In a legitimate “Fight of the Year” candidate, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Champion Antonio Margarito (34-4, 1 NC, 24 KOs) will defend his title against unbeaten, No. 1 contender Paul Williams (32-0, 24 KOs) in the main event on “Pride N’ Punishment” Saturday, July 14, 2007, at the outdoor tennis stadium at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Andre Ward (12-0, seven KOs), of Oakland, Calif., will face an opponent to be announced, while Cristobal Arreola (20-0, 18 KOs), of Riverside, Calif., via East Los Angeles, will meet Derek Berry (12-8-1, five KOs), of Rialto, Calif.  Cortes (19-1-1, 14 KOs), of San Jose, Calif., will box a foe to be announced.  The event is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Tickets, available for as low as $25, are on sale at TicketMaster outlets and online at www.TicketMaster.com, as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.).  The first bout on July 14 will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT.

ANDRE WARD

“I was recognized in the amateur circles, but I wasn’t talked about in the boxing magazines.  I wasn’t expected to win a gold medal.”

“I don’t know if I will ever be ‘the next biggest thing.’ I know I will be respected.”

“I can’t wait to get in the ring.  I’m anxious and excited.  I had a great training camp and it’s going to show on July 14.”

“I don’t take any opponent lightly.  I always come in well prepared and motivated to fight.”

“It’s going to be a great fight.  Boxing fans are going to see a skilled and hungry fighter that night.”

“I am who I am.  I don’t have to put on an act.” 

 CRISTOBAL ARREOLA:

“I get really anxious in the days leading up to a fight.  If I could, I would fight tomorrow but I have to be a little more patient than that.”

“Physically, I feel great.  I feel like I can run through a brick wall and not get hurt, that’s how strong I feel.”

"I always train for the full-length of the fight.  I don’t go in expecting to knock someone out by the third round.  That kind of thinking can get you in trouble.”

“A fight is a fight no matter where it’s at.  I’ll fight anywhere against anyone.  But since this fight is in Los Angeles, my hometown area, it’s a little more special to me.”

“I want to give the fans an exciting fight to watch.”        

RICARDO CORTES

“I’ve been waiting for this fight for a long time.  I haven’t fought in a year so it’s been a long time coming.”

“I sparred with heavier guys for this fight.  It helped a lot in my power punches and movement.”

“I don’t think I’ll have any ring rust.  I’m always in top shape so I don’t think its going to be a problem.”