Connect with us

Press Releases

DANNY GARCIA, ROD SALKA, LAMONT PETERSON, EDGAR SANTANA AND DANIEL JACOBS MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Published

on

CLICK HERE FOR MP3

Kelly Swanson

Thanks, everybody for joining us. We have five of the fighters participating on the Saturday, August 9 event at Barclays Center and SHOWTIME on the call with us today. That includes Danny Garcia, Rod Salka, Lamont Peterson, Edgar Santana and Daniel Jacobs.

We’re going to start the call with Daniel Jacobs and then move into Edgar Santana and Lamont Peterson and then wrap it up with Danny Garcia and Rod Salka. So, I’m going to turn it over now to Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions to make the introductions.

Oscar De La Hoya

Thank you very much, Kelly. Yes, we are very excited. We are getting closer to the great night of fights that we will be having at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. As you know the main event is Danny Garcia vs. Rod Salka, which will be a 10-round welterweight fight. The co-main event, Lamont Peterson vs. Edgar Santana will be a 12-round bout for Peterson’s IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.

The fight we’ll be talking about now is Daniel Jacobs vs. Jarrod Fletcher. That will be a 12-rounder for the WBA Middleweight World Title. We are happy to be in association with DiBella Entertainment. We are also happy to announce that Daniel Jacobs vs. Jarrod Fletcher is being promoted in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

Thank you very much to our sponsors Corona and AT&T. There are tickets still available. We priced them very reasonably because we know that having a packed house at the Barclays Center, there’s no experience like it when you hear the thunderous crowd going wild watching the great fights that we’ve had in the past and is no exception.

Prices start at $25 and we work our way up for ringside seats at $250. I would like to thank everyone for making this possible, Showtime, to all the sponsors and all the participants. The first gentleman that I will be introducing to you, to the media, they call him the “Miracle Man” and the “Miracle Man” for a reason.

He is from Brooklyn, New York. We all know him for his dazzling footwork plus his speed and combinations. He has a tremendous record of 27-1 and 24 KOs. He is, perhaps, one of the most inspirational figures, not only in boxing, but in any sport today. He’s really excited to be fighting for a world title in Brooklyn, his hometown. We feel excited about showcasing once again.

Daniel Jacobs

Hey, guys, how are you? All is well. I’m very excited. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me, being back at after another tremendous knockout and I plan to continue that streak. Although I’m not predicting a knockout I do believe I’ll be able to get the victory on fight night and it’s going to exciting. I’m very excited.

O. De La Hoya

Thank you very much, Daniel. And we can now open it up for questions from the media, thank you.

Q

Could you ever have imagined that you’d be in a position like you’ll be next Saturday to not only fight in your hometown arena, but also to get in the ring and challenge for a belt?

D. Jacobs

Absolutely not. That was the furthest thing in my mind. I had hopes and aspirations of one day again being able to get back to the ring at the Barclays Center. Once I found out that the Barclays Center would have a fight, that was my biggest drive and my biggest motivation was to just participate there in that first event, that inaugural event.

But to have this opportunity to have a world championship a year and a half, two years later I never would have thought this would be possible, let alone to happen in my backyard. To be able to perform in front of my fans and my family who have been there during my struggles, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Seriously, I really can’t wait for fight night. It’s going to be like a dream come true for me.

Q

Do you think that you and members of your family are going to be able to contain the emotion after everything that you have been through in the last couple of years?

D. Jacobs

Absolutely not. I think about it all the time. I envision melf with my hand being raised and, of course, your vision is the announcer saying, “And the new…” I get emotional just thinking about it. So, for me that night and for my family, that will be a night to remember if we have our hand raised in victory. And it will be historical. I never would have dreamed of this opportunity to have in the fight for the WBA Championship in my backyard. This is truly an honor.

Q

What’s the difference between the Daniel Jacobs that perhaps was a little green to be fighting in your previous championship opportunity compared to the Daniel Jacobs of today who, even though you were ill and gone through a lot physically, to be on track to get in the fight next Saturday?

D. Jacobs

Well, I think I’m a lot wiser in how I train and how I conduct my training camp and the fact that I had to alter my diet for the cancer allowed me to have a healthier body and healthier lifestyle to be able to maintain a good training camp and maintain a good body to be able to perform at an elite level.

At that time I wouldn’t say I took it for granted, but I don’t think I had the best training for that particular fight. I’m a lot wiser, I’m a lot stronger and my mental state is at an all-time high, especially going through what I’ve gone through I feel like I’m not invincible, but I also feel like the only person that could stop me inside that ring is myself.

Q

Do you have any thoughts or opinions about the fact that whoever wins the fight next Saturday is going to get handed a belt that another guy really has a claim to and that basically you’re the secondary champion of that particular organization or does that not make a difference because they’re giving you a title?

D. Jacobs

It doesn’t matter to me. I mean, a champion is a champion. A secondary champion or the first champion it doesn’t matter to me. I have an opportunity to fight for a world championship. It’s not my job to make the belt. It’s not my job to put myself in a position to fight for the belt. It’s just my job to really go in there and just be ready to fight whoever they put in front of me and whatever title we get, I’m very grateful for it.

Whether they call me a paper champion or a real champion, I am the champion because each and every time I go inside that ring I give it my all and that’s pretty much all I have to say about that.

Q

What do you know about Jarrod Fletcher and how do you deal with his style if you know anything about it?

D. Jacobs

Initially I really didn’t know too much about his style so I had to YouTube some of his fights to get a gist of how he fights and his movements and things of that nature. To me it seems as if he’s an in-and-out type of guy, his nickname is “Left Jab” and I can tell that he uses that a lot from looking at his fights.

I know he plans on boxing and moving and using the combinations and going the full 12 rounds come August 9. But for the most part, myself as a champion I feel like what a champion does is adjust to any style. I’ve had over 150 amateur fights and I fought all different types of styles from the national to international level, so I don’t think that there’s going to be anything in there that he could project that I haven’t seen thus far and if there is, it’s just my job and my duty to go ahead and adjust and do my best to get the victory.

Q

How much pressure is there for you from a personal standpoint to continue performing at Barclays Center and to look good given that you could be fighting a guy who could make the fight look ugly?

D. Jacobs

Well, I just have to be a superhero that night. I’ve trained and through my training we gave it our all and we always put it in the back of my mind that I have to be a superhero and that I have to perform at an elite level. So, that’s already instilled in my mind.

There’s no pressure, there’s not a lot of pressure for me to go out there and try to knock the guy out. I have the ability to box, I have the ability to move and I do have the ability also that if I hurt someone I can get the job done and get them out of there. So, I’m just looking forward to putting on a show, whether it’s a full 12 rounds of just hands flying, combinations, putting punches together or if it’s a devastating knockout, but I look forward to going in there and giving it my best and I believe my best will give me the victory.

Q

Are you a believer in destiny, that all things happen for a reason and that this is the real story that needs to be told in your career?

D. Jacobs

Absolutely. I’m a believer of that 100 percent. We have our own plans and we have our own goals set up for us, but it don’t roll out the way we see, but we just have to stick through it. And I do feel like everything that I’ve been through God is molding me to be all that I could be, possibly August 9, and that’s a world champion.

I do feel like that loss wasn’t in vain and I do feel like this is all molding me and setting me up to be a superhero come August 9 and further from there. So, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I look forward to taking full advantage of it.

Q

What are your thoughts on the possibility of fighting Golovkin in the immediate future?

D. Jacobs

I think it will be huge. But for me, how I look at it is I’ll just be the champ, I’ll just be being crowned champ, it’s an opportunity that I would love to have to fight him. I also think that he’s already a superstar and I think I want to have the opportunity to be a superstar myself. So, I think that if I can maybe get a couple of fights, maybe Peter Quillin or someone like that and then go up to Golovkin, that’s something that I would look forward to doing.

But initially right after the win, I mean, I’m not really in control of who I fight. But if I had it my way I would probably get me a couple of fights just to solidify that spot and to secure my name and be considered a superstar in the division and a big play in the division as well so we can go ahead and make the fight the way we both can get what we deserve for that particular fight.

Q

What did you think of Golovkin’s performance Saturday night?

D. Jacobs

I think his performance was great. I think what everyone else thinks. I think that the hype is real only in the sense that he’s doing what he’s supposed to do. Whether or not I believe in the hype, that’s a different story. I see flaws in his game, but his power is tremendous and Mike Tyson used to say you can have all the game plan in the world until you get hit and that changes your whole perspective.

You definitely have to be aware of his power, but I do see a whole lot of flaws in his game as far as his defense and his ability just to deflect and his ability to move his feet and being flat-footed. So, if there is a possibility that we can fight I’ll look forward to it.

Q

What do you know about Fletcher? What does he do well, especially for people who haven’t really seen much of him and what do you think of his ability?

D. Jacobs

I think the key thing that he does well is use his jab and he moves pretty good with his combinations. But he’s definitely something that I haven’t seen before and he’s going to try to box and use his movement.

O. De La Hoya

Once again, the co-main event, which we’re really excited about as we are with all the fights, Lamont Peterson vs. Edgar Santana, which will be 12 rounds for the IBF Junior Welterweight Championship. On the phone now he is from New York City, New York. He is unbeaten in eight of his last nine bouts and he is the current NABF Champion. Obviously, he’ll be getting his long awaited shot at a world title.

He does hold wins over Josesito Lopez, who is a very tough champion contender. He also holds wins over Grover Wiley and Luis Hernandez. So, let me introduce to you now, who will be fighting for a world title against Lamont Peterson on August 9, a gentleman they call “El Chamaco” from New York City, New York with a record of 29-4 and 20 KOs, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana.

Edgar Santana

I’m feeling great. I’m feeling hyped. You know what, I’ve been training hard and even before I got the call I’ve been in the gym so I’m going to be more than ready come August 9. I’m going to give the fans a fight they’re looking for, which is an exciting fight and two fighters giving it their all that night.

O. De La Hoya

Okay, perfect. Thank you. Also now let me introduce to you the Champion. He is the IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion. He hails out of Washington, D.C. As we all know, he has also a very inspirational and difficult upbringing. Inspirational because of where he comes from and how he got to the top, through hard work and perseverance.

He has tremendous wins against great fighters like Amir Khan and Kendall Holt. He’s coming off some great wins and on August 9 he knows he has a very tough fight in front of him, but he is more than ready and willing to shine in front of all the fans at the Barclays Center.

So, let me introduce to you the Champion with a record of 32-2 with 16 KOs out of Washington, D.C., Lamont Peterson.

Lamont Peterson

Hello, everybody. How are you doing? I’m feeling great, trying to keep working hard and just ready to fight August 9.

Q

I think a lot of people thought that you might be fighting Danny Garcia, who is in the main event on next Saturday. What were your thoughts about that, that that’s not the fight, that you’re fighting Santana instead?

L. Peterson

Well, I fought that night, everyone that’s interviewing me; I let them know I wanted to fight Danny Garcia next because that’s what the fans wanted to see. For me, if the fans want to see me fight someone, I’m going to push for that fight, so that’s what I did. But it just didn’t happen. At the end of the day I’m going to end up fighting a good fighter, Edgar Santana, and hopefully it can happen next time.

Q

Did you push hard for the Garcia fight and were you surprised that you couldn’t have your side get that fight done?

L. Peterson

It’s boxing. Everything has to make sense from that end. But, if I can win this fight, win or lose, that’s the fight that I want to happen. Of course, me winning the fight will make it more pleasing because I leave with my title and hopefully he leaves with his and maybe it can happen because it’s really the biggest fight you can make at the weight class, it’s the fight that the fans want to see at the weight class and I’m willing to do it.

Q

So, are you in a situation where if things go your way August 9 that you’ll finish up your fight with Edgar and come out to the ring and pay close attention to what Danny’s doing in his fight?

L. Peterson

Well, I’m not going to really pay close attention to it. I pretty much know Danny is a top fighter. He can handle himself at that level and I can handle myself at that level. So, I won’t be really focused on him or anything like that. The first thing I have to do is take care of my business and if I do that, then I’ll just be ready to celebrate and relax and get ready for the next one.

Q

What are your thoughts about getting the opportunity not only to win a world title, which most people would consider a big upset, but to also kind of wreck those plans?

E. Santana

Edgar, well, I’m happy to be the one. I guess they’ve picked me out of the bunch. I feel they committed a big mistake and I’m going to be ready to lay it all on the line that day. I’m going to be there to fight, no doubt about that.

Q

What do you say to all the critics who are not giving you a chance in this fight?

E. Santana

I’m going to prove everybody wrong. They made a big mistake in choosing me and I’m going to prove everybody wrong and this is for my family and this is for all Puerto Rico and all the Puerto Ricans. They made a big mistake.

Q

How does it feel fighting in New York for the first time in more than two years?

E. Santana

It’s a dream of mine. I want to thank SHOWTIME. I want to thank Oscar, yours truly. I’m ready to go and it’s a dream come true. So, I’m going to give it my all and I’m here to win.

Q

Is there anything that you personally want to demonstrate or feel that you need to demonstrate further to distance yourself from the loss to Lucas Matthysse?

L. Peterson

No, not really. It was just one of the nights in boxing. I’ve been told that from day one. So, I didn’t have anything to prove in that fight. Have nothing to prove now. At the end of the day, we’re all fighters. We go out there, we train hard, we give it our best and we go out there to win. That’s what I do all the time.

Q

How rejuvenating was it to go back home after that loss and to put on that kind of performance and to bring that momentum into this fight?

L. Peterson

I look at myself as one of the best in the weight class, so when I’ve taken in the victory, it was a good thing and I’m looking forward to another victory. I know Edgar is looking at himself as the underdog. I know a lot of you are putting him as the underdog.

But for me, I’m just going in there and look at it as another fight that I have to win. I know he’ll give it his all. This is his first title fight. I know how it is to finally get your shot and I know that he’s well prepared and be at your best. So, I’m looking for a great fight and may the best man win.

K. Swanson

We are now going to move to the final fight and the main event on the August 9show, Danny Garcia and Rod Salka. So, I’m going to turn it back over to Oscar to make the introductions.

O. De La Hoya

Thank you very much, Kelly. This fight, the main event, which all have been waiting for, Danny Garcia vs Rod Salka, which will be a 10-rounder in the Welterweight Division. At this time I would like to introduce to you, he hails from Bunola, Pennsylvania. He has a record of 19-3 with 3 KOs. They call him “Lightning” for a reason.

It’s great to introduce someone who is a proud United States Air Force veteran. He is here to win against Danny Garcia. He’s coming off a huge upset against highly touted Alexei Collado, which he handed Collado his very first professional loss April 18th and he expects to shock the world. He’s coming prepared. He’s ready.

Let me introduce to you from Bunola, Pennsylvania, Rod Salka.

Rod Salka

Thanks, Oscar. Training camp is going great. We’re up in the mountains in California, PA. Been up here for about seven weeks, it’ll be eight weeks by the time of the fight and we’re ready to rumble.

O. De La Hoya

Thank you very much. And now, let me introduce to you the champion. He has a record of 20-0 with 16 KOs and now in his third year as a world champion, Danny has made five successful title defenses. He won his first world title in March of 2012 by dropping and decisioning legendary Erik Morales for the WBC 140-pound title. He helped open Barclays Center for business with a one-punch knockout of Morales in the arena, which was a 2012 knockout of the year candidate.

He holds tremendous win over champions of very high caliber like Mauricio Herrera, the amazing Lucas Matthysse, which he put on a tremendous performance. Here you have a fighter who has been on the big stage, who is ready to perform, who is ready to go out there and once again put on a tremendous show for his fan base that keeps growing every single day. Let me introduce the Champion, Danny “Swift” Garcia.

Danny Garcia

I want to thank everybody on this conference call. Camp is going tremendous. I’ve been sparring hundreds of rounds. I’m running my miles every day. I’m very excited for this fight. I can’t wait to be back in the Barclays Center to give the fans my third performance at Barclays Center.

I had two great performances there already, with Morales and Zab Judah. I’m really motivated and, like I say, August 9 at the Barclays Center it’s the “Danny Garcia purge.”

Q

Why is the best fighter in the 140-lb division fighting a fighter with Salka’s type of resume?

D. Garcia

You know, I don’t pick my opponents. My manager Al Haymon does. And I never go against him. He picked the Khan fight, he picked the Matthysse fight, he picked the Zab Judah fight, he picked the Herrera fight, he picked all my fights. I never question him about his decisions. I just accept the fight and my job is to train hard and go in there August 9 and give the people at the Barclays Center a great performance and a good fight.

At the end of the day, my style brings out the best in my opponent, so I’m looking forward to an action-packed fight August 9 and I can’t wait.

Q

Was that Peterson fight one that you would prefer to have?

D. Garcia

At the end of the day, it’s what I want because I can say what I want, but you know, right now, I’ve got August 9, so I can’t look past anybody. The same with Lamont Peterson. He can’t look past Edgar Santana. At the end of the day, we’ve both got to get these victories and at the end of the year or the beginning of next year that we could do a unification bout.

Q

What’s your plan of attack against Salka, who does not have a lot of experience against the top level fighters?

D. Garcia

I’ve got to go in there and be smart. I can’t make mistakes. I’ve got to stay sharp. I’ve got to stay composed. I’ve got to work on my jab, I’ve got to move my head and I’ve got to go in there and seek and destroy and look like a champion.

Q
Is there a need or desire to win by knockout, to win spectacularly, perhaps similarly to the way you beat Morales in the rematch?

D. Garcia
I think it’s very important for me to go out there and look good August 9. I’ve got to go in there and look like a champion. I’ll fight at the Barclays Center. I love the atmosphere there. It’s a beautiful arena. I’m very motivated. I did everything right this camp. I haven’t made a lot of mistakes sparring, so I’m looking good. I’m looking sharp and come August 9 there’s going to be another excellent performance and I’m going to go in there and try to give my fans a knockout.

Q
How do you feel about the kind of the criticism that has been leveled against his fight?

D. Garcia
That’s the media’s problem. At the end of the day, he’s got two hands, I’ve got two hands and we’re going to fight. It’s a fight. It doesn’t matter who he is. He’s got two hands, I’ve got two hands and it’s going to be a fight. It doesn’t matter who they put in there. It’s going to be an excellent performance August 9, two guys going in there and giving their all and it’s going to be a great fight.

Q
Will you feel victorious if you go the distance and you give a good fight what does that do for your career, let alone winning?

R. Salka
I don’t care what that would do. I don’t have any other expectations other than coming in there and winning the fight. Having any other thoughts about that only distracts from the goal and the goal is to ignore that and win the fight. So, come August 9 I’m coming to win.

Q
Do you feel that there’s any extra pressure on Danny and, if so, is that something that you can take advantage of?

R. Salka
Honestly, at this level I don’t really feel like anybody listens. None of the fighters are really taking any kind of praise and any of that stuff. Like he says, at the end of the day, we’re two guys with two hands and we’re going to go in there and we’re going to fight. It really doesn’t matter what anybody is saying because that’s the facts. So, absolutely not, I don’t think there’s any more pressure.

We feel pressure going in there to fight regardless. It’s what we do, it’s what we do every day, it’s what we train to do, it’s what we’ve trained to do for years. And at the end of the day we’re going in there and we’re doing our job. So, there really is not pressure there, just a great atmosphere. It’s going to be an awesome night and we’re going to go in there and handle our business and we’re going to get it on August 9.

Q

In the event that both Danny Garcia and Lamont are victorious, is that a fight, as Danny referenced that you would push for for the end of the year?

O. De La Hoya

Well, I mean, it’s a fight that has been talked about, but there’s nothing that we can push for now because Danny Garcia and Salka, as much as this fight has been written about and talked about, these are two live, willing, hard-working and dedicated fighters that are going to give it their all August 9.

So, there’s really nothing to talk about looking ahead. We feel that making this card, putting it together we’re going to have a lot of shockers, a lot of surprises, a lot of great performances. We’re going to get it all August 9. We have fighters that have inspirational stories, fighters that have worked from the bottom all the way up, like Danny Garcia, Salka, who served our country. We have everything on this card and so there’s nothing that we can really talk about concerning the main event. All we can talk about is we’ll have to wait and see what happens August 9 because we don’t know what’s going to happen.

Q

Danny, you’ve lost a lot of pound-for-pound momentum since the disputed decision win against Herrera in Puerto Rico and now this non-title debacle with Salka. How do you get that momentum back?

D. Garcia

I already got momentum. I’ve been training hard. I’m 28 now. I have no losses and I’m always motivated. I feel like I’ve got great momentum now. I’ve just got to go in there August 9 and perform and get the W. That’s all that matters, other than ratings and rankings and what the people think, it doesn’t matter because good media is good media and bad media is still good media, as long as people are paying attention it makes me relevant and I’m going to go in there August 9 and give the fans a great fight.

Q

You referred to the controversy as the media’s problem. Is that really the paying fan’s problem? What did you mean by that?

D. Garcia

My fans, they’re always going to be my fans regardless. Danny Garcia’s fans support what he does regardless. For other people, I can’t tell for other people. My fans back me up and they love me no matter what.

Q

What is your gripe with the media’s assessment of this fight?

D. Garcia

I don’t read articles and stuff like that. But people will say what they want to say, but it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication to be a world champion and to face pound-for-pound and tough fighters and beat them. So, if you don’t like it, you’ve still got to respect it because at the end of the day it takes a lot of hard work to be an athlete and it takes an extra amount of work to be a world champion.

Q

Rod, what do you think about the fact that this fight was downgraded to non-title status?

R. Salka

It is what it is. There’s nothing I can do about that. I’d of rathered it been for the titles, but what am I going to do?

Q

Is beating Garcia non-title at welterweight just as good for you as beating him for the title at 40 at one point? I guess what I’m asking you is what do you have to gain aside from your purse?

R. Salka

I’m fighter the best fighter at 140 pounds in the world. Titles are what they are, but would I rather fight some guy nobody ever heard of for a title or would I rather fight some guy everybody knows who he is for no title? You know what I mean? Why wouldn’t I want to fight Danny Garcia? He’s the best we’ve got out there. It’s the biggest fight you could possibly get at 140 pounds. I really don’t care if I can put a belt on at the end of it. I can take my purse and go out and have a thousand of those made if I wanted to, what is that?

Q

Though you’re not the underdog here is that criticism motivate you into that underdog mindset that’s served you so well in the past?

D. Garcia

My mindset is to go in there and win and that’s how I approach every one of my fights. Even when I was the underdog against Khan and I was the underdog against Matthysse. I couldn’t understand how I was the underdog, but the media and the people always want to choose the fighter with more fame and more publicity. That’s what makes the underdog when you’re fighting somebody who had probably a bigger name than you in the sport.

But I never had in my mind that I was the underdog, so I just train hard for the occasion and win in spectacular form.

Q

Now, a week or so before the fight, how are those two extra pounds you have in this fight benefitting you? Do you feel the defense between 140 and the weight you are for this fight?

D. Garcia

I feel really energized usually at this time. When I’ve got to be 140 I feel a little bit weak from losing the weight and maintaining, skipping meals and stuff like that. But I’m able to walk around a little bit more comfortable. I’ve still got to work hard to make the weight, I’ve still got to sacrifice, but those two pounds, as anybody knows in boxing if you’re a fighter, two pounds makes a big difference.

It’s helping me, I’m still strong sparring and I still feel strong working out, so it’s going to be a big difference.

Q

Rod, when you were fighting Alexei Collado, was it in your mind at the time that you would be going out to fight the very best fighter in the world at 140 pounds?

R. Salka

No, I wouldn’t have thought that I’d be fighting Danny Garcia in my next fight. Heck, when I was promoting my own shows I didn’t know who I was going to fight in my next fight. It’s just the nature of the beast. You never know. It might be a big fight or I might have been fighting off TV or on another TV network somewhere else. You can’t predict these things in boxing.

I’m happy I did get it, I’m happy that fight went well. I did well and I’m happy to get the opportunity.

Q

What is your preferred weight and how is it for you for 142 pound fight?

R. Salka

Like he was saying, I can make 35, I can make it. I can get down, heck, I can get down to whatever I need to get down to. That’s my job. But that’s really a lot more comfortable for me. A hundred and forty pounds, I don’t want to say easy because you’re killing yourself in the gym every day to get ready for the fight and ready for war. But to get down the weight and make sure your body is as fine-tuned as it can be and you’re sacrificing as little as possible to get down and lose weight. I’ve still got to do that to get to 40.

Q

Oscar, how did this card come about as opposed to the desired match-up between Garcia and Peterson?

O. De La Hoya

We, obviously, did want to stage a fight that all the media was suggesting. Peterson vs Garcia, but it wasn’t a fight that was available. It just wasn’t available. It couldn’t be made and so Salka, obviously, he’s well deserving. He has a Rocky-like story and so we put on a tremendous card from top to bottom, with Daniel Jacobs and with Peterson and with all these big name fighters.

This is a perfect fit for the Barclays Center and it’s like Danny Garcia said, you have two fighters that are going to be ready to come August 9 and the leather will be flying and it’s going to be a tremendous show.

Q

Danny, is there any chance of you bringing the title home to Philadelphia one day?

D. Garcia

Actually that was a dream of mine to fight in Philadelphia on a world title. I don’t think there’s been a world title fight here in quite an amount of years. But it wasn’t available at this time. We tried, it wasn’t available. A lot of the venues were booked for the time, the fight that they were trying to schedule in that time period, so we went with Barclays Center.

Barclays Center is a great place. I love it. It feels down home to me. It’s a good place for the people in Philadelphia, if they want to go out, they feel like they want to get out of the city, they just take a two-hour drive to New York, watch boxing and go out in New York after the fight.

So, it’s a good getaway for the people in Philadelphia and a lot of people from Philly are going to be there and it’s going to be like I’m fighting in Philly anyway.

Q

Oscar, without looking past August 9 because Danny Garcia could be included in this question, but since Floyd has a couple of fights left under his belt to become that, he’s that pay-per-view guy right now, are they looking for that next pay-per-view fighter?

O. De La Hoya

Look, we’re focusing on the job at hand. Floyd Mayweather has Maidana in front of him in September. Danny Garcia has Salka in front of him August 9. So, it’s really difficult now in these days to look ahead and plan for the future on all these fights, these mythical fights that everybody wants to watch, because we’re experiencing something that hasn’t been experienced in a long time in boxing.

There’s a lot of upset in boxing today. There are a lot of these fights where people don’t expect an opponent to win because of the champion and because of the stature of the champion. We must pay attention to the fights at hand because you never know what’s going to happen in boxing. And this is a perfect invitation that we must pay attention to the job at hand August 9 because fighters, they don’t know what’s going to happen.

They train hard and they take care of business and they work hard because you never know what’s going to happen. One punch can turn everything around and so it’s hard to look ahead and make plans. Let’s pay attention to August 9 and then, obviously, we’ll move forward from there.

K. Swanson

Thank you. That’s our last question, everybody. We will be sending out the fight week schedule for next week. We have a lot of great opportunities, including workouts with the fighters, press conference and weigh-ins. So, please look in your in boxes for that schedule. We look forward to receiving more and more of your coverage.

O. De La Hoya

Thank you very much to all the press. We’re looking forward to a tremendous fight. Like I said, we are expecting a lot of upsets, a lot of great performances, so you don’t want to miss it. Thank you Showtime and we will see you at the Barclays Center August 9. Thank you.

# # #

ABOUT “GARCIA VS. SALKA”:

Garcia vs. Salka, a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday, August 9, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Dibella Entertainment, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson puts his title on the line against Edgar Santana in a 12-round championship bout. Opening the telecast, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, Brooklyn’s own Daniel Jacobs takes on Jarrod Fletcher up for the vacant WBA Middleweight World Title. The event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

WATCH RELATED VIDEOS ON BOXINGCHANNEL.TV

Share The Sweet Science experience!

Argentina

Three Punch Combo: What’s in the Cards for Spence, Kell Brook, and Cotto?

Published

on

 THREE PUNCH COMBO: Errol Spence Jr. scored an impressive knockout victory against Kell Brook on Saturday to take Brook’s IBF welterweight title. Both fighters now face interesting possibilities as they move forward in their respective careers.

Spence, who entered the fight with a lot of questions, not only showcased his tremendous skills but proved he has a very good chin as well as the willingness to dig deep when needed. He is without a doubt a future superstar in this sport. With momentum strong right now, he would be wise to be as active as possible even if not landing one of the big names his next time out.

I sense that Spence’s advisor, Al Haymon, will in fact get him back in the ring this summer. One name I would speculate as an opponent is Adrian Granados. Coming off a debatable loss to Adrien Broner, Granados has earned another shot at a top fighter. Granados is not a big puncher, but will put forth a good effort. The translation here is that he is someone that can be sold to the public as an opponent for Spence while bigger names are lined up, and also someone against whom Spence can in all likelihood look impressive once again.

After a summer tilt, I would expect to see Spence back in action towards the end of the year in a more substantial fight. Keith Thurman will still be on the mend at this point, recovering from elbow surgery, so that fight is out until next year. But Haymon has plenty of other welterweights and one that I suspect he steers toward Spence will be Lamont Peterson. Peterson is a name and has a belt. He also has a stated desire to want one of the big names next along with the payday that it would command. With Thurman out, this would seem the likely immediate path for Spence as such a fight would draw plenty of attention and be easy to sell.

As for Brook, he is going to need an extensive rest before restarting his career. He suffered a beating as well as an eye injury in September against Gennady Golovkin and then suffered another beating as well as injuring his other eye against Spence. After a rest, expect to see a tune- up bout followed by a massive fight in the UK against Amir Khan. The Khan fight has always been big and one of the reasons it has not been made is that it could frankly be made anytime with it still being a very significant event. Considering where both fighters are presently in their respective careers, the timing seems right for it to happen sooner rather than later. They both get a big payday and the winner gets well positioned for another big payday in what is a loaded territory at welterweight and junior middleweight.

Errol Spence Jr. and Kell Brook gave us a great fight on Saturday. While their career paths will head in different directions, expect to see both involved in big events once again down the road.

 Miguel Cotto’s Future

 Miguel Cotto announced this week that he would be returning to the ring on August 26th to face Japanese brawler Yoshihiro Kamegai for the vacant WBO junior middleweight championship. Cotto, who split from his promoter Roc Nation last week, will work with Golden Boy Promotions for this fight which will be televised by HBO.

This is an interesting development in the career of Cotto. Reportedly HBO had not been interested in televising the proposed Kamegai fight unless it received assurances from Cotto that it would lead to a bigger fight to be televised by the network. Also, Golden Boy’s involvement in the promotion signals that they could be involved in Cotto’s future. Obviously, this would mean the opponent for a big fight for Cotto would come from under the Golden Boy banner.

The obvious choice for Cotto’s big fight opponent is David Lemieux. Lemieux has been chasing a fight with Canelo Alvarez. However, with Alvarez deciding to go after Gennady Golovkin, Lemieux gets left on the outside looking in. In need of a big fight for Lemieux, Golden Boy saw an opportunity with Cotto having been previously negotiating the Kamegai fight with Roc Nation. A fight between Cotto and Lemieux makes sense for both as Cotto wants a name who isn’t a slick boxer and Lemieux wants a big fight with the payday it commands as well as the opportunity to put a signature win on his resume to bolster his future ambitions.

But I also think Golden Boy has another potential plan for Cotto. Golden Boy’s main cash cow, Canelo Alvarez, is in a high risk, high reward fight with Golovkin in September. There is no rematch clause if Alvarez wins and, of course, a win by Alvarez cements him as a mega star in the sport. He will be eyeing a return in May 2018 during Cinco de Mayo weekend. With momentum behind him, Alvarez would be wise to seek a name opponent to further boost the event. A rematch with Cotto would not only do huge business but keep the momentum going. For Cotto, it would be a chance to avenge the loss from 2015 to Alvarez and give him one massive payday as his career nears a conclusion.

Miguel Cotto is determined to close his career out with something big and it appears likely he will get his wish.

Kudos to Golden Boy

 When Golden Boy announced its new series on ESPN this winter, I was cautiously optimistic in the fights they would produce. I must say that the matchmaking thus far on this series has been superb and is getting even better with some recently announced cards. These are the types of televised shows the sport needs to generate some badly needed positive buzz.

On June 17th, Pablo Cesar Cano takes on Fidel Maldonado in a junior welterweight contest. This fight is not only very evenly matched but can’t be anything except a slugfest given the styles of the two fighters. Cano is a high pressure fighter who is willing to exchange to get his own punches home. Maldonado has the ability to box, but often gets drawn willingly into wars. In 2015, he had a back and forth shootout with Amir Iman in a fight that got some talk in fight of the year chatter. As a matter of fact, round three was probably round of the year that year. Maldonado has a tendency to fire back when he gets hit and with Cano’s style Maldonado is going to get hit a lot. This one is guaranteed action and a perfect fight for television.

About two weeks later, Golden Boy returns with another ESPN card featuring a high stakes junior featherweight contest between Randy Caballero and Oscar Negrete. Caballero is an undefeated former bantamweight belt holder and is a very skilled boxer puncher. Negrete, also undefeated, has shown much improvement inside the ring in his last few contests. The styles of these two should mix well to provide an entertaining fight. It is also evenly matched, and with so much at stake we should see the best of both men inside the ring.

One point I harp on a lot is the importance of good matchmaking, especially in televised fights. Golden Boy is doing an excellent job so far with their new ESPN series providing high quality, well-matched fights. The boxing public is taking notice and Golden Boy deserves much praise in delivering excellent events for the fans.

Check out more boxing news on video at The Boxing Channel.

IBF welterweight title

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading

Canada and USA

George Foreman Youth Center in Houston Hosts Amateur Event

Published

on

George Foreman Youth Center

George Foreman Youth Center –  -Starting with the ring of the bell on October 22nd, local area boxers will be fighting for a spot to represent the Gulf Coast Region at the USA Boxing National Championships & in International Travel.

Weight categories will include: Pee Wee 8-9, Bantam 10-11, Intermediate 12-13, Juniors 14-15, Youth 15-16, & Elite 18-40 in both Open and Novice divisions. Winners will represent the Gulf area at the 2016 USA Boxing Elite, Youth and Junior National Championships to be held in Kansas City Missouri December 4-10, 2016. This tournament is a sanctioned event through USA Boxing the National Governing Body of Amateur Boxing and is a feeder to National and Olympic recognition.

The George Foreman Youth and Community Center was founded 32 years ago in 1984 by Olympic Gold Medalist and 2-time heavy weight champion George Foreman. The GFYCC is dedicated to providing a safe and secure location for youth to participate in sports and after school activities.

“This year for the first time in Houston boxing history, we are developing an elite international youth boxing team,” said George Foreman, IV. “The team will be selected for the sole purpose of training and traveling to other countries to gain experience on an international platform and promote cultural diplomacy! Utilizing grant and donor funding this team will be representing the George Foreman Youth and Community Center and will be announced Saturday October 22, at the Gulf Region’s Boxing Championship. The team will be reviewed by my father, 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2-Time Heavyweight Champion, George Foreman Sr. The first international trip for this new Houston team is scheduled for Jan. 2017.”

Doors open for the Gulf Gloves Championships on Saturday October 22nd at 11:00 am with announcements and the presentation of the colors by the United States Army Houston Recruiting Command Baytown Beaumont Company at 12:45 pm. The national anthem will be performed by the internationally acclaimed Houston Brass Quintet! Boxing will begin at 1:00 pm. Championship finals will begin at 1:00 pm on Sunday October 23rd.

Media open workouts for Houston amateur standout boxers will be held Wednesday October 19th at the George Foreman Youth and Community Center at 2202 Lone Oak Road Houston, Texas 77093 at 4:00 pm.

Confirmed attendees for interviews will be:

George Edward Foreman IV: Son of 2 Time Heavy Weight Champion, President of Foreman Public Relations

Marlen Esparza: 2012 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist, 2014 Amateur World Champion, 2006 & 2016 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, Nine-Time USA Boxing National Champion.

Rocky Juarez: 2000 Olympic Games Silver Medalist, 1999 Amateur World Champion, WBC Silver Featherweight World Champion.

Raul Marquez: 1988 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, 1992 Olympic Games Quarter-finalist, IBF Light Middleweight World Champion.

Frank Tate: 1984 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, IBF Middleweight World Champion, NABF Light Heavyweight Champion.

Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz: WBA Lightweight World Champion, WBO Lightweight World Champion, WBA Super-Lightweight World Champion, IBF Lightweight World Champion.

“Sweet” Reggie Johnson: WBA Middleweight World Champion, IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion.

In addition to many Houston area professional boxers and Gulf Boxing Association alumni. Event is sanctioned by USA Boxing – Gulf LBC: 16-25-14268

George Foreman Youth Center / Check out more boxing news and videos at The Boxing Channel.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading

Press Releases

Michelle Corrales-Lewis Named New CEO of NV Boxing Hall of Fame

Published

on

Michelle Corrales-Lewis

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2016) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) a non-profit charitable organization which donates to boxing-related causes, is happy to announce Michelle Corrales-Lewis as its new CEO/President. Respected boxing announcer, Rich Marotta, who founded the NVBHOF in 2012, steps down after devoting years of his life to get the organization off the ground.

With a number of boxing greats already inducted, which include world champion fighters, judges, coaches and promoters, the NVBHOF has rapidly established itself as prestigious group not only here in Las Vegas, but around the world. The NVBHOF has multiple fundraising events throughout the year, helping local boxing organizations fulfill their goals to keep boxing alive within the community.

“I took this organization as far as I could and I’m very comfortable where it is at today,” said Rich Marotta. “Michelle is on the scene in Las Vegas, has a myriad of contacts, both in business and with the boxing community, especially the fighters, and is more than ready to completely run the company. She is incredibly capable and has been an indefatigable agent for growth of the NVBHOF the past three years, taking on additional responsibilities each and every year. It brings me great pleasure to announce her as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.”

After serving as the NVBHOF Chief Operating Officer for many years, Michelle Corrales-Lewis, is thrilled at her new position within the organization.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Michelle Corrales-Lewis, widow of former multiple world champion and 2013 NVBHOF inductee, Diego Corrales. “Rich Marotta did a fantastic job building the organization from ground up. His immense work ethic is a great example of how I plan to continue the vision he set forth. My goal is to find a home for the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, one where fans from all around the world can visit on regular basis. The boxing community is filled with wonderful people that we will honor as inductees each year. I’m truly grateful for the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to me by my dear friend Rich Marotta.”

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Remembering-the-Macho-Man-Hector-Camacho-a-Great-Sporting-Character
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Macho Man, Hector Camacho, a Great Sporting Character

The-Hauser-Report-Some-Thoughts-on-Mike-Tyson-v-Jake-Paul
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

The Hauser Report: Some Thoughts on Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul

Avila-Perspective-Chap-301-Mike-Tyson-Returns-Latino-Night-in-Riyadh
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 304: Mike Tyson Returns; Latino Night in Riyadh

Say-It-Ain't-So-Oliver-McCall-Returns-to-the-Ring-Next-Week
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Say It Ain’t So: Oliver McCall Returns to the Ring Next Week

RIP-Israel-Vazquez-who-has-Passed-Away-at-age-46
Featured Articles1 week ago

R.I.P Israel Vazquez who has Passed Away at age 46

Golden-Boy-in-Royadh-Results-Zurdo-Ramirez-Unifies-Cruiserweight-Titles
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Golden Boy in Riyadh Results: Zurdo Ramirez Unifies Cruiserweight Titles

Boxing-Was-a-Fertile-Arena-for-Award-Winning-Sportswriter-Gary-Smith
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Boxing was a Fertile Arena for Award-Winning Sportswriter Gary Smith

Boxing-Odds-and-Ends-Oscar-Collazo-Reimagining-The-Ring-Magazine-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Boxing Odds and Ends: Oscar Collazo, Reimagining ‘The Ring’ Magazine and More

Hake-Paul-Defeats-Mike-Tyson-and-Other-Resulys-from-Arlington-Texas
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Jake Paul Defeats Mike Tyson plus Other Results from Arlington, Texas

Avila-Perspective-Chap-304-A-Year-of-Transformation-in-Boxing-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 304: A Year of Transformation in Boxing and More

Fighting-on-His-Home-Turf-Galal-Yafai-Pulverizes-Sunny-Edwards
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fighting on His Home Turf, Galal Yafai Pulverizes Sunny Edwards

The-Noted-Trainer-Kevin-Henry-Lucky-to-be-Alive-Reflects-on-Devin-Haney-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Noted Trainer Kevin Henry, Lucky to Be Alive, Reflects on Devin Haney and More

Philly's-Jesse-Jart-Continues-His-Quest-plus-Thoughts-on-Yuson-Paul-and-Boots-Ennis
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Philly’s Jesse Hart Continues His Quest plus Thoughts on Tyson-Paul and ‘Boots’ Ennis

Introducing-Jaylan-Phillips-Boxing's-Palindrome-Man
Featured Articles4 days ago

Introducing Jaylan Phillips, Boxing’s Palindrome Man

Avila-Perspective-Chap-306-Flyweight-Rumble-in-England-Ryan-Garcia-in-SoCal
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 306: Flyweight Rumble in England, Ryan Garcia in SoCal

Emanuel-Navarrete-and-Rafael-Espinoza-Shine-in-Phoenix
Featured Articles5 days ago

Emanuel Navarrete and Rafael Espinoza Shine in Phoenix

Avila-Perspective-Chap-307-Destination-Puerto-Rico-Israel-Vazquez-and-More
Featured Articles7 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More

The-IBHOF-Unveils-its-Newest-Inductees-Manny-Pacquiao-is-the-Icing-on-the-Cake
Featured Articles1 week ago

The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake

Brooklyn's-Richardson-Hitchins-Wins-IBF-140-Pound-Title-in-Puerto-Rico
Featured Articles5 days ago

Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins Wins IBF 140-Pound Title in Puerto Rico

Cardoso-Nunez-and-Agitsuki-Bring-Home-the-Bacon-in-Plant-City
Featured Articles1 day ago

Cardoso, Nunez, and Akitsugi Bring Home the Bacon in Plant City

Cardoso-Nunez-and-Agitsuki-Bring-Home-the-Bacon-in-Plant-City
Featured Articles1 day ago

Cardoso, Nunez, and Akitsugi Bring Home the Bacon in Plant City

Introducing-Jaylan-Phillips-Boxing's-Palindrome-Man
Featured Articles4 days ago

Introducing Jaylan Phillips, Boxing’s Palindrome Man

Emanuel-Navarrete-and-Rafael-Espinoza-Shine-in-Phoenix
Featured Articles5 days ago

Emanuel Navarrete and Rafael Espinoza Shine in Phoenix

Brooklyn's-Richardson-Hitchins-Wins-IBF-140-Pound-Title-in-Puerto-Rico
Featured Articles5 days ago

Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins Wins IBF 140-Pound Title in Puerto Rico

A-six-pack-of-undercard-action-from-the-Top-Rank-card-in-Phoenix
Featured Articles5 days ago

A Six-Pack of Undercard Action from the Top Rank Card in Phoenix

Recaps-from-London-where-Bentley-Noakes-and-Okolie-Emerged-Victorious
Featured Articles6 days ago

Recaps from London where Bentley, Noakes, and Okolie Emerged Victorious

Avila-Perspective-Chap-307-Destination-Puerto-Rico-Israel-Vazquez-and-More
Featured Articles7 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 307: Destination Puerto Rico, Israel Vazquez and More

The-IBHOF-Unveils-its-Newest-Inductees-Manny-Pacquiao-is-the-Icing-on-the-Cake
Featured Articles1 week ago

The IBHOF Unveils its Newest Inductees: Manny Pacquiao is the Icing on the Cake

Navarrete-Valdez-and-Espinoza-Ramirez-Rematches-Headline-Phoenix-Fight-Fiesta
Featured Articles1 week ago

Navarrete-Valdez and Espinoza-Ramirez Rematches Headline Phoenix Fight Fiesta 

RIP-Israel-Vazquez-who-has-Passed-Away-at-age-46
Featured Articles1 week ago

R.I.P Israel Vazquez who has Passed Away at age 46

Fighting-on-His-Home-Turf-Galal-Yafai-Pulverizes-Sunny-Edwards
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fighting on His Home Turf, Galal Yafai Pulverizes Sunny Edwards

Avila-Perspective-Chap-306-Flyweight-Rumble-in-England-Ryan-Garcia-in-SoCal
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 306: Flyweight Rumble in England, Ryan Garcia in SoCal

The-Noted-Trainer-Kevin-Henry-Lucky-to-be-Alive-Reflects-on-Devin-Haney-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

The Noted Trainer Kevin Henry, Lucky to Be Alive, Reflects on Devin Haney and More

Remembering-the-Macho-Man-Hector-Camacho-a-Great-Sporting-Character
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Macho Man, Hector Camacho, a Great Sporting Character

Avila-Perspective-Chap-304-A-Year-of-Transformation-in-Boxing-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 304: A Year of Transformation in Boxing and More

Philly's-Jesse-Jart-Continues-His-Quest-plus-Thoughts-on-Yuson-Paul-and-Boots-Ennis
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Philly’s Jesse Hart Continues His Quest plus Thoughts on Tyson-Paul and ‘Boots’ Ennis

Boxing-Odds-and-Ends-Oscar-Collazo-Reimagining-The-Ring-Magazine-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Boxing Odds and Ends: Oscar Collazo, Reimagining ‘The Ring’ Magazine and More

The-Hauser-Report-Some-Thoughts-on-Mike-Tyson-v-Jake-Paul
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

The Hauser Report: Some Thoughts on Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul

Golden-Boy-in-Royadh-Results-Zurdo-Ramirez-Unifies-Cruiserweight-Titles
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Golden Boy in Riyadh Results: Zurdo Ramirez Unifies Cruiserweight Titles

Hake-Paul-Defeats-Mike-Tyson-and-Other-Resulys-from-Arlington-Texas
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Jake Paul Defeats Mike Tyson plus Other Results from Arlington, Texas

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending

Advertisement