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Showing posts with label Oscar De La Hoya. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oscar De La Hoya. Show all posts

Monday, July 1, 2013

QUOTES FROM "THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO" KICK-OFF STOP OF 11-CITY PRESS TOUR

THOUSANDS TURN OUT IN TIMES SQUARE
FOR FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO ALVAREZ
PRESS CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY

QUOTES FROM KICK-OFF STOP OF 11-CITY PRESS TOUR
"THE ONE" - Saturday, Sept. 14, Live on SHOWTIME PPV®  From The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
"THE ONE" we've been waiting for, Floyd "Money"Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez, was formally announced at a press conference in front of thousands of flag-waving, enthusiastic fans on a hot, summer Monday in Times Square inNew York City. The streets were lined with camera-clicking fans for hours, while others watched the first stop of an 11-city, two-country, nine-day media tour that continues Tuesday in Washington, D.C. from their office windows high above "The Crossroads of the World."
The fighters were introduced individually, posed for the fans and news cameras, produced an intense face-off and spoke at the podium.
"THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO" is a compelling collision of two unbeaten, popular prizefighters with the WBC, WBA Super, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships all on the line. Mayweather (44-0, 26 KO's) is the sport's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and an Eight-Time and Five-Division World Champion.Mexican superstar and Super Welterweight World Champion Alvarez (42-0-1, 30 KO's) is the sport's No. 1 rising star. The winner of the scheduled 12-round bout on SaturdaySept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME PPV®, will definitely be "THE ONE'' in boxing.
The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotion and Canelo Promotions, sponsored by Corona, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Valvoline and will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. It can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP)
What Mayweather and Canelo as well as executives Leonard EllerbeRichard Schaefer,Oscar De La HoyaStephen Espinoza and Canelo's trainer, Chepo Reynoso, said Monday:

Floyd Mayweather, Eight-Time And Five-Division World Champion

"Canelo, I appreciate you for taking this fight. Let's give the fans what they want to see on September 14.

"Mexico has produced some legendary champions. I take my hat off to them. I respect the country of Mexico, but something I've always enjoyed about the sport of boxing is that my fans can't fight for me and his fans can't fight for him.

"I'm truly thankful to the fans, without the fans I wouldn't be where I am.

"Golden Boy Promotions, we love working hand-in-hand with you guys. Mayweather Promotions, our company is still building. We've got young champions on the rise. I have to thank SHOWTIME; we're going to do some record-breaking things. I have to thank CBS. To all the executives, I want to thank you all for believing in me and my skills."

"I want to thank Canelo's fans, you guys have stood behind him. He's a true champion, a young, strong champion and he's earned his right to be up here with me. He's done something right to get to this level.

"I can't wait to go out there and perform. I'm about to go to camp. Physically I'm always ready, but I'm looking for an exciting fight on September 14.

"It has truly been an amazing ride. I'm blessed to be in the sport of boxing and be at the top for 17 years.

"There's no city like New York City. As a matter of fact, they should put a ring right here in Times Square and let us do it today.

"On September 14, all we want to do is give the fans excitement. That's what it's all about. I just want to give the fans a hell of a fight.

"Canelo is a young strong champion. He's obviously done something right to be at this level. He's a guy that I can't overlook. I've got to go out there and fight the best fight.

"When guys face me, it's a totally different level. I'm sure he's going to be in tip top condition and give the fans a great show.

"Come September 14, it's the best versus the best. 'THE ONE.' He's a guy I know I can't overlook, but I've been here before. I have a lot of experience. One thing I don't do is play into the crowd. I understand that this is my job. I know what it takes in a fight of this magnitude and I'm going to continue to dedicate myself to my craft and be the best that I can be. I dedicated my whole life to be at the pinnacle and to face the best.

"The earth is my turf. You can put me in any ring and I'll always come out victorious. The car won't stop now. Let's keep the car rolling. It's gong to be a hell of a fight on September 14."

Canelo Alvarez, Super Welterweight World Champion

"Good afternoon, New York. Thank you all for being here and for your support. With this fight, everybody's going to win. In boxing everybody has their time, and this is my time. Everybody knows that Floyd's the best without question, but it's my time. We're going to win.

"I'm younger and bigger, which are very important keys, but you must remember that Floyd is a very intelligent fighter, but I'm going to have the right game plan.

"Obviously, this is my biggest fight, but I've visualized it and I've prepared my mind for it for a while.

"I appreciate all the fans for all of their incredible support. I always have. I'm very gratified to be here today, to see this turnout and to have so many fans supporting for me. I'll be ready on September 14 and give them all what they want to see.''

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO, Mayweather Promotions

"We would like to thank each and every one of you for coming out today to support this tremendous event that we're having on September 14. We have a young, great fighter in Canelo Alvarez who thinks that he's 'THE ONE' going up against the best fighter in the world and who's been the best fighter in the world for a number of years. He is 'THE ONE.'

"This fight we feel will break records all over the world. The reason Floyd wanted to take this fight is because of you, the fans, and come September 14 that's what you will get, a great, great fight."

Richard Schaefer, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions

"Wow, New York, you did it again...huge, huge crowd here in Times Square! Since 2007, I've had the pleasure to work with Floyd and his team. Here in New York, we were at Rockefeller Plaza, we were at the Empire State Building and now here at Times Square, but wouldn't you agree, Floyd, that this is the best one yet?

"This is the one fight everybody wanted. The one fight everybody waited for. Floyd 'Money' Mayweather is the one...he is highest-paid one, he's the best one, he's the pound for pound one, he's the one in a generation and maybe the one in a lifetime, but will he be 'THE ONE' at the end of September 14 or will we have the next one, the new one, Canelo Alvarez?

"Canelo is the Mexican James Dean. He has a cult-like following. He's the one Mexico has been waiting for. He's the one who will give Mayweather the biggest test of his career. He's the younger one, he's the bigger one, he is the stronger one...and he is the better looking one. Sorry Floyd, just kidding.

"The one thing I know is that September 14 the world will be watching who will be 'THE ONE.' Make sure if you can't be live at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas - tickets will go on sale tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster or at MGM - you watch it live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View.

"I want to quickly thank our sponsors, most of all Corona, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Valvoline for putting their efforts behind this great fight.

"This is without doubt the single biggest fight we have promoted. This is a record-breaker and if you have watched boxing before, I know you'll watch this fight and if you haven't make sure you don't miss it September 14. The fight will be shown in movie theaters across the nation as well on over 400 screens which is something that is exclusive to Mayweather fights."

Oscar De La Hoya, President, Golden Boy Promotions

"New York, are you ready? On September 14 we will have not a good fight, but a great fight. Floyd Mayweather, the pound-for-pound champion of the world against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez who is Mexico's biggest sports figure and Mexico's biggest icon."

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

"At SHOWTIME our goal is very simple: we want to bring you the most exciting, the most action-packed fights with boxing's biggest stars. That's exactly what SHOWTIME has become known for. In just the last few weeks, SHOWTIME has brought you Alfredo Angulo, Josesito Lopez, Marcos Maidana, Danny Garcia, Peter Quillin, Adrien Broner and Amir Khan. Now, SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View is bringing you the two biggest stars in the sport, Floyd 'Money' Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez.

"SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View is proud to be bringing you, 'THE ONE: Mayweather vs. Canelo,' the one fight you've all been waiting for. In every sport, there are certain, rare occasions when you have the best against the best. The Super Bowl, The Final Four, College Football's National Championship...September 14 will be one of those occasions with the two biggest stars in the sport and the two biggest fan bases. We have America's number one fighter versus Mexico's number one fighter. We have the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport versus the number one new star in the sport.

"This is a must-see event and as usual SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View will be there every step of the way. From today's press conference that is being streamed on SHOWTIME's website to all the other remaining stops on the tour, make sure you check out SHOWTIME's website for daily updates. As usual, ALL ACCESS will take you behind the scenes and we will be announcing the schedule for ALL ACCESS very shortly. We will see you all on September 14."

Jose "Chepo" Reynoso, Manager of Canelo

"I just want to say we are ready for this fight. Canelo is going to train like he always does. Viva Mexico!"


♔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.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Mayweather vs. Guerrero - Live Press Conference


Live from Las Vegas, the final press conference for the SHOWTIME pay-per-view event featuring headliners Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero.



♔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.

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.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

DANIEL PONCE DE LEON, ABNER MARES & LEO SANTA CRUZ TO HOLD LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT IN ADVANCE OF THEIR MAY 4 BOUTS ON THE "MAY DAY: MAYWEATHER VS. GUERRERO" UNDERCARD AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS TO BE TELEVISED LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV®

"MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero," a 12-round fight for Mayweather's WBC Welterweight World Championship and the vacant Ring Magazine Welterweight World Championship, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O'Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Star Trek Into Darkness and Valvoline.  The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.  The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming(SAP).  Also featured will be Daniel Ponce de Leon vs. Abner Mares, a 12-round fight for Ponce de Leon's WBC Featherweight World Championship, former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz facing veteran Alexander Munoz in a 10-round junior featherweight bout and rising star J'Leon Love squaring off against recent world title challenger Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round middleweight battle for the vacant NABF Middleweight Championship.

WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon, Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares and former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz will host a Los Angeles media workout as they prepare for their bouts on the "MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero" pay-per-viewfight card taking place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. which will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV®
♔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.

Monday, April 8, 2013

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, sponsored by Corona and AT&T, will air live on SHOWTIME and can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). The fight is presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

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, sponsored by Corona and AT&T, will air live on SHOWTIME and can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). The fight is presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.


UNDEFEATED MEXICAN SUPERSTAR CANELO ALVAREZ
QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT
FOR APRIL 20 WORLD TITLE UNIFICATION AGAINST
UNBEATEN WBA WORLD CHAMPION AUSTIN TROUT
Thursday, April 4 at Wild Card West in Santa Monica, Calif.



Canelo vs. Trout Super Welterweight World Championship Unification
Saturday, April 20, LIVE on SHOWTIME from Alamodome in San Antonio

Here's what the participants had to say on Thursday:
CANELO ALVAREZ
"The more intelligent fighter is going to win on April 20. We've mapped out a game plan and we'll stick to it. I've looked back at some of my past fights and I'm critical of how I've performed. I've taken criticism, but all criticism is constructive and I'm taking it all in.
"Because he beat my brother and took his belt, this fight has more meaning. It's personal, because he took something from us. After I win this fight, I'm going to get that belt and I'm going to give it to my brother.
"I'm really excited for the San Antonio fans, as well as all the Mexican fans who will be there supporting me. I'm hoping I can give them a great fight.
"The key for me is patience. I know he'll be ready for me at all times. It's going to be a complicated fight, but I'm prepared for it.
"I'm not concerned about talking about (Floyd) Mayweather or anyone else. I'm just focused on this fight. If he didn't want to sign [to fight me], that's on him. After this fight we will talk about Mayweather and whoever else."
OSCAR DE LA HOYA
"This is going to be a very physical fight. Austin Trout is legitimate. He is undefeated. He is strong. I think that whoever wins this fight is going to shoot up like a star and go to the next level. It's a tough fight for both. I expect a really, really tough fight.
"What I see is the potential for whoever wins this fight to be a superstar. Not just a star or just a champion, but a superstar. Canelo is on the right path and April 20 is going to show us if he's able to make that jump. Canelo's destiny is in his own hands and it's up to him to win the fight.
"This reminds me when I beat Ike Quartey. Although I did have all the admirers and the fans, I needed that one win to solidify me as a great champion. This is his one moment, but he has his work cut out for him. Austin Trout is the real deal. He's no joke, but if you want to beat the best you have to fight the best. I've said that throughout my whole career.
"I think San Antonio is a great fight town. The fans there have been asking for a great fight. They haven't had a big fight there since Chavez-Whitaker. I fought there, but they haven't had a big, big world championship fight in some time."
CHEPO REYNOSO
"All the training's been done and we are down to our final weeks. We know that Trout is a smart fighter and that he got some invaluable experience against (Miguel) Cotto.
"We're ready for a lefty fighter and focused our training sparring with two very seasoned lefties who provided us with a lot of different looks. They have a lot of similar characteristics to what we are going to see against Trout."
EDDY REYNOSO
"Canelo is going to fight how he always fights. We aren't going to change just because of our opponent. Of course we've studied all of Trout's fights and we'll be ready for whatever he brings, but we're just going to come to fight like we always do."

♔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.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Amir Khan Takes On Julio Diaz On April 27 At Motorpoint Arena In Sheffield; 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo Makes His Pro Debut‏


FORMER UNIFIED WORLD CHAMPION AMIR "KING" KHAN TAKES ON FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JULIO "THE KIDD" DIAZ IN HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND ON APRIL 27 AT MOTORPOINT ARENA IN SHEFFIELD 
PLUS, 2012 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST ANTHONY OGOGO
MAKES HIS PROFESSIONAL DEBUT
 After nearly two years fighting away from England, the "King" is back.  On Saturday, April 27 at Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, British superstar Amir "King" Khan returns to England to face former World Champion Julio "The Kidd" Diaz.
Plus, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo makes his long-awaited professional debut in a four round middleweight bout against an opponent to be determined.
"April 27th is going to be a special night," said Khan.  "It's been two years since I last fought in the United Kingdom and I can't wait to get in the ring in front of my fans.  Julio Diaz is a former World Champion and a very dangerous opponent who is coming off of an impressive performance in his last fight.  I know he will be coming with guns blazing and I'm ready for whatever he has to throw at me.  With my speed and boxing skills, and his power and experience, it makes for a really exciting matchup.  He may have other ideas but I'm adamant that my return to the British shores is going to be a very successful one."
"I'm not going to England for the fight to go to the scorecards.  I'm fighting for the knockout," said Diaz.  "I know the knockout is the only thing that will get me the win, so I'm training extra hard already in order to get a victory on Khan's home turf.  I'm a heavy hitter and he can't take a punch, so to me, that is the perfect combination." 
            "I'm proud to be British and so the opportunity to turn pro on such a big fight card in England is a dream come true," said Ogogo.  "I want to become a world champion and this is the first very important step.  I know what I have to do and that is to win and I want to win in style.  I can't wait to show the British public what I can do and will be training as hard as I possibly can between now and April 27th to get myself in the best shape I've ever been in".
"Return of the King": Khan vs. Diaz is a 12 round 143 pound catch-weight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by JD Sport and Maxi Muscle.
"We're excited to return to England and bring the loyal British fans the return of Amir Khan on April 27," said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions.  "Amir is closing in on a shot at regaining his world champion status and I know he's going to use the energy from the crowd in Sheffield to motivate him.  Standing in his way will be a dangerous opponent in Julio Diaz who is on a hot streak of his own that he expects to keep intact in England. 
            "April 27 is going to be a great night for boxing in the U.K. and a great night for Golden Boy Promotions," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.  "Between Amir Khan returning home where he is immensely popular and the pro debut of our newest prospect Anthony Ogogo, this is a great way to jump start an amazing run of fights that Golden Boy Promotions will be a part of in England for many years to come."
"It was well known that Amir wanted to have his next fight back home in Britain for his loyal fan base," said Asif Vali of Khan Promotions.  "It has taken a bit of time to get to this point, but we're delighted to announce Julio Diaz as his next opponent.  He upset the odds to score a draw in his last fight against a highly touted prospect in Shawn Porter and we know he will be looking to upset the odds and score a win come April 27.  Both fighters have been world champions and Amir is determined to reach that summit once again.  It will be a night not to miss in Sheffield as we witness 'the return of the King'." 
"Motorpoint Arena Sheffield is delighted to be playing host to Amir Khan's return to Britain," said Joe Waldron, Deputy General Manager of the Motorpoint Arena Sheffield.  "We host some of the biggest stars in the world in this region and it's a privilege to have secured another in Amir with his first fight back on British soil in two years.  This event will be a special occasion for all boxing fans and the Sheffield public with yet another unforgettable night expected at the Motorpoint Arena."
A true international superstar that captured the world's imagination when he won a Silver medal for Great Britain in the 2004 Olympics at age 17, Amir "King" Khan (27-3, 19 KO's) is one of boxing's best, a dynamic boxer-puncher with fight ending power and lightning quick speed.  Just 26 years old, Bolton's Khan is a former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion with five successful title defenses to his name.  Among the foes he has dispatched are Marco Antonio "The Baby Face Assassin" Barrera, Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi, Marcos "El Chino" Maidana and Zab "Super" Judah.  In his most recent fight on December 15, 2012, he stopped previously unbeaten Carlos Molina in the 10th round.  Now he looks forward to returning home and entertaining his fans in person
A respected veteran and former World Champion Julio "The Kidd" Diaz (40-7-1, 29 KO's) is a member of a fighting family and he has been boxing for much of his life.  Diaz is still in his physical prime at 33 and he has shown that he has plenty left in the tank as he looks to win a second divisional title.  A native of Jiquilpan, Michoacan Mexico who now fights out of Coachella, California, Diaz has impressed fans in his return from a year-long layoff, knocking out Henry Aurad and Hector Sanchez and battling unbeaten, highly touted prospect Shawn Porter to a draw in a fight many believe Diaz won in his last fight in December.  On April 27, Diaz is hoping to take matters out of the judges' hands.
A talented soccer player who played for Norwich City FC when he was younger, Lowestoft, England's Anthony Ogogo found his true love in the ring where he has been competing since the age of 12.  After winning a Junior Olympic Gold medal and Silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships, Ogogo earned a place on Great Britain's 2012 Olympic team.  In London this past summer, Ogogo beat representatives from the Dominican Republic, Ukraine and Germany to win a Bronze Medal, thrilling his fans from throughout the United Kingdom.  Outside the ring, the 24-year-old Ogogo is a former model and was also a cast member of the 2008 hit reality show, "Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack."  On April 27, the charismatic middleweight will begin his journey as a professional.


♔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 1, 2013

Hopkins, Cloud, and King‏ Teleconference



BERNARD HOPKINS
He opened up by saying, “I’m excited. It’s my first time fighting at the Barclay Center, and I believe it’s HBO’s first time broadcasting, so thank you everybody.”
When Hopkins was asked him what drives him, he responded, “I’m not satisfied, even though I know I’ve done a lot to be grateful for – and I am! Trust me, I am, God knows I am. But I’m the kind of person that when I’m not satisfied I keep driving. I should be the one to dictate when I go, because if I listened to most people I wouldn’t have made history in a lot of things.
“So I’m not satisfied and I know there are a lot of other things to accomplish. Maybe not in the ring, because it must stop soon, everybody has to recognize that. There are young fighters under the Golden Boy banner that need our help – mine, Oscar’s, Richard’s – so a lot of things keep me going.”
Hopkins took the fight when his name was mentioned among fighters he wanted to call out. Things progressed from there, and now the fight is on. With regard to his age, he reminded us that he has been hearing ‘old’ since he beat Trinidad, and he was 35 at the time.
What makes Bernard think that he will pull off the upset yet again? “I’m the better fighter and the better conditioned fighter. I believe when I go in that ring and Cloud is thinking something else he’s going to be very, very surprised. It’s natural. He’s fighting someone almost double his age, so that is the reality. But when he steps in there, that’s when I know that he’s gonna have to adjust mentally as well as physically, and that’s when the fight really begins. I can say one thing that I’ve never said in my whole career when I step in the ring – I’m 100% healthy. You’ll see a healthy Bernard Hopkins. It’s gonna be a masterful performance!”
“I know I’m not fighting his promoter, but I’m glad to be able to reunite and be able to get rid of the last guy that he has. I’m not being smart or vindictive, I’m just saying, what other horse does King have to ride on?” Hopkins continued. “He does have a thoroughbred (in Cloud). But let’s see how the cowboy rides the bull.”
Bernard made it clear that he will not feel guilty to be the one to put King out of business. “Who ever thought that it would be Bernard Hopkins – not the mob, not his street people, not the fighters who’ve threatened him over the years, not the promoters – who ever thought that it would me that would shut him down? It’s an honor for me to put the last nail in his coffin.”
Nathan Cleverly is looking to fight Hopkins in a unification fight for the light heavyweight championship, and Bernard is all for that.
“To me, I think every division should have one king,” Hopkins said. “If you’re a champion and you have a title in the light heavyweight division, why wouldn’t you want to be the undisputed champion? I don’t want to walk around and three other people wear the title of a light heavyweight champion. To me it’s an embarrassment. If I’m in a room and two other guys are in the room, and we’re all light heavyweights, then you have three champions in one room. To me, I think every division should have one king. I’m glad that Nathan Cleverly is thinking on the same lines as I’m thinking and that’s the way it should be.
“I’m from the old school but living in a new world. I understand that. I respect the guy that wants to do what needs to be done in boxing in all of the divisions.” I’m very aware of him (Cleverly) but right now it’s Tavoris Cloud and that’s what’s on my mind right now.
“After the fight they have another press conference and his name might come up or his name might not come up. But I’m sure it will come up on our end. At the end of the day he can be next because I’m all about unifying the championship.
“He makes more money with me than he makes with Cloud and anybody that fights in the light heavyweight division makes more money with me, fighting a Hall of Famer. Cleverly understands that, and that’s good.”
TAVORIS CLOUD
Cloud opened up by saying that he’s had a great training camp. They are heading to New York next week, and they are just ready to fight.
It was mentioned that Hopkins looked worse in his last fight than he had in 10 years, and did he think he was ripe for the picking?
“He could be, but he is the most dangerous fighter in the world. We’ll see when he gets hit a couple of times. I’ve done everything I could possibly do to get a knockout victory. Nobody can guarantee a knockout, but I will guarantee a victory. He’s not gonna beat me; he believes all the stuff in his own head. I’ll let him be until March 9.”
Cloud was asked if he had to train any differently for this fight than his other fights. “Well, I’m at the top of the mountain. I’m doing road work at 7000 feet, so that’s one thing. I feel by doing that it took me to another level physically. I know I’m a better conditioned fighter since I’ve been with Abel Sanchez up in Big Bear.
“It was a decision on my part to switch trainers and find somebody that I could grow even more with, and someone who was a little more open-minded. Abel Sanchez was the guy I decided to go with. The switch was made a little bit before Christmas. The decision came after years going back and forth. Al (Bonanni) is still a good trainer.”
Cloud also switched from manager Jerry Attardi (who is also Bonanni’s uncle) to James Prince.
Tavoris revealed his plan for the fight. “I’m just gonna fight my fight. I’m gonna make him adjust to what I’m doing. I’m gonna set the pace and not let him set the pace, and then win the fight round by round. I’m not gonna crowd my mind with what he’s gonna do. I’m gonna make him do what I want him to do.
“I learned from my last fight that I wasn’t as well prepared as I am now. When I beat Bernard Hopkins I’m calling out all of the fighters in my division. I’ll fight whoever’s next, but I’ll leave that to my manager.”
When asked if he felt Hopkins was no longer able to fight at the top level, he replied, “I don’t think any fighter can stay young forever, no matter how hard they try. It’s evident that he’s slowed down the last couple of years; yes he’s definitely slowed down.
DON KING
Interestingly, King made no attempt to answer back or engage in any of the negativity that was enlisted by Hopkins. Instead, he killed him with kindness.
“I love Bernard,” King said. “He’s done a good job of promoting, and he’s not a nemesis to me, he’s a wonderful fighter, a great fighter. Bernard has raised himself above the fray. At 48 years old he demands respect with his physique, being in such good physical condition, and with his 27 years of experience in this sport, and that is a crowning achievement in itself. I look at this fight with joy and appreciation.
The world is going to see a physically fit 48-year-old man in Hopkins. With Tavoris, who throws punches in bunches, I think this is going to be great for both of them. These guys are going back to the beginning and doing things with good old hard work – no enhancements. It’s dedication, perseverance and commitment. The winner of this fight will be the public.
“Tavoris is fighting a giant that night,” King continued. “And that’s what’s gonna make Cloud so good. He’s come from the streets to the suites. Bernard is gonna try to physiologically try to outsmart Tavoris. When he fights this giant and he takes this giant out, it will give him more prominence, and more stature and esteem, because Bernard is nothing to sneeze at. Everybody knows that, otherwise we wouldn’t be fighting at the Barclay Center.
“This ranks up there as one of the best fights I’ve promoted. People will see just what Tavoris Cloud is; a tough individual dedicated and committed to excellence. Hopkins will
stand in front of him bringing an illustrious career. When Bernard falls he won’t fall with disgrace. He did his job; he came, he saw, he conquered, and now he is being conquered.”
ABEL SANCHEZ
Sanchez said that when he first came on board what he saw was a fighter who just got complacent. He has a lot of talent but he got complacent, looking for one shot, looking to knock everybody’s head off. Inactivity could cause that as well, Sanchez said.
“We tried to go back to just moving his hands a bit more, just be a little bit more active and lighter on his feet. We tried to get him to enjoy what he’s doing. He seemed to be doing it as a job instead of something he enjoyed to do. It’s only been about six weeks now and we’re accomplishing that.”
Abel was asked what problems Cloud presented for Hopkins. “I think styles make fights. Bernard will present some problems because he is Bernard and he is a cagey veteran. But at 48 years old he’s talking about trying to set some records. That’s gonna motivate him to be well prepared and come to fight. We’re looking for the toughest Bernard Hopkins on March 9. Hopefully he does, and if so it will be a great fight for the fans, as Don keeps repeating.
“I tell my fighters to be the best they can be and have everybody else adjust to them. Tavoris is gonna come and take it to Bernard, he’s gonna be in great shape, he’s be busy, and if Bernard can handle the heat then it’ll go 12. If not, then it’s gonna be a short night for him.”


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