Earlier today at the beautiful Palm Restaurant (Palm West) in New York City, Star Boxing hosted a luncheon press conference for Saturday night's PPV show in Atlantic City. In attendance were both main event fighters, David Tua (51-3-1, 43KO's), Monte Barrett (34-9, 20KO's), and their camps, Star Boxing President and CEO, Joe DeGuardia, Cedric Kushner (Tua's promoter), as well as many of the event's sponsors and an abundant of media.
DeGuardia then got into the main event at hand.
"This fight has been a long-time coming," stated DeGuardia. "Both David and Monte came up together through the ranks, and for a long-time were considered to be two of the top contenders in the heavyweight division. These guys go back to the famous "Heavyweight Explosion Days". I have been involved with Monte for a long-time, first as his manager, then as his promoter. Both of these guys look in great shape, and as everyone knows, David is one of the biggest punchers in heavyweight history. This fight has excitement written all over it, and I know that come this Saturday, everyone is going to be in for a real treat."
Kushner was the next to speak, also thanking everyone for coming.
"This is going to be a terrific fight and a terrific event all around," stated Kushner. "This is a very important fight for the heavyweight division. David is ranked number two in the WBO, and I can honestly say that I believe, and have believed for a very long time, that he is the best heavyweight out there without a championship belt. A win on Saturday night, should give him a chance to finally claim a championship."
"I want to thank Star Boxing, and everyone else involved with putting this event together. I also want to thank David for giving me this opportunity. I want to thank my team for getting me ready for this fight, I haven't felt this new and restored since I beat Dominick Guinn. I am physically and mentally one hundred percent ready to go Saturday night. In some of my losses I just wasn't right mentally, or I didn't have ample training, but for this fight I have no excuses. I have a lot of respect for David, I know what he brings to the table and I know this fight isn't going to be a walk in the park, but I trained my butt off, and I am not worried about what David is going to do Saturday night, I just need to worry about what Monte is going to do."
Then Barrett made a very important announcement.
"Win, lose or draw, this is going to be my last fight, and I am looking to go out with a bang, not get banged out. I want to end my career on a high note, and everyone will see how prepared I am to do that come Saturday night. What makes this fight even more fitting to end my career is that it's with Joe (DeGuardia), who I began my career with."
"I have had a great training camp and I am very focused and very well prepared," said a noticeably very fit Tua. Must note that Tua looked to be in the best shape he has looked in years.
"I'm happy to be fighting back in Atlantic City, where I have had much success throughout my career. I am looking for a good strong test Saturday night from Monte. All my focus is on this fight and this fight only right now, I just can't wait to get in that ring Saturday night."
