By Joe Harrison

This past Wednesday, undefeated WBA and WBO lightweight champion Juan Diaz and IBF lightweight champion Julio Diaz attended a press conference announcing “El Dia De Los Diaz” in Chicago, IL. Along with Juan Diaz and Julio Diaz, Mike Mollo and Art Binkowski were in attendance.

In addition, a special appearance was made by Andrew Golota, whom is also promoted by Don King, to speak of his upcoming bout with Kevin McBride on October 6th.

After the press conference, each of the boxers continued to share their thoughts regarding their careers and upcoming battles.

Julio Diaz: “I am very excited and motivated. This is the fight I’ve been waiting for and it’s finally here. It’s time to step it up and get to work.”

“I have respect for Juan as a champion, but I fight every fighter the same. I always attack everybody in this same situation no matter who they are.  He’s a good fighter, but I just think I’m on a different level.”

“I would like to unify with David Diaz and get that other title in the collection. Those are the plans.”

“October 13th, this is going to be a great war. This will be great for boxing.”

Juan Diaz: “I’m very happy at this point in my life and in my career. I think this is going to be a great fight.”

“I admire Julio, he’s obviously a champion. You have to admire every champion.”

“I’m looking to unify the lightweight division. I have to beat Julio Diaz, and if that comes out good, the way I expect it to, then I will go against David Diaz.”

“I’m thankful for everyone’s support. Stay tuned, because on October 13th, this will be a great action fight that I don’t think the fans should miss.”

Mike Mollo: “I’m in as good as shape right now as I was for when I fought Kevin McBride. I could walk in the ring next week and fight.”

“Binkowski is real durable; he has a lot of heart. I think it’s hard for durability to precede talent and skill. I don’t think he’s ever been the ring with someone that can move like me, with the pop I got. He’s going to figure it out real fast after the first round.”

“I don’t plan on being a heavyweight that’s going to throw a few punches and stand there in front of the guy and wait for him to throw a few. I’m going to be in, out, I’ll be off to the side, I’m going to work his body, and he’ll be in for a real busy night.”

“My goal is to get myself in a title eliminator fight. I get that unheralded quote that they had in front of my name; unheralded Mike Mollo defeated Kevin McBride. What do I got to do to get heralded? Put me in there with somebody to get me heralded. What is that? I thought I proved myself against McBride, but it seems that everyone’s treating it like it was a fluke instead of an accomplishment from an upcoming American heavyweight.”

“After this fight, when me and my training camp find out whoever I’m fighting, we can make a plan and get into this kind of condition, shape, and training. When we execute a game plan perfectly, I don’t see how I can lose. I got a fighter’s heart.

“Keep watching me because I’m coming. I plan on putting America back in the heavyweight scene, and I know it needs it. I’m going to do everything I can to do, so keep watching.”  

Andrew Golota: “I began training, but it’s kinda tough because of the temperature here in Chicago is upside down. It was supposed to be nice but not anymore, now it’s hot.”

“At my age (39) you’re not supposed to box anymore they say. I still feel like I’m able to box, that’s why I’m doing this. I don’t feel any struggling or anything like that. I want to box.”

“After I face McBride on October 6th, I have no idea, just one fight at a time. I have to be ready for this fight. McBride’s a big guy, strong guy. Watch me.” 

“El Dia De Los Diaz” will be televised on HBO, October 13th, from the new Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, located just outside Chicago. Tickets are priced at $300, $150, $100, $75 and $35.