABF Welterweight Championship, takes place Saturday, July 27 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.  In the 12-round co-featured attractions, Weslaco, Texas' undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Japan's Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with Teiken Promotions and undefeated power-puncher Diego Chaves faces fellow unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman for Chaves' WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with KO International.  The tripleheader will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT and will be available in Spanish via second audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7:00 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.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. AUSTIN TROUT AND UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES; Canelo Alvarez vs. Austin "No Doubt" Trout Official Weights‏; ALAMODOME SOLD OUT FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE NIGHT OF BOXING IN SAN ANTONIO HEADLINED BY CANELO ALVAREZ VS. AUSTIN TROUT


CANELO ALVAREZ, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion
"I want to thank everyone for their support...all of the media and everyone that's helped me get here.
"I'm very happy to be here and I wish the fight was here already.
"I think words mean very little.  On April 20th, we will fight and the best fighter will win.
"To be honest, I don't feel any pressure.  I believe that if you're scared or anxious it's because you're not ready.  I'm ready.  I'm confident about this fight.  As a matter of fact, I've never felt this ready in my life.
"I'm the kind of fighter that knows how to adapt.  I can adapt to my opponent's style anytime.
"On Saturday, expect to see two champions fighting with everything they have.  I'll be fighting with everything I've got.
"Knockouts are unpredictable.  I can't say that I'm going to knock Trout out, but I also can't say I won't.
"I'm always trying to better myself.  I've been training very hard, and God willing, I'll come out victorious on Saturday.  I'll show my fans what I'm made of.

"This fight is a great test for me, but it's a difficult one.  Trout is a complicated fighter with a complicated style, but I like challenges.  I enjoy challenges and that's why I've accepted this fight, because it's a big challenge.
"I feel good.  I feel as good as I've ever felt.  I'm ready.
"I feel the adrenaline.  I'm eager to walk into the ring and hear that bell."
AUSTIN TROUT, WBA Super Welterweight World Champion
"I want to thank Canelo Alvarez for being a hungry fighter, making his demands known and putting his foot down to make this happen.  I'm a hungry fighter and I want to fight the best.
"I'm not worried about the officials or the judging.  I'm not worried about being in a hostile territory.  All I can worry about is the opponent that I have in the ring.
"We've worked hard in this camp because we know who we're going up against.  It's not going to be a walk in the park, but we never asked for easy.  We want these challenges to prove our worth to the boxing world and that I'm the best 154-pound champion.  On Saturday, we're going to let our fists do the talking and I have no doubt that my hand will be raised.
"It's all about the experience.  He may have more fights, but I feel like I have more experience than he does between my amateur career and the opponents that I've faced.  My last fights, aside from Miguel Cotto, everybody has been bigger.  I've fought some middleweights and super middleweights.
"This is something that I've been dreaming about, literally, for the last two months.  I wake myself up boxing him, throwing punches and what not.  I'm a very visual person so it's been something that I've been visualizing and now we get to see it come to real life.  I believe it's going to play out the way I've been seeing it in my head.
"Trout Nation is a lot bigger than they [Team Canelo] thought.  We have a lot of fans that are here and excited about me fighting in San Antonio.  The love is very heartfelt and I'm just soaking it all in.
"I'm expecting to see a win in my favor.  I'm expecting to see a good fight, I'm expecting nothing but the best from Canelo.  We're just excited to go in there and get this WBC title that we've been looking for.
"He's never fought anybody my size.  The fighters he's faced have been welterweights and even junior welterweights.  He's done what he's supposed to do with everyone that they've put in front of him, so I give credit to him for that, but, at the same time, I'm not cut from the same cloth as those guys."
OMAR FIGUEROA JR., Top Lightweight Contender
"This is a great fight card.  I think the main event will be the best fight of 2013.  I'm as excited for the main event as I am for my own fight.   I'm not going to say I'm going to win my fight, I'm not going to say I'm going to lose my fight, the only thing I can promise is that I'm going to fight with the heart and the passion that I always fight with, and hopefully, we come out on top.
"I don't think he [Abner Cotto] will be the toughest opponent I've faced.  I think Michael Perez was the most formidable opponent I've had and we all know how I came out in that one.  We're hoping for the same result in this one.

"Being able to fight in front of this many fans is an honor, but being able to do it in your own home state is a blessing.
"We worked hard for this fight and it's hard to believe it happened.  I used to be in that back row [on the dais] and now I'm sitting in the front with the champions.  It's just a dream come true. 
"I'm looking forward to a good fight.  I want the best for the fans.  They're what make this sport happen, so I just want to give them my best."
ABNER COTTO, WBC FECARBOX Lightweight Champion
"I can tell you that I'm ready for this fight.  This is biggest fight of my career. 
"We know our opponent Omar Figueroa Jr. very well.  We know that he's a very strong fighter, but I'm ready for this fight and will bring the victory home to Puerto Rico.
"We love challenges and Saturday is going to be a prime example.
"I want to thank my team, all the fans that bought tickets and everyone watching on television.  It's going to be a great fight."
JERMALL CHARLO, Top Super Welterweight Prospect
"Saturday is going to be crazy with 40 thousand people in the stands.  I'm part of the future of boxing.  Everyone needs to tune in."
JULIAN WILLIAMS, Top Middleweight Prospect
"I'm really excited to be on this card.  It's a blessing.  I want to fight one of these guys someday [pointing to Canelo and Trout]. 
TERRELL GAUSHA, 2012 United States Olympian
"I'm blessed to have the opportunity be on this big stage around so many great fighters.  I want to put on a great performance.
"One day I'm going to be sitting in one of these front seats [pointing to Canelo and Trout]."
RAUL MARTINEZ, Top Bantamweight Prospect
"It's a great feeling to be in the presence of fighters like Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya and to be trained by Jesse James Leija.
"Being on a card with Canelo and Trout, both great champions, is what boxers dream of.  It's so motivating for me.  I'm in the gym everyday training hard and it's paying off. 
"I want to welcome everyone to the Alamodome.  Get there early and watch me get a great knockout."
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotion
"Neither one of these guys [Alvarez or Trout] had to take this fight.  This is great for the sport that we love dearly.
"Austin Trout is willing to take on any comers.  It goes to show you Austin Trout's character.  He isn't afraid to go into his opponents' backyards.  He's a fighter that went into Miguel Cotto's backyard in New York City and had a tremendous victory against a tremendous champion.
"You don't see fights like the one you're going to see Saturday night [often].  Fighters are usually too afraid to take on the best in their division, but not these two.
"[On Omar Figueroa vs. Abner Cotto] This is the type of fight we look forward to...young, undefeated guys that aren't afraid to take a risk.
"If you're going to go out there and take a risk and fight hard, then there is no loser.  Win or lose, great fighters will be back for more.  This is what makes boxing the sport that it is.  These fighters are going to come out and fight with their hearts.
"[On Canelo vs. Trout] When you put two young hungry fighters together, you get the best.  The fans will be the winners because they know they will see a great fight.
"We call Canelo the total package, not only for his abilities, but because he wants to face the best.
"This is a testament to Canelo's confidence in his skills.  We are truly excited to be working with Canelo."
JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Former World Champion and Texas Boxing Legend
"The history of the Alamodome and boxing goes back 20 years, since 1993 when Julio Cesar Chavez fought Pernell Whitaker.  Don King had six months to get that fight together.  We had about six weeks.
"We have 40 thousand people coming and that is because of these amazing fighters and the fight card on Saturday night.
"Mike Battah and I have been working very hard to make sure everyone comes out and acknowledges that we have two great fighters and one great night."
MIKE BATTAH, President of Leija and Battah Promotions
"We're building boxing again in Texas in a big way and it's happening this Saturday night.
"We're very happy, proud and honored that fans support us here.  This is what boxing is about.
"I want fans to keep coming to the fights and I will work until I die to make this sport the best."
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports
"Events like this are a pleasure to work because of the excitement and visibility they generates by themselves.
"I'd like to thank Leijah and Battah Promotions.  SHOWTIME has a long relationship with Jesse James Leija going back to some of his biggest fights and it's a pleasure to be working with you again.  Most of all, I'd like to thank these two young superstars that we're going to see on Saturday night. 
"Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout are two of the biggest young stars in boxing today and they didn't have to fight each other.  These are two champions at the prime of their careers and they deserve credit for taking a difficult fight
"This is one of the most highly anticipated fights on SHOWTIME since the days of Mike Tyson.  I can't tell you how much attention, how many calls, how many ticket requests I've received.  Nothing else compares to it since the Mike Tyson's fights." 
NICHOLAS LANGELLA, Alamodome General Manager
"Oscar De La Hoya is an institution here in San Antonio.  The Alamodome is very excited to be bringing this highly coveted match-up to our city.
"San Antonio has long been a host to many championship events.  Saturday night continues that long tradition.  Welcome to San Antonio.  We are going to have a great time on Saturday night."
JOSE "CHEPO" REYNOSO, Canelo's Manager
"At this time, there's not much to say.  I don't have many words.  All I can say is that on Saturday, Canelo will come out victorious and we'll be dedicating this win to Rigoberto [Canelo's brother]."
EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo's Trainer
"We have a our work cut out for us as always.  We're very focused on our work.  We're ready for battle.
"A champion that is at this level made it here because of a lot of hard work and dedication.
"We've worked really hard to show that Canelo is the best 154-pound fighter in the world and that he's ready for the fight.
BOB SPAGNOLA, Trout's Manager
"I just want to give thanks to Greg Cohen and
Al Haymon.  I want to thank Austin Trout and his trainer Louie Burke, who I include in Austin's small circle of family.
"We've traveled all around the world trying to find opponents for Austin.  It's a tough business, but we're here now."
HECTOR SOTO, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions
"Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions have a very important alliance.  Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto have great names in boxing and we've joined forces to make the best fights in boxing.
"Abner Cotto is hungry and he's ready for this fight on Saturday.  He'll become champion someday.
JOSE SULAIMAN, President of the WBC
"I have a special place in my heart for San Antonio.  I lived here about a year, my first year at Trinity University.
"I haven't been traveling much because I've had some health problems, but I had to come to this fight.
Canelo Alvarez is the number one champion in the world and the biggest Mexican superstar." 
Canelo vs. Trout Super Welterweight World Championship Unification Fight
Saturday, April 20, LIVE on SHOWTIME® from Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas



WBC, WBA & VACANT RING MAGAZINE SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLES - 12 ROUNDS
CANELO ALVAREZ – 153 ½ Pounds
AUSTIN TROUT – 153 ¼ Pounds
OMAR FIGUEROA – 134 ½ Pounds
ABNER COTTO – 133 ½ Pounds
SHOWTIME EXTREME:
JERMALL CHARLO – 154 ¼ Pounds
ORLANDO LORA – 154 ¼ Pounds
JULIAN WILLIAMS – 156 ¾ Pounds
DASHON JOHNSON – 156 ¾ Pounds
ABOUT "CANELO VS. TROUT":
Canelo vs. Trout, a 12-round Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight for Canelo’s WBC title, Trout’s WBA title and the vacant Ring Magazine title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The co-main event will be a 10-round fight between undefeated prospects Omar Figueroa Jr. of Weslaco, Texas and Abner Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Championship which is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The fights will air live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with Canelo vs. Trout being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
ALAMODOME SOLD OUT FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE NIGHT OF BOXING
 IN SAN ANTONIO HEADLINED BY CANELO ALVAREZ VS. AUSTIN TROUT
 
TOP TALENT TO STEP INTO THE RING 
IN FRONT OF 38,000 FANS
SATURDAY'S BOUTS INCLUDE OMAR FIGUEROA JR. VS. ABNER COTTO,
JERMALL CHARLO VS. ORLANDO LORA, JULIAN WILLIAMS VS. DAHSON JOHNSON AND TERRELL GAUSHA VS. WILLIAM WATERS
 The 38,000 fans in the sold out Alamodome tomorrow night are in for non-stop action as the undercard for the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez and WBA Super Welterweight Austin "No Doubt" Trout showdown is now complete.  Unbeaten prospects Jermall Charlo and Julian Williams will be joined by 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in the SHOWTIME EXTREME bouts that will lead into the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast featuring undefeated lightweights Omar Figueroa Jr. and Abner Cottofollowed by the highly anticipated Canelo vs. Trout 12-round Super Welterweight Title Unification bout.
In the SHOWTIME EXTREME headliner, Houston's Charlo, twin brother of top contender Jermell, puts his perfect 12-0 (8 KO's) record on the line when he battles veteran Mexican contender Orlando Lora (29-3-2, 19 KO's) in a super welterweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.
Plus, an eight-round middleweight contest between Philadelphia phenom Williams (11-0-1, 6 KO's) and Escondido, California's Dashon Johnson (14-10-3, 5 KO's) and in a four round middleweight swing bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha (3-0, 2 KO's) of Cleveland meets up with Valley, Alabama's William Waters (2-3, 2 KO's).
In an eight-round flyweight contest, unbeaten Ivan Morales (20-0, 13 KO's), the brother of legendary Erik Morales, will continue to make a name for himself when he faces Chihuahua, Mexico's Raul Hidalgo (17-7, 13 KO's).
The vacant WBC Silver Super Bantamweight title will be up for grabs as well when Queretaro, Mexico's Andres Gutierrez (25-0-1, 21 KO's) faces countryman Salvador"Sal II" Sanchez (30-5-3, 18 KO's), the nephew of the late Salvador Sanchez.
Local San Antonio hero Raul Martinez (29-2, 17 KOs) continues his comeback in bantamweight action, as he takes on Omar Gonzales (5-8, 1 KO) in a four-round battle. In the four-round junior lightweight opener, unbeaten Houstonite Miguel Flores(10-0, 6 KO's) meets Weslaco's Guadalupe De Leon (8-13, 4 KO's).
  ♔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, 2021, 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.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

CANELO ALVAREZ AND AUSTIN TROUT MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT




Canelo vs. Trout a 12-round Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight for Canelo's WBC title, Trout's WBA title and the vacant Ring Magazine title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.  The co-main event will be a 10-round fight between undefeated prospects Omar Figueroa Jr. of Weslaco, Texas and Abner Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Championship which is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions.  The fights will air live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with Canelo vs. Trout being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING? is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Oscar De La Hoya  

Yes, we are a little over a week away and things are moving extremely well.  Ticket sales have been unbelievably selling like hotcakes.  We are well over 35,000 tickets.

We expect an incredible walk up, not only the day of the fight but all that week.  As you know, when Julio Cesar Chavez fought Pernell Whitaker the walk up on that day alone was unbelievable.  So we're expecting a lot of people from across the border to come over and support their very own Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

This bout is a unification fight.  It's a 12-round fight for the WBC and WBA and also the vacant Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championship.  We're happy to announce the culminating event will be the up and coming fighter from Texas, Omar Figueroa Jr. vs. Abner Cotto, which will be a ten-rounder for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title.

As you know, this event is taking place at the Alamodome promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions.  And I also want to thank Leija & Battah Promotions, who have been doing an incredible, incredible job.  I'm also happy to announce that Miguel Cotto also is helping us promote this event with Omar Figueroa and Abner Cotto.

This event is being sponsored by Corona and AT&T.  Thank you very much.  And as always, thank you very much to Showtime Championship Boxing.  This event will be beginning at 10:00 p.m. Eastern/7:00 p.m. Pacific and the preliminary bouts will air on Showtime Extreme at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

So April 20th fights will begin at 4:30 p.m. live there at the Alamodome.  The doors will open at 3:30 p.m.

And so let me introduce to you, he hails out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.  He is the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion.  He has been a pro since 2005 and he started professionally at the age of 15.  Right now at the age of 22 he's obviously Mexico's champion and current boxing super star.  Let me introduce to you the champion at 154 pounds, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.  Saul?

Canelo                    

I'm very happy.  The time is near.  I like the response that all the fans and the media have given me.  I'm very, very motivated and willing/ready to give my best once I step into that ring come Saturday the 20th.

Q

Very good.  Hey, I just wanted to ask you, do you think that a victory in this fight against Trout makes it a no-brainer that your next fight should be against Floyd Mayweather Jr.?


And also on that, what does it mean to you to be considered, like Oscar said, Mexico's champion and boxing super star in the country now?  Do you think that you really have elevated to that spot?  Thank you very much.

Canelo                                

To answer your question, right now my focus is 100% only on Austin Trout and that's all I'm thinking of.  After the fight, we'll sit down, discuss what's next, but right now I'm focused only on Austin Trout and, God willing, winning this fight.

Your second question, it's an honor.  I'm very, very honored to hear someone like Oscar mention me in those words.  I love it.  It does thrill me but I'd rather the people say it and me continue to do my job inside the ring.

Q

Canelo, going into this fight when the deal was being done I guess there were people that were in your camp that weren't really high on the fight but that you continued to press for it because it was that you personally wanted to sort of prove a lot of the critics wrong and because you hadn't really fought any top fighters to take on one of the elite fighters in the division.


Can you talk about your mindset, as far as demanding that fight and maybe going against what some of your advisors and people close to you thought about the match up?

Canelo

The team, after the fight with Cotto we had decided that's the fight we wanted.  And yes, we sat down and talked to our promoter, Golden Boy, made the decision that was who we wanted.  They got to work and that's where we're at now and we're all happy that we're all in agreement.

Q

But am I wrong that there were people, at least initially that were not-I mean they were going to do what Canelo ultimately wanted them to do, but that they weren't really pressing the issue?  They thought maybe there could be a different fight or a better fight but that you insisted on this fight?

Canelo                                

Oh yeah, it was brought up that there are other fights and let's take other avenues but I wanted this fight and that's why we're here on this call today and with the fight coming up on the 20th.

Q

I mean obviously you've been a champion now for a while.  You fought some good fighters and that sort of thing and been active, but do you view this as your best opponent and also sort of like I guess maybe your moment of truth to sort of prove to anybody that might doubt your abilities that you are for real because you're taking on one of the best fighters out there coming off the win against Cotto?

Canelo

There's always going to be critics but criticism is also constructive and in this particular case it's always your next fight that they're going to criticize or talk about and that's your toughest fight.  This particular fight, yes, the one in turn, it is the toughest and we'll silence the critics after.

Q                  

Oscar, let me ask you a quick question.  Listen, you were a guy, when you were boxing, pretty much took on everybody that was there, especially as a welterweight and above, every top name, all the guys that people maybe rated ahead of you.

I'm curious from your perspective.  What do you think it says about the competitive nature and just the attitude of Canelo to just basically say to everybody around him, "Listen, I don't want to hear about any other names.  I want the guy I think's the next best guy in the weight class.  I want to fight Austin Trout."  What does it say about Canelo as a fighter that he would just demand this caliber of a fight?

Oscar De La Hoya

It speaks volumes of such a young man.  At the age of 22 already wanting to fight the very best.  Austin Trout is a very dangerous opponent.  Just like every other opponent, yes it's dangerous, but Austin Trout is an undefeated fighter, WBA champion.

You're right.  People were worried, were concerned but one of those people wasn't me.  I know Canelo's abilities.  I know his style.  I know that he loves fighting southpaws.  But it speaks volumes.

At the age of 22 years old, if you compare Saul's career to anybody else's, anybody else who's elite, they would never take this chance or this type of fight ever, including myself, including a Floyd Mayweather, including anybody.  This is a test that he wanted and we're obviously hoping for the best.



Q

What did you see in Austin Trout's style and what do you think his strengths and weakness are?



Canelo

We had Cotto in mind.  We wanted to fight Miguel Angel Cotto but obviously when he beat him we saw a fight that we wanted to do.  Austin Trout's undefeated.  He's a world champion, very difficult style, strong southpaw, but this also gave me the motivation to go on and fight one of the best and we consider him as one of the best out there.

Q      

My question to Canelo and Oscar, you did fight a lot of guys.  You fought the best guys and you lost some tough fights, Mosley, Trinidad, and I understand there's a rematch clause for this fight.  Can you discuss the notion of a rematch clause and from Canelo's standpoint, from your guy's standpoint, what that means?

Oscar De La Hoya

Well obviously, yes, if you want to be the best you have to fight the best and I had the privilege of fighting the very best, which obviously a lot of people appreciated.  This is no different.  Canelo, at the young age of 22, is already going to fight the best.

The rematch clause is obviously-whatever happens in the fight, if it's a great fight then let's do it again.  Why not?  That's the way we see it.  Canelo winning or Austin winning, it being a draw, if it's going to be a great fight then why not do it again?

Canelo

It's something you respect and it depends on the outcome of the fight, but yes, like Oscar mentioned, if it's a great fight and the fans want to see it then yes we consider it, definitely.

Q

Okay.  Also, Oscar, you've made a lot of comparisons between this fight and the Chavez/Whitaker fight.  Can you discuss the element of that fight?  You have a great Mexican warrior against a boxer who's also a southpaw and also the location.  And also you could have Canelo address the notion of being compared to that night and the two double fights and the meaning it has to his country?


Oscar De La Hoya  

Absolutely.  I've compared this event to a lot of past fights that took place.  For instance, when I fought Fernando Vargas the importance to me as a fighter to convince people that I was the real deal.  When I fought Ike Quartey those types of fights convinced people that I could fight.

Even when Chavez fought Pernell Whitaker the magnitude of event in San Antonio was like no other.  It put boxing on the map in San Antonio.  So all of those three fights that I just mentioned, Canelo right now is in that same position.  He's going to put boxing back on the map in San Antonio with the event.  I mean we're well over 35,000 tickets sold.


And this fight is the defining fight for Canelo Alvarez.  This fight, if everything goes well, him winning this fight will take him over the top and will get the respect from the critics who don't believe.  So it's a very important fight, but it's a fight that the people are going to enjoy and I think both fighters are going to really, really fight their hearts out come April 20th.


Canelo

I'm very honored.  I'm very proud to be even included and compared into those comparisons and making history, fighting in a historic place.  That's what motivates me even more and to be fighting in front of so many Mexicans.  I'm very happy.

Q

So you embrace this opportunity and do you think that it will bring out the best in you, a tough opponent and a large supportive atmosphere and the history of one of the greatest champions in Mexican history?

Canelo

Yes of course.  Yes, I'm very honored.  I'm very proud.  That's what we've been training for very hard because we want to show that we belong here.  We're ready for this and because it's a big responsibility and we want to make everybody proud.

Q

Oscar, this questions for you.  Have you given Canelo much advice and if so what.


Oscar De La Hoya  

Absolutely.  There are times where I-we can see him in the gym or at press conferences or talk to him over the phone or even send text messages, just little things.  It's amazing how Saul is so mature for his age.  He's got his head on his shoulders.

He's well advanced in terms of his abilities inside the ring.  He is just a seasoned veteran at the age of 22.  He's thinking like a veteran champion and that is just incredible to just talk to him.  When I'm giving him advice he already knows.  He already knows.

It kind of I feel, yes, like I do want to take him under my wing and I do want to guide him and wish the best for him but he already knows everything there is to know.  I can give him little tips in here that are going to work inside the ring or outside the ring but he's just such an intelligent and, like I said, seasoned veteran inside and outside the ring so it really is an honor to work with him.

Q

Yes, they say that if you wait long enough what goes around eventually comes around.  Nearly 20 years ago in September of 1993 there was fight before a huge crowd at the Alamodome between a great Mexican champion in Julio Cesar Chavez and a slick African American southpaw in Pernell Whitaker.

I wanted to ask Canelo how familiar he is with that fight and what possible similarities or dissimilarities does he see between what's going to happen in this fight and what happened in that fight?

Canelo

Yes, it is a very similar fight.  I watched it on video several times and Austin Trout, like Pernell Whitaker, is a southpaw, slick, difficult fighter.  He's very difficult but that's what we're training hard for.  We're training hard for that and come the 20th, the night of the fight, we're going to make it where it's not so difficult for us.

Q

It seems like most people are seeing this as a puncher against a boxer.  Do you feel that perhaps your boxing skills are unappreciated, at least here in the United States?  And while I know you respect Austin's boxing ability, what's your level of respect for his punching power?

Canelo

Many people focus just on my power but they don't see that I'm very fast and know how to move in the ring as well.  So that's something that, yeah, they'll see.

And Trout is a strong fighter.  He showed it.  He showed it with Cotto and he is a very strong fighter but that's what makes me very happy, motivated, working hard and I'll show it all come fight night.

Q

You are undefeated.  Trout is undefeated.  What is going to be the key to victory?

Canelo

The key is not to get desperate, not to get wild.  Take round per round, win round per round and see what comes up and counter that during the fight.

Q

I have a two-part question for Canelo.  Just one, how motivating is it for you to fight Trout knowing that he beat your brother, Rigoberto, a couple years ago and if Austin Trout was even on your radar at the time of that fight?

Canelo

Yes, definitely, it's a blood revenge that I'm looking at.  I'm very motivated for it.  I was there at the fight when he beat Rigoberto, my brother.  And I felt such an inability to do something but now it's here and I'm very motivated and that is a big factor.

Q

The question is for both Oscar and Canelo. In the future, is there still a possibility of a fight against Victor Ortiz?

Oscar De La Hoya

Look, the focus right now is on Austin Trout and after that we'll decide but Canelo said to fight the best in the world.

Q

Okay, Canelo, this fight was originally scheduled for Cinco de Mayo weekend but moved back to April 20th due to a falling out with Floyd Mayweather.  Are you at all disappointed that you're not fighting on Cinco de Mayo weekend?

Canelo

No, on the contrary I'm very happy to be fighting on April 20th.  Look at the response that the people have had, the press has had.  Even though it's been a short time to put it together I'm very excited, very happy about it.

Q

How do you envision this fight with Austin Trout?  And coming out victorious, are you interested in a fight with Miguel Angel Cotto?



Canelo

We all know Austin Trout's undefeated, tough.  It's a very difficult fight but that's what we're training for, preparing for, to come out victorious.  Right now my focus is just on Austin Trout.  But like I said, after the fight we'll sit down and we want the best fights and yes, of course, Miguel Angel Cotto is a great fighter.

Canelo

Thank you everybody.  I'm very happy for all the support that I've received and I'll be waiting for everybody in San Antonio on the 20th.  Thank you all.

Oscar De La Hoya  

Thank you very much, Kelly.  I greatly appreciate it.  He is the WBA Super Welterweight World Champion.  As we all know, he captured the world title by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez, who is Canelo's brother, on February 5th, one day after my birthday in Guadalajara, Mexico.

He did beat a very tough and in his prime Miguel Cotto to defend his world title in a very impressive fashion in hostile territory out at Miguel Cotto's second home at the Garden in New York.  He's no stranger to going to people's backyards and winning fights inside that squared circle.

He is fighting for the Unified World Title on April 20th.  With a record, an impressive record I may add, of 26-0 and 14 knockouts, out of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Austin Trout.

Austin Trout

Thank you all for being here.  I'm very excited about this coming fight April 20th.  I've said this many times before, this is a fight that should happen, two undefeated fighters, to undefeated champions in their prime and put it all on the line.

I'm praying that after this win it'll put me in a position to be your superstar like we want to be.  But first things first is we have to get through this beast called Canelo.  So I'm very happy to be here and shoot away.  I'm an open book.

Q

Hey, when you and Louie look at Canelo do you see a one-trick pony, a guy that's strong but a fairly uncomplicated fighter or do you see skills and suddenly they're really going to challenge your skills.


Trout

No, no, he definitely has skills that are going to challenge my skills.  He's fast.  He's strong.  He has good reflexes.  He's explosive.  As far as the style goes, we've been fighting his style our whole life.  We don't think his style's necessarily going to give us problems but the skills that he brings within that style are going to be a bit of a problem.

Q

Canelo said earlier that he feels like his boxing skills are under appreciated.  By the same token, do you feel like maybe your punching power is underestimated?

Trout

I definitely do. In every fight I've been in I've marked up everybody I've fought.  They've been reluctant to come in and I've fought in super middleweights and middleweights and I've hurt them and even dropped them.  So I think my punching power is very underestimated.

Q

Hey, I just wanted to ask you, I mean when you talked about that skill within his style, obviously it's his punching power.  How do you know that over the course of 12 rounds that you can stand up to the power that you're going to see from Canelo?

And obviously the other factor is sort of the home arena advantage that he will probably have in Antonio.  Is that something that's going to affect you or not?  Thank you.

Trout

It's never affected me before and I don't plan on it affecting me again.  The crowd can't do anything but cheer for him.  They can't even give him water.  They can't breathe for him.  They can't punch for him.  So I'm not worried about the crowd.

And about surviving his power for 12 rounds, you know, we've been in with stronger guys for 12 rounds and we banged out stronger guys for 12 rounds.  I'm not saying I'm not worried about it.  Of course that's why we're training and we're having such a hard camp to make sure that we're prepared for that, but I don't see it being a major factor, especially if we execute our game plan.

Q

Hey, the comparisons have been made to the Chavez/Whitaker fight and I think it's a good comparison, a great Mexican champion against a good African American southpaw.  Have you watched that fight, because Canelo says he has, and do buy into the history and the comparisons between this fight and that one?

Trout

I do see a very similar comparison.  First of all, let's just say "Sweet Pea" is my favorite fighters.  But the thing of it between me and "Sweet Pea" is that I could punch a bit.  There are things I saw that he did in the fight that he could've done to make it a lot less close that he could've done to pull away from Chavez.

The best way to not let history repeat itself is knowing your history.  So yes, I've definitely watched the fight.  We'll make our adjustments because Chavez Sr. is not Canelo and I'm not Sweet Pea.  But there are very similar comparisons.



Q

Okay.  My second question is you fought in hostile territory before most impressively, I guess, in your last fight against Cotto.  Put us in the ring with you that night in how you were able to shut out the crowd.  I mean you said you were going to do that and do you anticipate being able to do that again?

Trout

One thing I was saying is that if they're going against me my goal is to set them up, not give them anything to cheer for and that's the same mind set we're going into this fight.  If they've don't have anything to cheer for then they won't be able to cheer.

I know in the beginning, of course, while they're excited they're going to cheer for everything he does.  If he sneezes my way they'll go and get excited for it, but eventually as the fight goes on you'll see the crowd getting quieter and quieter or even switch to my side like they've done before.

Q

My question is on the Whitaker/Chavez theme the real comparison I think you obviously would like to avoid is the outcome.  Whitaker, by most accounts, won that fight pretty handily, yet he was given a draw.

Are you worried about getting a fair shake?  The crowd's going to be very pro Alvarez.  Does that worry you about getting a fair shake in this fight?

Trout

It does a bit.  We know Texas is a WBC country, but I can't focus, I can't use any energy to dwell on things I can't control.  All I can do is just focus on what I can control and that's what I have to do in the ring.

We don't want to go out of the game plan.  We don't want to break character to force something that's not there.  So we're going to just stick to our guns and make sure that we do our absolute best and if it goes to the judges then it's really in God's hands.  If the judges want to jerk me, that's between them and God and I have to ask for that later.

Q

One other question, I think I read something about something you do in the Las Cruces area called "Club KO" or something like that.  Are you actively involved in that and going to schools in that area?

Trout

Yes, we definitely are.  Club KO is just a little club I put together where I go and try to KO some things that are problems in school.  One of them is bullying.  Another one is peer pressure.  And we just try to give them some kinds of tools that they can use to get out of a bad situation that they're in and by doing that we end up knocking out these problems.

Q

Now when you fought Miguel late last year and you got the win that was sort of what everybody would view as your defining fight.  You took on one of the biggest names and one of the best fighters in the weight class.  To those who weren't that familiar with Austin Trout you proved yourself and probably made a lot of fans with that fight.

I'm wondering, Canelo is in a similar situation and he's got a lot of the fans but a lot of fans want to see him prove himself against one of the elite fighters in the 154 pound weight class.  I'm wondering what you think it says about him that he went and demanded to fight you, which not a lot of guys demand to fight Austin Trout?  What was your reaction to knowing that this was the one and only fight that he really wanted?

Trout

I have much respect for Canelo for demanding this fight.  Some people don't want to fight Austin Trout, but when his people didn't want him to fight me then he made his demands known and as a hungry true champion should he called out for the best.  So there's much respect to him for that and for putting his foot down and making that happen.

And I just thank the fans as well because I think it was the outcry from the fans that put the pressure to make him make those demands.

Q

Okay.  And also one of the things that he mentioned in his portion of this call was talking about one of his great motivations for making that demand, really wanting to fight you, besides unifying the titles and have a big fight against another champion was his desire and motivation for revenge because you had defeated his older brother when you won your title.  So I wanted to know your take on trying to now go 2-0 against family, Alvarez, Canelo certainly regarded as the better of the two?

And also if you could talk about what you mentioned to me on Twitter a little while ago about your thoughts about the rematch clause being one way action for him but not for you?  Thank you, Austin.  Good luck in the fight.

Trout

Thank you.  It's all motivation.  It really has nothing to do with him or his brother.  But with the legacy he's considered one of the best so we want to fight the best.  He also has that WBC belt and one of my goals is to be the undisputed champion.

And I've had this goal since I was a young boy.  So it's a lifelong work that I've been putting in to make this goal happen.  That is more motivation, in my opinion, than a two-year old revenge policy that he's going for.

We beat his brother two years ago and now it's so important now?  I'm not buying it because if that was the case he'd be trying to fight Mundine and Rubio and some other guys that beat his brother.  I'm not the only one.

But it's all motivation.  To be 2-0 against the Alvarezes will be great, but more importantly, to beat somebody who's considered the best and to take that WBC belt, those are my motivations and I think those are imperative for my legacy.

Q

And what about the rematch clause stuff?

Trout

Yeah, the rematch clause is only one way.  When I win the clause could be in effect, but if he wins they go about their business.  It shows to me a lack of confidence in their fighter.  My team believes in me 100% against anybody.

And I know, as you know, De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer tried to not make this fight happen at every turn.  When they changed the fight from Vegas to San Antonio there was talk of Angulo being their pony, but that's when Canelo put his foot down, like a champ, and said, "No, I want Trout."


They tried hard not to make a fight, but I wonder how they must feel for him knowing that your team doesn't have the utmost confidence in you.  I don't know that feeling.  My team believes in me.

Q

It's been well documented that there have been plans for the two of you to fight on the under card of Floyd Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero on May 4th but Canelo ended up not taking the fight on that day and he's said multiple times that he wants to be Floyd's next opponent.

Does this desire of his to fight Mayweather down the road strike you as a bit of a sign of disrespect, like he's looking through you and towards his next possible opponent?

Trout

I don't necessarily think its disrespect.  If he is overlooking me that's better for me because regardless if he wants to fight, whoever he wants to fight later, he still has to deal with me on April 20th.  I look at it as an advantage if they are looking over me, which they definitely shouldn't.

He's been doing this a lot and things just haven't been going his way.  So I like the trend that he's setting with this whole overlooking people.

Q

Canelo has approached superstar status in the world of boxing and while he has certainly put together an impressive resume, fans, even with victories against Miguel Cotto, have been a little bit slower to come around in support of you.  Do you feel uncomfortable being perceived by some as a B-side of some of these big fights that you're being put on?

Trout

No, no, I don't feel uncomfortable as being the B-side.  I mean I'm more comfortable as the A-side but it doesn't bother me because really the B-side is a matter of state of mind.  I don't feel like I'm on the B-side, no matter what people say.

And I'm coming to win.  I'm not coming for a paycheck.  If you look at the pay you'll see that that's clearly right, that I'm not coming for just a paycheck.  I'm coming for the win.  I'm coming for the respect.  That's what I'm fighting for, to get the respect in this game that I feel like I deserve.

Q

Hey, Austin, it seems like a lot of fighters are apprehensive about going on the road to fight someone like say Canelo in front of 35,000 fans.  You seem to take great pride in it.

So until you are able to establish yourself as a hometown attraction do you feel like this is going to be your legacy, like you're going to be boxing's next road warrior, if not already?

Trout

Definitely.  I feel like the fighter that just fights at home and claims to be a world champion is not representing the world correctly.  Even after the fact where I feel like I've established myself, as a hometown attraction I still wouldn't mind traveling and extending my belts around the world.

The greats did it. Ali did it.  He fought all over the place.  Plus I like to travel and I like to see other people in their cultures.  It's not a problem for me at all.

Q

You brought up the great champions like Ali.  Do you feel like you're helping put the world back in world champion, because a lot of guys, they got comfortable just fighting at home, fighting in the U.S.?  You're ready to become the globetrotter?

Trout

Definitely.  I would love to bring it back to the golden age where the best fought the best, where we could have these wonderful trilogies or things like that.  And again, traveling around the world to defend a world title-we're trying to represent the world as a champion.

Q

Austin, talk a little bit about that just.  You know El Paso.  It's a boxing town.  You're just right next door to us but you also have the Hispanic culture that might go for Canelo.

How big is this fight?  I mean do you see it just being-it's an elite fight.  You two are elite fighters.  You guys are going at it for one night.  And you know, one of you guys are going to come out on top.

Trout

I think it's just huge for boxing.  This is the type of fight that could bring back boxing to the golden age where Leonard's, Duran's and the Hagler's all fought each other.  I think that me and Canelo are leading by example on what a world champion should do and how they should fight.

And as far as El Paso goes, I know me being born in El Paso, raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, I'm sure we've got a great division going there because the Mexican blood is thick.  I'm just glad that I could be a part of this type of event.

Q

Austin, I wanted to ask you a little bit, obviously boxers have great confidence, very, very confident individuals, but after your win against Cotto was that just bumped up a couple more notches and you felt like, "Hey, I could take on anybody?"

Trout

To be honest, I knew I could win.  I had to prove it to everybody, same thing here.  So my confidence...all I ask for is a chance to prove my work and what a great way with an undefeated champion like Canelo Alvarez.

Q

I wanted to ask you, do you think your fight in New York, fighting in front of Puerto Rican fans is going to help you for this fight down in San Antonio with the Mexican fans?  And also, do you think you're going to help start a new tradition seeing that it's Fiesta weekend down there and there are probably going to be a lot of people out there, probably over 40,000, you think so?

Trout

I hope we can start a tradition and not just with San Antonio but just with a fight like these going forward.  Like I said, there are fights that should happen.  If you have a belt, then your next move should be to get another belt, to unify divisions.

I definitely feel like the Garden experience is going to help me prepare for this fight.  The fight in the Garden was hostile but it wasn't as big.  So it's a step up from the fight in the Garden.  But nonetheless, like I said, God puts me on the path to prepare me for things like this and I feel like everything I've been through is working for helping me become on a stage like this.

Q

Okay, you're making this a family affair by taking on Canelo.  How do you feel knowing that you could win another world title by defeating another member of the same family?

Trout            

It's all pretty much a coincidence, to be honest.  His brother had a belt.  He has a belt.  It's not like I'm gunning for the Alvarez family.  I'm not trying to be the Alvarez destroyer or anything like that.  But if another one of the brothers does catch a belt, well then he'd be on my hit list too, you know what I mean?

Q

Okay, and the most famous fighter to come out of New Mexico was the late Johnny Tapia.  Did you grow up watching Tapia and admiring him?  Did you by any chance get to meet him coming up?

Trout

I got to meet him, definitely.  I did watch him growing up and actually Johnny Tapia, when I saw him on TV, as a world champion, he showed me that I didn't have to go to Philly or to these other places where I thought you had to be to be a good pro in order to make it as a world champion.  I could stay in Cruces.  Him and Louie Burke and Danny Romero, they all paved the way for me to be able to stay in New Mexico and perfect my craft.

Trout            

No, this is going to be a great event.  I'm expecting nothing less but the best from Canelo.  We know what we brings to the table and I'm more than happy to match him in intensity and fierce.  Expect fireworks.  This is going to be a good fight.

 ♔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.

Friday, March 16, 2012

SIX QUESTIONS WITH RANDY ‘EL MATADOR’ CABALLERO

Coachella Valley Fighter Steps Into SHOWTIME Co-Feature
In Front of Hometown Crowd On ShoBox: The New Generation
At Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.


Omar Figueroa vs. Ramon Ayala

Randy Caballero vs. Jose Luis Araiza

Friday, March 16, LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)

Randy “El Matador” Caballero’s manager Cameron Dunkin feels his fighter is at the top of a long list of hugely talented Coachella Valley boxers who are ready to bust out and contend for multiple world championships.


“He’s a terrific talent and had a fantastic amateur career,” said Dunkin, who also manages Two-Division World Champion Nonito Donaire, former Middleweight World Champion Kelly Pavlik and former Lightweight World Champion Brandon Rios. “He’s just part of this really good group of fighters from that Indio area that is really hot. Randy sells tickets and the crowd loves him. He’s an exciting, energetic fighter who I think will be a world champion someday.”


Caballero (13-0, 7 KO’s) will make his ShoBox debut in what will be the toughest test of his career against Tecate, Mexico’s Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza (29-5-1, 20 KO’s) in a 10-round bantamweight co-featured bout. In the main event, undefeated prospect Omar Figueroa Jr. (14-0-1, 11 KO’s), of Weslaco, Texas, will take on Morelos, Mexico’s Ramon “Nino De Oro” Ayala (23-2-1, 11 KO’s) in a 10-round lightweight fight.


The ShoBox doubleheader, which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T, will be televised live at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME®.


Trained by his father Marcos and brother Robert, Caballero has won his last seven consecutive bouts – and eight overall – at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The 21-year-old prospect answered six questions just days before the fight.


QUESTION: More than half of your pro fights have been in Indio. Are you on a first-name basis with most of the employees at Fantasy Springs?

Caballero: “Oh, yeah. They’re all like family to me. I see them and they say good luck and they wish me well. The boxing fans in Indio are very knowledgeable and have been so great to me and I thank them for that. When I start my ring walk and I hear the crowd I get so pumped because I know they are all rooting for me. It’s a real advantage and something I’m thankful for.”

QUESTION: What does it mean for you get the call from SHOWTIME and to appear on ShoBox?

Caballero: “When I got the call from SHOWTIME I just couldn’t believe it. I know it’s the next step for me and that my career is on the right path. This SHOWTIME fight will just get my name out there even more and show that I’m capable of being one of the greatest boxers out there. We do have a good crop of fighters from this area and we want to showcase that. There’s no better place to do that than on SHOWTIME.”

QUESTION: You’ve been boxing for more than half your life. Did you ever have dreams of doing anything else?

Caballero: “No, not really. I just love the feeling that I get when I step into the ring. I’ve been fighting since I was eight years old. It’s what I know and what I love.”

QUESTION: Do you follow the sport and consider yourself a fan of the game?

Caballero: “No, I wouldn’t call myself a huge boxing fan. I mean, I watch all the big fights on SHOWTIME and follow the guys I’ve come up with, but that’s about it.”

QUESTION: You have fought some tough fighters in your first 13 pro fights. Do you think you’ve matched up well against each of them?

Caballero: “I’m happy with the opponents I’ve faced and beaten. Regardless of who they put in front of me, everyone is dangerous. You get caught with a left hook and it can end your career so I don’t take anyone lightly. Everybody who steps into that ring is going to get hit and I believe this guy I’m fighting on Friday (Araiza) is a big step up for me. He’s a veteran and he knows all the tricks inside the ring.”

QUESTION: Can you describe your personality?

Caballero: “I’m a real family guy. I like to hang with family, that’s about it. I’m pretty low-key. I like to go out with friends here and there but I’m kind of a reserved guy. I’m a quiet guy but very respectful and very friendly. I don’t like to talk too much smack. I would say I’m a fun guy to be around.”


Photo Credit: Tom Casino/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 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.