LAS VEGAS (Sept. 11, 2014) – Fighters on the televised undercard for “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” took center stage today at MGM Grand for the final press conference before they enter the ring this Saturday, Sept. 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena live on SHOWTIME® and SHOWTIME PPV®.
Here’s what Thursday’s press conference participants had to say:
LEO SANTA CRUZ, Two-Division World Champion
“I’m very happy to be on this big undercard. This is the biggest card I could possibly be on.
“We trained really hard for this fight. It’s the biggest fight of my life because millions of people will be watching and I need to take advantage of that opportunity.
“I know people think this is going to be an easy fight for me, but you’re going to be surprised Saturday night. I used to spar with Roman and I had to train really hard for him because I know what he brings.
“I don’t underestimate anybody. Every fighter up there is dangerous. I have to go out there and work hard and give it my best to prove I belong here.
“I’ve trained so hard because I know I have a lot of pressure and expectations on me. I know Roman is a great fighter with great punches but we have to go out and do what we always do.
“People have said other Mayweather co-main event fighters are better and I’ve heard that. Because of that, this is definitely the biggest fight I’ve been in and I want to get the win and keep getting better fights.
“I have gotten love from fans too and I appreciate that. It’s because of them that I’m here and I keep training hard to get better every time.
“My brothers and my dad are always with me coming to the gym, watching me spar and it’s because of them that I’m so motivated for this fight.
“I’m looking to get the stoppage. I want it to end before 12 rounds and get him out of there and look good doing it.
“People are saying this is easy but no fight is easy. Anyone can surprise you so I always go out there and train like I’m fighting the best and I’m going to continue doing that.
“If everything goes well with this fight I definitely want to go out and get another belt and unify all the belts in the super bantamweight division.”
MANUEL ROMAN, Super Bantamweight Contender
“I know we’re both well prepared and we know what to expect from each other.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m looking to take full advantage of it.
“I know Leo well but this is a business and a tremendous opportunity for me. Winning a world title is every boxer’s dream.
“I’m happy for Leo and the success he’s had, but I’m confident and very well-prepared for our fight on Saturday. This will be a great fight for the fans.”
MIGUEL VAZQUEZ, IBF Lightweight World Champion
“I’m ready and well prepared. I have a tough opponent in Mickey Bey but I’m ready to win.
“I want to dedicate this fight to my family and my team and especially to God for putting me in this position to live my dreams.
“This is definitely a key fight for me and an opportunity to make a name for myself. I’ve been a champion a long time and made six defenses, but I know a lot of fans don’t know who I am. That’s why I am so looking forward to Saturday.
“I think I have extra motivation for this fight because it is my chance to show the world that I am a real champion and that I deserve to be on a card as big as this.
“I’m ready to defend and I am well-prepared for what I know is a tough opponent in Mickey Bey.”
MICKEY BEY, Lightweight Contender
“Saturday I’m going to do my part and make sure it’s a spectacular fight. If you’re not there tune in early and check me and Miguel Vazquez out.
“I’m just waiting until Saturday to put on a show. It’s going to be 36 minutes or less of nothing but fireworks. You’ll have to tune in to see what happens next.
“It’s just another day and another fight for me. I’m going to wait to face-off inside the ring.
“I have the best trainer in the world, the great Floyd Mayweather Sr. I’m looking forward to grinding and getting to the next level of the sport.
“I don’t believe in the hype at all. I believe in going toe-to-toe with someone and seeing what happens after. Vazquez has done something right to be where he is today. He’s the champ for a reason but now he’s fighting me and it’s a new day.
“I don’t look at social media during fight week. I stay away from the negativity. I don’t have time for anything except taking care of business inside the ring.
“I’m going to put on a spectacular performance on Saturday. I take it one fight at a time.”
ALFREDO ANGULO, Middleweight Contender
“I’m ready for this fight at 160, I’m ready to get back to winning.
“Whenever two Mexicans are in the ring it’s a really good show. I believe De La Rosa and ‘El Perro’ will put on a great show.
“At the 160-pound weight division, I am going to be a different animal. You’re going to see the old Alfredo Angulo.
“I’m going to show the fans, the critics and the media that I am ready.
“People are asking me if I am still going to have the power at 160 pounds, I don’t like to talk, I would rather just show it in the ring on Saturday.
“You can expect a spectacular fight. James De La Rosa is coming to win and so am I but I am the only one that is going to walk out victorious.”