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Showing posts with label Pernell Whitaker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pernell Whitaker. Show all posts

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, July 20, 2011

AMIR "KING" KHAN & ZAB "SUPER" JUDAH TO HOST INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS JULY 23 WORLD TITLE UNIFICATION FIGHT

Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Khan Promotions and Super Judah Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

So Dave, I’d like to turn the call over to you for opening introductions.

K. Duva Hi. I’m here on behalf of Main Events and Super Judah Promotions. I am also here with Bill Halkias who is our partner in these promotions, and really, there isn’t much to say. The fight is nearing—every day getting closer, and we’re very excited. This is the fight Zab wants. This is the fight we want, and we can’t wait for it to get started.

D. Itskowich Kathy, you want to have Pernell and Zab make opening statements?

K. Duva Zab, do you want to speak.

Z. Judah No.

K. Duva Well, why don’t you just say a few words anyway?

Z. Judah ....

K. Duva Come on. How do you feel now that the fight is only a week away?

Z. Judah I’m the champion. Why do I have to go first?

K. Duva Oh. Okay. Well, we’re going to have to figure out a way to sort this out now. It’s true. You went first at the press conference, so maybe it’s Amir’s turn to go first.

D. Itskowich So nothing from Zab? Okay. Just to say a few words before I have Freddy and Amir say their few words, I want to introduce Asif Vali of Khan Promotions to say a few words. Asif?

A. Vali Yes. Good evening everybody. Good evening to the U.K., good morning there in America. It’s a big fight, and there’s a lot of press coverage here. Everybody’s looking forward to the fight. It’s around the corner now. Next week is going to be explosive. The U.K. viewers ....

I know Amir trained well and hard out there in America with Freddy, and time will tell on the 23rd. We’ll be able to come away with the IBF Super-Lightweight World Championship Belt as well as the WBA belt. .... We’re 110% focused, and we’re ready to go. So, look forward to seeing you there—everybody next week—and wish everybody all the best of luck.

D. Itskowich Thanks, Asif. I understand that, actually, Freddy may not be on the call, so I’m going to just jump right to Amir and have him make his opening statements. Like I said, he’s one of the rising stars in the sport. He is the current WBA Super-Lightweight World Champion from Bolton, England with a record of 25 and 1 with seventeen KO’s, Amir King Khan.

A. Khan Hi guys. I just want to thank everyone for calling on to the conference call. You know not long now to the fight. Training has gone really well. Preparation is up to where we want it to be. Like I said, we’re not too far now. We’re just tapering down from all the hard work. All the hard work’s been done now. So no looking back. And I’m happy the way training comes from, being with Alex Ariza and Freddy Roach on technique and tactics to beat Zab. We know it’s going to be a tough fight. We’ve been training really hard, and we’re going to be conditioned for this fight. Even if it goes first round or the twelfth round, we know we’re going to be in front of Zab all the way through the fight, and we’re going to be ready.

We’ve been watching a lot of tapes and stuff to see what mistakes he makes and what things he does right and how we need to beat him. And everything’s been going okay, so now we’re going to transition. We finished sparring on Monday. So hopefully got all the timing and everything right, and then we’ll be more than ready for the 23rd of July.

D. Itskowich Alright. Thank you, Amir. I guess now we can turn it over to questions from the media for everyone that’s on the call.

K. Duva Freddy did just get on the line as well.

D. Itskowich Freddy is on. Okay.

M. Sears So is Purnell.

W Hold one moment for Freddy, please.

F. Roach Hello?

D. Itskowich Freddy. Hi. It’s Dave from Golden Boy. Just wanted you to say a couple of opening remarks about the fight.

F. Roach Amir is in great shape. I think this was the best training camp we’ve ever had. We had some great southpaw sparring, and I think ... on Saturday, and I think Zab bit off more than he can chew for this one.

D. Itskowich Thank you, Fred.

K. Duva Dave Pernell is on the line, so let’s give him a chance too. P, you got something to say? Apparently not. Okay. Sorry about that, Dave. Sorry for interrupting.

D. Itskowich Okay, let’s turn it over to the media for questions.

Moderator Our first question comes from Steve Carp with Las Vegas Review.

S. Carp Good morning guys. Amir, you were just saying how you watched a lot of tape of Zab. Is this out of the ordinary for you, or is this part of your normal preparation? If it isn’t, why did you go to such lengths to be ready for Zab?

Z. Judah No, we’d normally watch a lot of tape of the fighters we got coming up, and the reason is so we know what we’re expecting when we go into the fight. We can’t focus too much on a tape because styles make different fights. So we’ve just been watching a few things that he does and where he makes a mistake and stuff, so I’ll know when I do go into the fight, I know exactly what his style’s like.

I’m not really a big fan of just sitting there watching hours and hours of your opponents tapes. I normally watch maybe a few rounds and then leave it to my trainer, Freddy, who comes up with a game plan.

S. Carp With Zab, you always have to worry about the unexpected. So how do you prepare for that? And maybe, Freddy, you could weight in on this as well because he’s been known to do some unorthodox things in the ring over his career.

F. Roach He’s a smart fighter. He has experience. We know he sets traps and we’ve got most of his traps down, and you can see how he sets his traps and lures guys into punches.

Of course, when he was losing to Mayweather, he fouled him of course, on purpose, to try to get him out of his game plan, and the fight broke up.

But we’re ready for all that, and it’s nothing new. It’s part of fighting, and we’re well prepared for it.

S. Carp Thanks guys—appreciate it. See you in Vegas next week.

M. Sears Pernell Whitaker is now on the call.

Moderator The next question comes from Dan Rafael from ESPN.

D. Rafael Zab, the last time you had a unification fight in the 140-pound weight class in Las Vegas, it did not go your way. That was the Kostya Tszyu fight. Can you imagine that here we are, I believe it’s now maybe 11 years later, or maybe 10 years later, that you’re back in another very big fight in this weight class in Las Vegas? Can you take me back to that time in all those years ago and what’s changed for you since then? Because it’s been a lot of ups and downs.



Z. Judah Yes. A lot. First of all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity of being back in this position. I want to than thank him for that. And a lot of things have been changed ..., and I’m pretty pleased with Freddy and Amir Khan watching my old tapes, so they're learning something about the old Zab Judah.

The new Zab Judah coming to the ring on July 23rd is a monster. He’s 150% prepared for Amir Khan, and we’re going to have a lot of fun come Saturday night.

D. Rafael Could you have imagined though that 10 years after the fact that you would still be one of the best guys in the weight class? That you would still have a title? That you would be involved in another really big fight?

It’s been such a long time.

Z. Judah I really have nothing to do with it Dave. That’s God’s work. That’s the work of God. Just when a person counts you out and says that you’re finished—never listen to man. Never let man dictate your peace. This is something that—one of the messages that we will be coming with on Saturday night. The Lord has the final saying of when a person’s done and when a person starts.

D. Rafael You’re the veteran in this fight, of course. Amir is still a young fighter, still on the rise. Do you view this as you along with all the experience that Pernell brings to your corner—like the veteran teacher going to look to take the young kid to school?

Z. Judah One thing about it, we definitely going to take him to school. I think after Saturday night, he’ll figure out that Golden Boy and his trainer, Freddy Roach, set him up as a pawn. For people that play chess, they know what that is. They set him up for a pawn and put him in a position that he shouldn’t have been in.

And yet, I think he’s a great fighter. I think that it’s a little premature—before his time. Years down the line, he’ll have an opportunity to tell other fighters about the experience he learned in 2011 on July 23rd.

D. Rafael Thanks, Zab. Amir, are you there?

A. Khan Yes.

D. Rafael Amir, when you hear Zab talk like that about maybe it’s a little too soon for you to be in this kind of fight in your career because you’re still young, or do you feel like you were by far ready for a fight like this because of what you’ve accomplished in the last couple of years?

A. Khan I know we’re ready for this fight. That’s why we’re taking this fight on. We committed to this fight as favorites. I’m going to go out and try to take the two titles away. I’ve been training very hard for this fight. And he can say what he wants and he’ll see when the time comes. I know I’m more than ready for this fight, and I’m going to be prepared, and I know exactly what to do. He ... capable, I’ll have answers for him.

D. Rafael Was it at all hard for you to get over the fact that ... turned you down, and Zab, who was essentially the second choice, is now your opponent, or did it just water off your back—no big deal?

A. Khan Things happen for a reason, and I really think this fight ends up as a fight that .... A tougher fight is all. In my eyes, I see the bigger fight. Things happen for a reason, and maybe it was for the best.

Moderator Our next question comes from Jamie Jackson with the Guardian News.

J. Jackson Hi, Amir. Just two questions please. First of all, will Zab be your hardest opponent so far of your professional career? And looking beyond this fight—obviously you hope to win—you’re only 24. I’m wondering how many different weight classes do you expect to fight in by the time you finish? Amir, please.

A. Khan First of all, I think he is up there with one of the best fighters I’ll be facing .... Also, we’ve been training very hard, and I’m .... So you know, we’re going to be ready for him and whatever he brings on the table. And I love challenges. You give me a good challenge, that’s actually .... Maybe I could go up to 147 or maybe up ....

But maybe all in good time. ... to see how my body grows and how it feels. I’m still 24. As time goes on, maybe I’ll go up to—I’ll finish off my career at 154. I’ve just really got to have my body naturally just grow.

J. Jackson Zab, I believe you said, if I heard you rightly there on the line, that compared to the fight of 10 to 11 years ago against Tszyu, you’re now a monster and 150% better. Can you explain why, please?

K. Duva I think I’m going to have to speak now, and I need to explain something. In our negotiations, we were told that Zab would not be entitled to any revenue from the U.K. And we felt that while that was insulting—because we feel he is certainly half the equation here. That was what we were told we would have to live with.

And so, Zab took the fight with that understanding—that Amir would keep all the money that came from the U.K. even though they’re both world champions and even though we’ve agreed on a split of the money. So no offense to the British press, but Zab will not be answering questions until the fight is over to the British.

D. Itskowich I guess that means all you British media out there work on your American accents.

J. Jackson Okay. You want me to ask it in an American accent?

A. Vali ... as you know two fighters need to promote the fight. HBO ought to pay ... so they can, and Zab can disrespect where the fight is going out to—U.K. press, or any of the press in the world. I think that he should be involved in this, and it’s a promotion. And what he ... fans in the U.K. as well. And if he’s got fans in the U.K., he’s obviously disrespecting all his fans.

So British press, or wherever they are all over the world, whatever fighter it is, I think it’s wrong for Zab just to put that to one side. And the British are very sportish—one of the biggest fights in the U.K. for a very long time in this weight division. So he should be involved in it, and he should be answering any questions.

K. Duva Well, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion, and we respect that, and he means no disrespect to anyone. We feel he was disrespected in the negotiations, so this is something that we’ve decided has to be—we just cannot do anything to help.

We were basically told that Khan was such a big star in the U.K., it didn’t matter who he fought, and therefore, Zab was kind of insignificant there. So if that’s the case, fine. And again, we’ll be happy to have a press conference with the U.K. press the morning after the fight. We love all you guys. We’ve known many of you going all the way back to the ….

A. Vali I’m glad he’ll be having a press conference after that fight when he’s in defeat. I’ll hold you to that. So we’ll ... hold you to that. So when he’s been defeated, he’ll have a press conference with the British press. So we can ... so thank you very much for that, Kathy.

K. Duva You’re welcome. He’ll also have it when he wins.

J. Jackson Can I just jump back in and ask Asif one more question? This is Jamie Jackson again from the Guardian. On this point Asif, how would you describe your feelings about his refusal to speak? Are you angry about this? Are you furious?

A. Vali Well, I think it’s wrong for him not to be involved in any media work. Amir Khan is one of them guys who gets involved. He’s been on the forums. He’s promoting the fight. Today he announced it, and today we were discussing things and doing every single interview, U.K., China, Japan, wherever it was. He’s done all the interviews all over the world. Why Zab couldn’t get involved, I’ve no idea. Why he refuses , I have no idea. I haven’t got a clue why he refused it.

It’s not about being angry, it’s about getting involved in a promotion. A promotion is from two sides, not just one. And with all due respect Kathy, they need to promote the fight. It’s not a one-way promotion; it’s a two-way promotion. Amir did everything. He’s got four conference calls so far. He’s been on the radio three times a week throughout the last six weeks, and he’s been doing so much stuff, unbelievable, to promote the fight.

We’re very grateful to HBO for giving us the opportunity. We’re very grateful for Primetime for showing it live in the U.K. and the worldwide people and the rest of the world. But I’m a little bit disappointed—I’m very disappointed from Kathy’s point of view. I’m very disappointed in Zab. And they should promote the fight. Have you ever heard of a fighter not getting involved in a promotion like you have today? Disappointed.

K. Duva Well again, you’re entitled to your opinion. He is involved in the promotion. He’s on the phones today. He’s not involved in the promotion in England because he’s not involved in the revenue from England, so that is what we found to be wrong. And again, you got your way.

Moderator And our next question comes from George Cotton with Fox Sports.

G. Cotton Hi. What’s going on guys? This first question is for Amir. Amir, what do you think, if any, are some of the weaknesses you’ll be able to exploit against Zab in the ring when you guys lace up.

A. Khan I don’t think he’ll be able to take the pressure of the speed and power, really. I think he fought the likes of Mabuza and them guys there, and they’ve totaled him. And we’ll see how he copes with this. I really think he’s taken the wrong fight. And he can say what he wants, but he knows deep down he’s taken the wrong fight, and we’ll see .... We’ll see .... I hope he ... Zab Judah, he’s ....

G. Cotton Okay. And Zab, what do you think you’ll be able to show the world when you guys meet? I know you’re thinking that maybe that the guy took the fight a little too early. What do you think you’ll be able to show the world when you guys meet in the ring?

Z. Judah I would just like to show the world that I’m one of the best pound for pound greatest fighters out there. Amir Khan knows what he got himself into. He knows that this is a fight that his trainer, Freddy Roach, wanted to take, but it was a fight that he was pushed into because of the situation. You know what I mean? Every dog has their day. July 23rd it’s coming. We’re going to have some fun.

G. Cotton Can we get a prediction?

Z. Judah Zab Judah will be the one. Zab Judah will be the one.

G. Cotton Spectacular.

Z. Judah I promise you. I promise you. I don’t know who this guy’s looking at as far as when they speak about speed and power, but evidently they’re watching the wrong tapes. They’re going to be in for a world of surprises. I understand the people over there are misleading the young guy over there and telling him this and telling him that. But I think when the bell rings, after the first round he’ll come back to the corner and go, “Wait a minute. This is not what we prepared for guys. You told me it was going to be a different kind of Judah in there.

G. Cotton And the last question for Amir. Amir, this go-around, you’re dealing with a southpaw that had power. What are some of the things you guys worked on to deal with Zab’s speed and power?

A. Khan We were really quite lucky enough to be sparring with Manny Pacquiao in the previous camps and Alex Ariza, training with him. You know talking about power, I think he’s probably the most powerful southpaw in our division, and that was great help for me. We’ve had some great sparring partners who worked on techniques. We’re going to be ready for whatever he brings to the table. Training has gone really well with the game plan that we’ve got for the fight. It’s a great game plan, and you can say what you want about the first round. Maybe we come back in the first round, and the fight is over.

Because the way we can be ready for this fight, who knows, the fight might finish in the first round or the twelfth round. We’re going to be ready for him, and we will see if he’s still there. We just hope Zab is ready for this fight, and he can say what he wants.

Z. Judah Exactly. The way his sparring ‘s been going guys—like he said—the fight might be over in one round. I know everything, trust me.

Moderator Our next question comes form Gabriel Montoya with MaxBoxing.com.

G. Montoya My question is for Amir. The press recently, there’s been a lot of talk about you versus Floyd Mayweather, you’re going to get him next after Ortiz. Is that you looking forward, or is that just a bunch of internet writers coming to you and asking you about Floyd Mayweather and then printing you answers. Are you looking ahead, or no?

A. Khan I think everyone knows I’ve got a big task in front of me. I’ve got Zab Judah’s ... offer. Every fight, I have goals, and my goals are to take the best out there and the likes of Floyd Mayweather one day. At the moment, I want to take things a step at a time. And I think it’s pretty blown out more than anything, but I just want to make things straight up. I’ve got this to deal with, and then hopefully then I’m going to sit down with my team and plan out where my future is.

G. Montoya There was a big to-do about you and Alex Ariza not working together for a fight—a lot of back and forth there. Now you guys are working together, as I understand it. Why is that? why did you guys get back together.

A. Khan I really think he’s probably one of the best ... conditioners out there. And we’ve got a winning team, and I don’t think we should break a winning team. He’s good at what he does, and if he wants to get you in shape and get you stronger, he’s the best man to do it. So that’s the reason I got back with him, because I know her pushes me hard, and he’s not afraid to tell me what to do and what not to do. So I thought that’s who I need for this fight—someone who’s going to get me prepared and get me in the best condition.

G. Montoya Was part of it to do with the way the McCloskey fight went? You won, obviously, but it was not one of your prettier wins. You seemed to have a little bit of trouble with him. Was that his style, or was that the—

A. Khan ... fight. He had one of them styles—he just did not want to fight and didn’t want to get involved, and he made it a boring fight. I was doing all the circling. I was doing all the pressure fighting. I was doing everything. But then, I thought to myself the way the training camp went, I was conditioned well. I was still fit and everything because I really pushed myself. I really thought I think I should ... the way things were. I was happy the way things were before, so that’s the reason we got back with everything.

G. Montoya How long do you plan on playing at this weight class? If you win this, and ... doesn’t seem like he wanted to fight you, do you give up the 147, or do you stay here.

A. Khan I’ll probably move up to 147 for bigger challenges. And like I said, I think it’s a great time for me to move up to different divisions and fight these big names. There’s a lot of big names out there. And it’s a .... That’s the reason I cannot afford to get beat. I have to ... because there’s some huge fight that’s on me. I want to get through this fight and then go to the bigger fights.

G. Montoya I have a question for Pernell Whitaker if he’s still on the line. This is your second training camp with Zab. What are your thoughts and impressions? Was it easier or harder than the first time?

P. Whitaker Hello. Can you hear me?

G. Montoya Hi, Pernell. It’s Gabe Montoya at Max Boxing.

P. Whitaker Can you all hear me? Can you hear me.

G. Montoya I can hear you. This is your second training camp with Zab. How did it go in comparison to the first? Was it easier or harder.

P. Whitaker It was much easier. The first time is always—it was the learning experiences that it was my first time working with him. So it was a learning experience for both of us. He’s not a freshman fighter. He’s an experienced, professional fighter. But this time, it’s been a lot of fun. His preparation has been a lot of fun. I’m not going to give no strategies up. I’m not going to tell you what I’m planning on doing to this young man, but he’ll be okay. We’ll take good care of him—make sure he make it back to the U.K.

G. Montoya Thank you very much. One of our other writers is covering Zab, so Zab, I’ll just wish you good luck in the fight. Amir, good luck in the fight. And thank you all.

Moderator Our next question comes from Eddie Goldman with No Holds Barred.

E. Goldman Hello everybody. I was born in Brooklyn, so I guess I can ask Zab a question. Zab, can you explain a little bit more—you talked about the new Zab Judah, and you obviously seem to have rejuvenated your career and moving down from ’47 to ’40. Could you explain a little bit about how you’re different than you were a few years ago, and why you’re different.

Z. Judah I have a different mental .... A whole different mentality of .... I’m just more focused in on my career now. I’m focused in on my family and the morals of life, as a young man should be. I just think that I’m at a great place in life right now, and I’m fully prepared for this situation.

E. Goldman How much has Pernell Whitaker made a difference? Did that training with him give you a chance to sharpen up on your technique and your fundamentals?

Z. Judah Yes. Pernell Whitaker brought back a lot from my games, and he tapped into my memory status and has made me remember a lot of good things and just showed me what it is to be a scientific boxer. I added that to my style. And we have a complete full-version Zab Judah the way that the world knows him to be. This is the guy that you people love and the guy that you wanted to see ..., is the guy you will get to see July 23rd.

E. Goldman And a question for Amir. How are you going to prepare, since obviously you both have very, very strong amateur backgrounds and credential, but Zab is coming in—he’s older, but he also has more professional experience. How are you going to prepare for a more mature version of Zab Judah than existed a few years ago?

A. Khan The preparation is over for the fight, and the way things have gone in the training camp, I’m very, very happy with. The sparring was great, and conditioning-wise, I’m ready for him. But like I said, he can bring whatever he wants to the table because we’re going to be more than ready for it.

And we’ve got a game plan that we’re going to stick to, and I know that that game plan’s going to work. We’ve got a plan A and a plan B, but to be honest with you, I don’t think he is going to get through plan A. So .... We’re going to, like I said, ... and go in there and do what I do best.

E. Goldman How do you think he rates in terms of the opponents that you fought? You fought people like Barrera, but Barrera was at the very end of his career. How do you think he rates compared to Maidana and some of the other people that you’ve fought, at the time you’ve fought them?

A. Khan Physically, maybe he is on the same level as them. Maybe experience-wise, he’s ahead of them. These are the fights I need to make me get to the top, and I think it’s a great fight for me because it’s going to make me train harder, and it’s going to push me.

Throughout training camp, I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I can’t stop feeling I’m the one who knocked on his door and said, “Listen, we’ll take this fight on.” Between me and ... I turn the page over and I though Zab Judah was a good name to have because I know he’s beatable. I know what style to beat him and look good against him. I know he’s very awkward and everything, but we just love a challenge.

Moderator Our next question comes from Bob Bellin with USA Today.

B. Bellin Hi, Zab. These questions are for you. Do you look at this as a must-win fight in your career, and why or why not?


Z. Judah Yes. Every fight going forward today is a must-win fight. This is ... are going to put me right back to where I need to be at in the boxing game. I’m happy to be back on HBO again and happy to be fighting in the big fight, and I’m just 100% fully prepared.


B. Bellin Do you plan to stay at 140 pounds, or would you like to move up again? Where do you see the weight class for you in the future.

Z. Judah I make 140 pounds very well, very easy. This is the weight that I should’ve stayed at my whole career. And a lot people sometimes, when they start getting a little bit too big for the—when they can’t make the weight, they look at moving up in weight classes and things that’d be better. But for me, it wasn’t better. I was fighting much, much bigger guys and stronger guys. At 140 pounds, I’m dominant here. I’m dominant, and next Saturday, I’ll prove to the world that this was one of the reasons why I belong at 140.

B. Bellin So that being said, you don’t see Mayweather again in your future do you?

Z. Judah I can’t speak about the future. I don’t know. I don’t know what’s out there, what’s on the horizon, what God should put before me. But you know, I know that anything that God puts in front of me, I’m fully prepared for.

Moderator Our next question comes from Raj Pamar with 3 More Rounds.

R. Pamar Hi, Zab. How you doing. Just a quick question. Amir said a little earlier that he is the favorite, and in my personal opinion, you’re a very live underdog. Amir has Freddy Roach and Alex Ariza behind him, and Dave, in a very successful tandem-training fighters. Does that add any concern, any additional concern for you, or do you feel that won’t be a big factor for the fight?

Z. Judah Number one, with the favorites in the fight, that’s a man-made decision. A man made those odds up. A man made those numbers up. Like I say, if you’re into sports betting, they had Miami Heat to beat the Dallas Mavericks. And Dallas Mavericks came and smashed the odd-makers and beat the Miami Heat and won the championship. So that doesn’t mean anything, more or less, for the fight.

More or less for his trainers, Amir Khan, Freddy Roach and Alex Ariza, I have Pernell Whitaker. My trainer is—I think he’s an underestimated trainer. He was one of the best defensive fighters in the world, a six time champion of the world. He was a great fighter at his days, and great fighters make great coaches.

July 23rd I will be campaigning for my trainer to be trainer of the year. I think that after this is done, I will get fighter of the year and he will get trainer of the year.

♔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, July 19, 2011

Q & A with Amir Khan and Zab Judah

Read What Khan & Judah Have To Say About Camp Just Two Weeks Before
Their July 23 Super Lightweight World Championship Unification Fight Taking
Place At Mandalay Bay In Las Vegas And Being Televised Live on HBO

myboxingfans.com

Amir “King” Khan” – WBA Super Lightweight World Champion

Q: How has this camp been? Has it been better than the past three camps which involved traveling with trainer Freddie Roach (Philippines, Vancouver, Dallas, etc.)?

A: “This camp has been very smooth. We arrived in Los Angeles before the fight with Zab Judah was officially announced because we knew that the July 23 date was set in stone for my fight. When Timothy Bradley declined our last offer, we made a deal with Judah and we’ve been focusing on him since early June.”

“Obviously not traveling to the Philippines, Dallas or even Vancouver has made this an easier camp. There’s obviously less distractions this time. Although going to the Philippines to train with Manny was a terrific experience; any chance to train with one of the best fighters in the world is always an opportunity worth taking.”

Q: How is it working again with Alex Ariza? Can you describe his help in preparing you for the fight with Zab Judah?

A: “I’m glad to be back with Alex, he’s a very important member of the team. My conditioning for this fight is top notch as he continues to challenge me with various morning workouts and other strength and conditioning routines. He’s got terrific ideas and I appreciate the variety of what we do on a daily basis.”

Q: How do you feel about the talk coming from Zab Judah during the training camp? Does it feel like he’s trying to get you off edge?

A: “At first I was a little taken back, but that’s how Zab is. I don’t take much of it personally. He’s a terrific fighter with a wealth of experience. He tried to get under my skin at the press conference and on Twitter, but come July 23 I’ll be able to show the world who is better and that’s all that matters.”

Q: Can you discuss how it feels to return to Mandalay Bay, the site of your 2010 “Fight of the Year” performance against Marcos Maidana?

A: “I’m truly thrilled to be fighting again at Mandalay Bay. It’s a beautiful casino and resort for the fans and the arena is a perfect place to come and see the fight. My fight with Maidana was a classic and I look forward to putting on another sensational performance.”

Q: This is your third fight in the United States, do you feel that fight fans and media are giving you more attention and respect?

A: “Fans in the U.S. are very much ‘show me what you got’ type fans, which I like. I’ve had great responses from fans after my wins against Malignaggi and Maidana and I look forward to continuing to earn their respect. Same with the [American] boxing writers, they’ve been very fair to me. That’s all I can ask.”

Q: Generally speaking, what do you think will be your keys to a victory over Zab Judah?

A: “My keys to beating Zab are to stay focused and listen to Freddie’s plan. Freddie does a great job analyzing my opponents and putting together great plans towards victory. I’m fully confident that we’re putting the work in with our preparations that will lead to a victory on July 23.”

Freddie Roach, Khan’s Trainer

Q: How do you feel training camp is going?

A: “We had our best day of sparring on Friday (July 8). Everything is on schedule. We’ll be cutting down on sparring now; he peaked at 10 rounds. Now we’re down to eight, six and then four rounds sessions.”

Q: When will you break camp to head to Las Vegas?

A: “We will travel to Las Vegas after training on Monday (July 18).”

Zab “Super” Judah – IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion

Q: How is training camp progressing for July 23?

A: “Training camp is going well for me. We have a lot of fun in camp. We’re very relaxed, but very focused too. It’s great. I really have never felt better. My weight is great. It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication and we are ready to go.”

Q: How are you mentally preparing for this fight?

A: “July 23 is about this: What can you bring as far as your skills? What can you bring as far as your brains? What can you bring as far as your knowledge of boxing? What do you [Amir Khan] do when you look across that ring and there’s a hungry lion named Zab ‘Super’ Judah looking you dead in the eye, anxious for the bell to go bing? You either fold or you play cards. Me? I’m going to play to win!”

Q: What is the key to your strategy to beat Khan?

A: “You’re not going to get me to speak about strategy. We don’t talk about the specifics of what we do; you just need to know that everything we do, we do it hard and we do it well. It’s all about preparation and we are prepared. Come see for yourself on July 23, it’s going to be a spectacular performance!”

Pernell Whitaker, Judah’s Trainer & Former Five-Time World Champion

Q: How do you feel training camp is going?

A: “Up to now camp has been wonderful. There’s still 10 days to go and it can only get better. He’s [Judah] got finesse, speed and power, and we’re putting all three of those things together into one. I feel great about it. There’s no negativity in the camp.”

Q: What is your specific strategy to win this fight?

A: “You know we’re not going to talk specific strategies, but everything’s been positive. Zab is looking real good, real good.”

Amir Khan vs. Zab Judah, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Khan Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 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, July 18, 2011

Zab Judah Media Workout Photos H.I.T. Factory Boxing Gym, Las Vegas, NV


In preparation for his July 23rd world championship unification match against Amir "King" Khan on July 23rd at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas , Zab "Super" Judah hosted a media workout at H.I.T. Factory Boxing Gym in Las Vegas Nevada.

The champ looked fit, focused and relaxed as he worked out with his trainer, Pernell "Sweetpea" Whitaker.


Judah Works Out as Whitaker Looks On

Judah vs. Khan, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Super Judah Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T.


The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m.



Photo credit @chris cozzone / cozzone.com

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 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.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Zab "Super" Judah Training Camp Quotes‏; Zab Judah vs Amir Khan July 23

Judah and Whitaker - Credits: Jayson Colon - FIGHTimages.com

Zab Judah: "When I went in against Matthysse, me and my team knew that I was going to beat him. Golden Boy thought I was going to be a stepping stone, so they sacrificed one of their pawns. Now they're going to come back and sacrifice one of their queens. It's check mate baby, you know it is!"

"I plan to be his (Amir Kahn's) worst nightmare. After this fight I plan on Team Kahn having a 62 hour watch on Amir Kahn. I plan on being the Freddie Cougar of his dreams. I plan on being Freddie Cougar to Freddie Roach. I'm pretty sure after this fight Freddie Roach would never put his golden boy and marquis fighter, which is Manny Pacquiao, against me in the ring."

Over the past five years, "I grew up a lot. It's not just about age, its maturity. It took me a little more time to figure things out. Now I am alive and alert and I have the great Pernell Whitaker in my corner. Having him in my corner exempts the whole Freddie Roach thing. Now I have not only a masterful trainer, but I have a masterful fighter too. Freddie Roach has a great game plan when it comes to boxing training, but as a fighter he wasn't that masterful. I have not only a masterful fighter but a great teacher, so I have the edge."

"Pernell Whitaker and Zab Judah is something like a movie. We started out together when he was still fighting and it turned out to be a great thing. We are now working side by side with each other. He's my right-hand man! He's pouring on all the great skills and accomplishments that he's done in his boxing career. It's phenomenal. He's good at what he does."

A win against Kahn would mean: "For the most part it unifies the division; it's a closer step to undisputed. I also think Amir Kahn is a good boxer. He has fast hands, decent power, but I think it's a sacrifice move what Golden Boy did here with Amir Kahn, and I think he (Kahn) will realize this once the bell rings."

"I'm from Brooklyn, I don't have problem taking the the long, hard, grinding road. I wasn't the golden boy. I wasn't the guy always in the light, the guy always first picked, but somehow I made my way back to the top with the thanks of Main Events and Super Judah Promotions. It says a lot to come out of the '96 team of great fighters, and to be one of about 2 of those fighters still standing on the championship level."

"Main Events has done a great job with me. It's a good feeling. I have a strong team. We're the underdogs going up against what they would call wolves, they do their jobs, I do my job, and we got a successful plan going on. I think we won't be stopped."

"July 23rd is about this: what can you bring as far as your skills; what can you bring as far as far your brains; what can you bring as far as your knowledge of boxing; what can you do inside that square ring; what do you do when you look across that ring and there's a hungry lion named Zab "Super" Judah looking you dead in the eye, anxious for the bell to go bing?' You either fold or you play cards. I'm going to play to win."

Kathy Duva: "Zab is being under-estimated. Everybody keeps talking about Zab being old, but he's not old and I don't know why people think he is. If you look at the top ten best pound for pound fighters in the world you'll find that the vast majority of them are older than Zab. He's experienced. He started professional boxing at an age much younger than most professional fighters. There's nothing wrong with experience. If you look at the history of boxing, generally the young talented fighters have run into a problem the first time they meet up with an experienced fighter in his prime. That's the real test. Lots of guys can come up and win titles, there are lots of titles that are available, but when you get in that first fight against that really experienced fighter, that's the real test. That's the test that Matthysse was not able to pass, and now Kahn is going to have to deal with the same thing. That's why we like this fight, that's why we like Amir Kahn as an opponent for Zab, because we believe that Zab is going to take him to school."

Khan vs. Judah, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Super Judah Promotions and Kahn Promotions. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins 7/23 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

EL Boxing Empress 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" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

“The Arc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science” by Mike Silver With a foreword by Budd Schulberg, Book review by Robert Mladinich

If you’ve ever wondered how boxing superstars like Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Pernell Whitaker, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran would have done against their counterparts of decades past—wonder no more. Mike Silver has written the most definitive analyses of the classic “old school” vs. “new school” boxing debate I have ever read. This is a book that belongs on every fan’s bookshelf. It is an important work that reverberates with insight and wisdom, answering with startling clarity who deserves to be ranked among the greatest fighters of all time—and who does not.

Silver, a lifelong New Yorker, has carried on a love affair with the beleaguered sport since he trained as a youngster at the fabled Stillman’s Gym in the 1950s. Over the past few decades he’s been a promoter, as well as an inspector for the New York State Athletic Commission, and a renowned historian who has offered commentary on HBO, PBS and ESPN. Anyone who knows him will agree that when Silver talks boxing, you can’t help but listen.

In his new book, “The Arc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science,” (McFarland & Company, 229 pages, 50 photos), Silver offers compelling evidence of the ongoing regression of boxing skills. He explains how—and why—the top fighters of the past 20 years are not on the same level as those who came of age during the sport’s Golden Age of talent and activity, which he defines as the 1920s to the 1950s.

When he writes that “unlike their golden age counterparts, one rarely sees today’s fighters—from rank novice to multiple belt holders—duck, parry, slip, sidestep, ride, weave or roll to avoid punches,” the reader is given a crash course in the lost arts of infighting, feinting, body punching, footwork, and counter-punching skills that used to be part and parcel of a seasoned contender’s repertoire.

Silver utilizes his own vast knowledge, as well as the insights of a respected array of panelists that includes trainers Teddy Atlas, Freddie Roach, Emanuel Steward and former lightweight champion Carlos Ortiz. In addition, over a dozen other experts, some of whom are old enough to have personally witnessed the greatest fighters of the past 70 years, offer their discerning comments. This may be the last opportunity to delve into the wealth of information and knowledge they have to offer concerning these issues.

Dozens of champs, both past and present, are scrutinized and evaluated. Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s fights with De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton are deconstructed, revealing weaknesses in Mayweather’s style that, the experts claim, would have been exploited by the top lightweight and welterweight fighters from previous decades.

“If Floyd was born 50 years earlier his athleticism and natural ability would be the foundation—not the end product—for his development into a seasoned and technically proficient fighter,” opines Silver.

Silver does not blame the modern day fighters for their inadequacies. He sees them as a product of their time. Many possess the raw talent but have no chance of reaching their full potential because fighters no longer have to “pay their dues the old fashioned way.” By fighting just 3 or 4 times a year against mediocre opposition, there is simply no opportunity to acquire the kind of extensive experience and bout-to-bout education that empowered the great fighters of the golden age.

The book reveals how the current vacuum of expert teachers/trainers has created “a fertile breeding ground for gimmickry and artifice that is of little use to a fighter.” An entire chapter is devoted to the misuse of weight training and the effects of steroid use. Even the popular and ubiquitous “punch pad” workouts are taken to task.

“Old school trainers rarely, if ever, used them,” writes Silver. “They believed that hitting the pads with the same combinations over and over had limited teaching potential and emphasized a robotic ‘bang, bang’ style of boxing. Their use did not encourage a fighter to think…everything that is taught with the pads achieved better results using the heavy bag.” The extent to which punch pad workouts are used, he adds, “is just another indication of the dumbed down quality of today’s boxing instruction.”

As Silver makes abundantly clear, today’s fighters are also impeded by the pressure to maintain an undefeated record. Promoters, managers and television executives have magnified the cost of defeat to the point that many former amateur stars are carefully navigated to maintain an unbeaten record while waiting to secure a lucrative TV appearance. This “must win syndrome” hinders the fighter’s progress. Over the past 20 years it has fostered a “mismatch culture” that minimizes the number of competitive matches because no fighter with any promise wants to take a chance on losing. When boxing was in its heyday, a defeat did not carry the same stigma that it does today. It was considered a normal part of the learning process.

Silver also places Bernard Hopkins’ decade-long dominance of the middleweight division in historical context. He gives Hopkins his due as a talented and well-rounded professional “by today’s standards,” but considers his placement among the all-time greats as unwarranted. He explains, “Great middleweight champions such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Harry Greb, Freddie Steele, Mickey Walker, Marcel Cerdan and Jake La Motta could never have defended their titles 20 times over 10 years against the kind of brutal competition that populated the middleweight division from the 1920s to the 1950s. It is even more ridiculous to think any of these fighters—no matter how great—could have been ‘dominant’ in their respective eras as they approached their 40th birthday”. The conclusion reached is that Hopkins’ dominance of a division that was once considered the toughest in boxing is not proof of his greatness— it is proof of how far boxing has regressed.

Silver believes that if Hopkins campaigned 50 or more years ago his talents would be considered just average. He believes it would even be questionable if Hopkins would have been world-rated, let alone win a world championship. “Both Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins benefited from the worst assortment of challengers ever faced by a middleweight or light heavyweight champion since the advent of boxing gloves,” he asserts. “Is it any wonder they stood out as giants in a land of pygmies?”

Silver also exposes the fallacious nature of the absurdly high KO records of today’s fighters. Another eye-opening chapter debunks the myth that today’s 250-300 pound heavyweights (he calls them “dreadful dreadnoughts”) would have been too big for the “small” 190 to 210 pound heavyweight contenders and champions from the 1920s to the 1970s. He is particularly critical of media “faux experts” who, lacking both perspective and frame of reference, too often attribute greatness to ordinary fighters, thereby obfuscating the superior achievements and skills of the truly great fighters of the past.

“It is high time for boxing’s overused words ‘dominant’ and ‘great’ to be given a rest,” writes Silver. “Since the 1990s both words have been used to wretched excess. Let’s be perfectly clear: there are no great fighters today, and under the present circumstances it is impossible to produce one.”

Last, but certainly not least, he describes what he believes to be the severe damage done to boxing and boxers by what he calls the “alphabet-promoter cartels” who he says “have had a free hand in ruining the sport for the past 30 years.”

Although it might sound like it, Silver is not a curmudgeon or a knee-jerk believer in the myth that what’s old is always better than what’s new. He, as well as his panel of experts, persuasively state their cases while speaking with great authority and insight. After reading this entertaining treasure trove of boxing “insider” knowledge I felt like I had taken a graduate course in the finer points of the “sweet science.” The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand what happened to boxing.

“The Arc of Boxing: The Rise and Decline of the Sweet Science” can be ordered online at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com. It is also available at bookstores.

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©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved