Final Press Conference Quotes
WBC/WBA CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION
12 ROUNDS
WAYNE “Big Truck” BRAITHWAITE JEAN-MARC MORMECK
Undefeated WBC Champion Powerful WBA Champion
Brooklyn, NY Pantin, France
21-0 (17 KOs) 30-2 (21 KOs)
Wayne Braithwaite: “I’ve trained very hard for this fight. We’ve worked very hard and been through a lot for this fight. I was supposed to come October 2 [2004] but Mormeck got sick like the guy from Denmark [Jose Antonio Rivera’s former opponent, Thomas Damgaard]. I’ve trained through hurricanes. Hurricanes couldn’t move me. Mormeck will not, either.”
To Mormeck: “How are you going to be champion laying on your back? This fight is my coming out party. No way Mormeck can beat me by knockout or going 12 rounds. By the end of the night, I’ll be unified cruiserweight champion. I don’t know how to lose. Mormeck has lost. I’ve never lost. I hope Mormeck shows up Saturday night. He’s here today because I’ll be there on Saturday and I’m going to take your title. You won’t be going back to France with your belt. I’ll be the WBC, WBA and Ring magazine champion.”
Jean-Marc Mormeck: “I’m not here to talk too much. I want you to watch the fight and you’ll get to know me. Braithwaite’s said a lot of things but they can’t happen. I am going to win and be the unified champion. No more talk. Get ready for Saturday. It’s in the ring.
WBA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 ROUNDS
JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA LUIS COLLAZO
Rugged WBA Champion Tough WBA Contender
Worcester, Mass. Brooklyn, N.Y.
37-3-1 (24 KOs) 24-1 (11 KOs)
Jose Antonio Rivera: “I’m ready. Luis Collazo is hungry and he wants my title. He’s a great fighter. His time will come but not on Saturday night. Someday his time will come and he’ll be world champion. I’m going to stay the champion because I just arrived and I’m not going anywhere.”
Luis Collazo: “I’ve been waiting two years for this. I even tried to step in when Mayorga fell out as Rivera’s opponent last year. I was in training camp preparing for a fight on April 30 when I got the call asking if I wanted to face Rivera for his world title. I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ Brooklyn’s going to win.”
IBF JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATION
12 ROUNDS
ROMAN “Made in Hell” KARMAZIN KEITH HOLMES
Leading IBF Contender Former Two-Time World Champion
St. Petersburg, Russia Washington, D.C.
32-1-1 (21 KOs) 39-3 (25 KOs)
Roman Karmazin: “I’ve already been in the U.S. for a year training for this fight being away from my wife and two kids. I promised my kids, friends and fans that I’m not leaving the U.S until I’m champion. They are waiting for a victory on Saturday and I will not disappoint them.”
Keith Holmes: “This is a fight made in heaven. He’s coming from hell and I’m coming from heaven. My God will prevail. I grew up in the ghetto and saw what life is like in hell and I prefer heaven. I’m not saying he [Karmazin] will not be world champion but it’s not going to happen on Saturday. It’s my time again. My team is together again from the early ‘90s. I’m back again. It’s going to be a great fight Saturday. Let the best Keith Holmes win.”
CRUISERWEIGHT ATTRACTION
10 ROUNDS
STEVE CUNNINGHAM GUILLERMO “El Felino” JONES
Undefeated No.2 WBC, 7 IBF, 9 WBA No.4 WBA, 5 WBC, 12 IBF
Philadelphia, Pa. Colon, Panama
16-0 (9 KOs) 31-2-2 (24 KOs)
Steve Cunnigham : “I’m from Philadelphia. I came up in a time before guns were used to settle disputes. We fought with our hands. I was created—seriously—born to do what I am doing. I joined the Navy, joined the boxing team, and turned my life around. I’ve sparred with Keith Holmes, William Joppy and Chris Byrd. I’m going to do what I must do.”
Guillermo Jones: “I’ve prepared myself good for this fight. I’m ready to rumble Saturday night.”
