By Joaquin Trejo

Kobe, Japan - During the final press conference to the promote Friday's big tripleaheader, Mexico's Jhonny Gonzalez bowed when he was introduced to the press, a sign of great respect for the Japanese, but when he took the podium he said - "I had a long, long journey and I waited for a long time to get this fight and I am ready to be world champion again."

WBC featherweight champion Hozumi Hasegawa said - "This fights is dedicated to Japan, and the victory will be a way to lift the encouragement of my people. "

The fight with Hasegawa at the World Memorial Hall, which is a beautiful setting for boxing. The conference was attended by Gonzalez's promoter Reginald Kuchle, trainer Ignacio Beristain, as well as Mauricio Sulaiman of the WBC.

"I know that Hasegawa is a great fighter, and an idol here in Japan, but I'll do my job to take home the crown," Gonzalez said.

For his part, the world champion said  - "my country is still in mourning over everything that has happened in the recent weeks and the only thing left for me to give is the joy of winning this fight. I will leave everything on the ring."

Tags: Jhonny Gonzalez , Hozumi Hasegawa , Hasegawa vs Gonzalez , Hasegawa-Gonzalez , photos