Barrera: Anything Andre Ward Does - I'll Adjust, KO Him in Nine

By Carlos Boogs

Number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) is prepared to take the fight to top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) on Saturday night.

They are set to collide at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

NABF featherweight champion Joseph "Jojo" Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) and top-rated featherweight contender Jayson "Star" Velez (23-1-1, 16 KOs) will clash in 10-round fight which will open up the HBO telecast.

 
Barrera is not the type of fighter to chase a knockout, but he's not in favor of allowing this showdown to reach the official scorecards.

He believes the only path to victory is a knockout inside the distance.

"I'm stronger than Ward. I have the Cuban background and I learned a lot of skills there. More than anything, the determination to overcome anything in front of me will help me defeat Ward on March 26," Barrera said.

"Once I am in the ring, it's my house. Whatever Ward has, I will adjust to it and overcome it. I have two hands. He has two hands. I have a job to do on March 26. I know Ward and Kovalev are very highly respected and they create a lot of money and a lot of interest, but they don't know what Sullivan Barrera is capable of doing. I will prove that on Saturday.
 
"I'm not really a guy that has to look for a knockout. My boxing skills speak for themselves. I am fighting Andre Ward and fighting here in Oakland, so I don't think a decision will be rendered in my favor. I will stop him in nine rounds. To all the fans, especially the Cuban fans that have supported me please know that come Saturday, I am going to do everything I have to do to come out victorious."