Video: Zab Judah media roundtable

FORMER TWO-DIVISON WORLD CHAMPION ZAB JUDAH & APRIL 27 UNDERCARD FIGHTERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (April 23, 2013) – Former Two-Division World Champion Zab “Super” Judah worked out for the media on Tuesday in preparation for his fight against Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia this Saturday, April 27, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Joining Judah at Judah Brothers Boxing Gym in Brooklyn on Thursday were top middleweight contender Danny Jacobs (24-1, 21 KOs), of Brooklyn and 2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne (3-0, 3 KOs), of Staten Island, both of whom will be featured in non-televised undercard bouts.

One of New York’s most accomplished boxers of all time, Brooklyn’s Judah (42-7, 29 KO’s) has faced some of the biggest names in boxing including Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto and Cory Spinks. The southpaw will look to dethrone the defending champ with his signature blazing speed and one-punch knockout power in his hometown of Brooklyn.

Philadelphia’s Danny “Swift” Garcia (25-0, 16 KO’s) was boxing’s breakout star of 2012, registering two convincing and impressive victories over legendary Mexican Erik Morales and a stunning fourth round knockout win over British superstar former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Amir “King” Khan.

Immediately following Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will be a same-day-delayed telecast of SHOWTIME Boxing: Special Edition featuring Khan’s first fight in England in nearly two years against former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz. Khan (27-3, 19 KO’s), of Bolton, England, will face Diaz (40-7-1, 29 KO’s), of Coachella, Calif., in a 12-round 143-pound catch-weight bout.

Here’s what Judah, Jacobs and Browne had to say on Tuesday:

ZAB JUDAH, Former Two-Division World Champion

“First and foremost the most important thing is Saturday night. It’s not just about winning. This is New York. This is Brooklyn. New York fans are very tough. They don’t want you to just win by one point. They want to see you really win.

How much did the fight postponement affect him: “Actually I think it was a blessing in disguise. God is the best planner of everybody. We think that we have plans, but apparently he plans better than us. I took training camp very seriously from November all the way up until now. I think the extra preparation is the icing on the cake.

On defeating Danny Garcia to silence Angel Garcia: “It’s called killing two birds with one stone. Angel Garcia’s a trainer. He’s a father. He’s the older man. I respect my elders. At the same time, I can’t get in the ring and fight Angel Garcia. What do I do? I fight. I knock people out. I can’t do that with Angel. I am going to knock Danny Garcia out and watch Angel come in there and pick him up.

On having his relationship with his dad: “It’s going great. My dad has a business here in New York City. I live in Las Vegas. I’ve got businesses in Las Vegas, so we had to split up. He’s still my dad. He calls me. He even Skyped during my [camp] workout. It’s all great. We’re Team Judah today.

How he grades himself going into the fight: “Mentally and physically, I give myself an A plus. I feel very calm, very at ease, very comfortable in this environment. Everything seems to be working out the way that it should work out. We ready for it.

On Danny Garcia: “There’s no excuses. We don’t want to hear any excuses. We gave him his two months to let his rib heal up. His rib, neck, thumb, back, elbow, toe, whatever he hurt. It’s all fixed up now in hopes that Saturday night we just get moving and put on a good fight.

“Saturday night, may the best man win.”

DANNY JACOBS, Top Middleweight Contender

On fighting again at Barclays Center: “It feels good, a little bit more pressure is off of me now. The first time around was kind of special, so I was a little nervous, but I feel good now. I feel confident. My opponent is a last minute replacement, but at the same time we’re going to go in there and do our job.

On how he’ll top his last performance at Barclays: “I’m just going to go in there and not even think about it. I’m just going to do what I was trained to do. I have a job and my job is to go in there and get the victory by any means necessary.

On how he feels going into the fight: “Physically, I feel amazing. I was training for February 9, so when that fell out, I took a week, maybe two weeks off and then I got back into the gym. I’ve been ready for about two months.

On his future after the fight: “I’m looking to step up [my level of opposition]. I feel good. I feel like the rush is out. I feel like stepping up. The only way to get experience is to step up.

On his son coming to the fight: “Oh he’s definitely going to be there in the front row screaming, ‘Go Daddy, go.’ He’s my biggest fan and he loves boxing. He’s just a fan of the sport and I love it.

On his four-month layoff: “Mentally, it messes with you just a little bit. Once you train so hard, you have an eight-week camp and then that fight is off, it’s tough because you have time away from your family. I’m a professional, so this comes with the territory and I know I have a job to do on Saturday night.”

MARCUS BROWNE, 2012 U.S. Olympian

On his relationship with Danny Jacobs: “Danny is like a big brother to me. I love Danny. Being in the gym with him and working right next to him means a lot. He showed me the way. It’s a beautiful thing.”

On which fighter he’s looking forward to seeing on Saturday night: “It’s crazy, butthere’s a whole bunch. I’ve seen Danny Jacobs come up and watched him in the gym. I came up in the gym watching Zab. He’s the first lefty I knew about when I got first got into boxing. He was one of my favorite fighters. When I was coming up he [Zab] knocked out Spinks for the title.

“Don’t forget about the people suffering from Hurricane Sandy. Just because it’s not in the news, it doesn’t mean people are not still homeless.”

ABOUT “GARCIA VS. JUDAH”:

Remaining tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Video: Father & Son – Boxing Champ Danny Garcia and His Father Angel Garcia

FOX DEPORTES CLASSICS TO SHOWCASE UNIFIED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DANNY GARCIA & FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ZAB JUDAH ON APRIL 20

LOS ANGELES, April 19 – Before Danny “Swift” Garcia defends his Unified Super Lightweight World Championship against former World Champion Zab Judah on April 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. live on SHOWTIME, the two super lightweight stars will be featured on FOX Deportes Classics on Saturday, April 20 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

In the main event, Garcia squares off with future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales in their first of two bouts that took place in 2012 and in the co-feature, Judah faces one of the most feared men in boxing, Argentinean knockout artist Lucas Matthysse in their 2010 showdown.

Despite his success in the 140-pound division, no one outside of his team knew how Danny Garcia would react to facing a legend like Erik Morales when they met in Houston, Texas on March 24, 2012. In his first world title fight, Philadelphia’s Garcia rose to the occasion, dropping Morales in the 11th round en route to a 12-round unanimous decision win that earned him the WBC 140-pound crown.

Former Two-Division World Champion Zab Judah had to walk through fire when he faced off against Lucas Matthysse at New Jersey’s Prudential Center on November 6, 2010. Judah rose from the canvas in the 10th round against his then-unbeaten foe to secure a 12-round split decision win and position him for a shot at the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight crown which he won four months later.

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For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.comor www.FOXDeportes.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes visit us on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page or www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

FIGHTERS MAKE PREDICTIONS FOR EACH OTHER’S BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK MEGA-FIGHTS

LOS ANGELES, April 18 – With the Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight between Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout coming up this weekend on Saturday, April 20 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, followed by the Unified Super Lightweight World Championship between Danny Garcia and Zab Judah at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, April 27 and the culmination of the back-to-back-to-back championship fight weekends, “MAY DAY: Floyd Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero” on Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, predictions are swirling around on the internet, in newspapers and on television from boxing scribes and fans doing their best to make their calls on what will happen in the upcoming fights.

Yet perhaps the predictions that hold the most weight are those of the pugilists themselves set to fight in the coming weeks.

Below are fight predictions from WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez,Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift Garcia,Middleweight Contender Fernando Guerrero,Six-Time and Four Division World Champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero,Middleweight Rising Star J’Leon Love, Two Division World Champion Abner Mares,WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon, WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa CruzandWBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Austin Trout – Saturday, April 20 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

“I am going with Austin Trout, but he has to go in there and box. He can’t let Canelo Alvarez warm up too early. If he drops hard punches, he’ll pull it off.”

– Danny Garcia

“Gotta go with Canelo Alvarez. He’s young and he’s a mentally and physically strong person. Also, the people (fans) make him better.”

– Fernando Guerrero

“Canelo Alvarez is very hungry to prove all the doubters wrong. Both fighters have tremendous heart and will give fans a night to remember. Canelo has developed nicely and I’m giving him the edge in this fight based on pure desire. His body attack will be the difference. Canelo wins by mid-fight knockout.”

– Robert Guerrero

“I think Austin Trout will win because he has a better skill set and he’s a better boxer.”

– J’Leon Love

“That’s going to be a really exciting fight being that Canelo Alvarez has never faced a champion in his prime. Austin Trout is a difficult fighter that just beat (Miguel) Cotto, but I think Canelo should win because he’s younger and has a statement to make to let the world know that he is the real thing as a younger and hungrier fighter.”

– Abner Mares

“I’m going with Canelo Alvarez because he’s more powerful. I think Canelo can win by knockout if Austin Trout is willing to exchange shots.”

– Daniel Ponce de Leon

“This is a good matchup for boxing. You can’t go wrong with either fighter. Its two top fighters at the top of their game. I’m in the gym with Canelo Alvarez, and Austin Trout is my friend, so it is hard to pick.”

– Peter Quillin

“I think Canelo Alvarez is going to win. He comes forward. It’s going to be hard for Austin Trout to take Canelo’s pressure and handle his strength. Trout will make it difficult for Canelo, but I think he will win.”

– Leo Santa Cruz

Danny Garcia vs. Zab Judah – Saturday, April 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

“This is a great fight. I don’t have a favorite. The best fighter will win.”

– Canelo

“Danny Garcia will win. Zab Judah had his time. I think its Garcia’s time now.”

– F. Guerrero

“Zab Judah will make the proper adjustments in this fight, which will tame the young lion Garcia. Danny’s youth and punching power will even out Zab’s experience. This fight ends in draw.”

– R. Guerrero

“I pick Danny Garcia because he is younger and stronger.”

– Love

“This is another interesting fight. I’m 100 percent sure that Danny Garcia is going to win. No doubt the power punch is there. I know that isn’t everything for everyone, but that’s everything for Garcia. Zab Judah is an older guy. He’s an older fighter. I think he’s coming in with everything he has, but that isn’t enough. Youth and power trump age. I pick Garcia by knockout.”

– Mares

“Danny Garcia has power in his fists and will win by knockout. He is young and full of energy.”

– Ponce de Leon

“I think that in the first rounds Zab Judah will be a problem for Danny Garcia, but he will get tired in the later rounds. Danny will take advantage of that and knock him out.”

– Santa Cruz

“Danny Garcia will win with his consistency and power.”

– Trout

Peter Quillin vs. Fernando Guerrero – Saturday, April 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

“I cannot give a prediction since I’ve never seen Fernando Guerrero fight. However, Peter Quillin is the champion and has the advantage.”

– Canelo

“Peter Quillin all the way. He has the street in him and the heart. That’s the making of a great fighter.”

– Garcia

“This is going to be a competitive fight. I’m going with Peter Quillin to win by knockout because I feel he has the better punching power and will catch Guerrero with a punch he doesn’t see coming.”

– R. Guerrero

“Peter Quillin is a bigger puncher, but it will be a hard fight. I think Quillin will pull it off though.”

– Love

“That is a really tough fight. I know a lot of people see it toward Peter Quillin, but I think he’s going to have a hard time. Guerrero takes everything and more and gives as much back. It’s going to be an even fight.”

– Mares

“I think Peter Quillin has the advantage and can win in any way. He’s the better boxer and is the champion.”

– Ponce de Leon

“I haven’t seen much of Fernando Guerrero, but what I have seen from Peter Quillin, he’s a really good, strong fighter. I think he’s going to win by decision, but I think he is going to take a few punches along the way.”

– Santa Cruz

“Peter Quillin showed his heart and determination to win the belt. I’m sure he will go above and beyond to keep it. I am picking Kid Chocolate.”

– Trout

Floyd Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero – Saturday, May 4 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV®

“Robert Guerrero has a great opportunity to win. He’s hungry for glory and will try everything to get the victory. I am picking Guerrero.”

– Canelo

“Floyd Mayweather all the way. Robert Guerrero is a good fighter. He earned his shot, but Mayweather is the star.”

– Garcia

“You can never bet against Floyd Mayweather. He’s just overall one of the best fighters ever. Gotta go with Mayweather.”

– F. Guerrero

“Floyd Mayweather is too intelligent of a fighter.”

– Love

“Floyd Mayweather is such a talented fighter and he backs it up. He talks a lot, but he backs it up. I know Robert Guerrero is hungry and determined, but wanting to win doesn’t get you a win. It’s about what you can do inside the ring, and that’s why Mayweather will win.”

– Mares

“I think Robert Guerrero can win if he fights the same way he fought Andre Berto, pressing the action like Jose Luis Castillo did against Floyd Mayweather. However, Mayweather is a great fighter and so difficult because his style, but I think Guerrero will win.”

– Ponce de Leon

“I never count Floyd Mayweather out. He’s the best pound-for-pound fighter. He’s who every fighter looks up to. I call it the Floyd Mayweather era of boxing. Robert Guerrero wanted this for a long time. He’s a multi-division champion and he deserves it. They both have something to prove. I don’t know who to pick here.”

– Quillin

“That is going to be another hard fight. I think Floyd Mayweather has more experience and he’s smarter. He knows what he has to do to win. Guerrero is a good, smart fighter, but I think Mayweather is going to take it by decision.”

– Santa Cruz

“I’m picking Floyd Mayweather, but this fight is not as easy as everyone thinks it’ll be. Robert Guerrero is hungry and has the ability to make it a tough fight.”

– Trout

Daniel Ponce de Leon vs. Abner Mares – Saturday, May 4 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV®

“I’m taking Daniel Ponce de Leon. I don’t really see Abner Mares pulling it off at 126 pounds. That’s a tough fight.”

– Garcia

“Abner Mares just has the youth and the will. When guys are winning, they want to keep at it.”

– F. Guerrero

“Both Daniel Ponce de Leon and Abner Mares are great Mexican warriors. Mares is going to come forward with pressure and Ponce de Leon will counter. I’m picking Ponce de Leon to win by a close split decision.”

– R. Guerrero

“Abner Mares has much better skills.”

– Love

“A lot of people don’t give Abner Mares the credit he deserves. Daniel Ponce de Leon has a rough, rugged style. I see Mares putting on a great performance against a guy like Ponce de Leon who gives people trouble, and coming out with the win.”

– Quillin

“That is going to be another hard fight. They are both Mexican warriors. It can go either way, but if it goes to decision, Abner Mares will win. However, if Daniel Ponce de Leon catches him with a good punch, he will win by knockout.”

– Santa Cruz

“Abner Mares takes this one. His youth and toughness can outdo the super tough Daniel Ponce de Leon.”

– Trout

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Alexander Munoz – Saturday, May 4 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV®

“Leo Santa Cruz should win. He’s younger and full of talent.”

– Canelo

“Leo Santa Cruz is a tough guy and he is on a hot streak. I’m going with him.”

– Garcia

“Leo Santa Cruz is going to grind out a tough hard fought victory with pressure and a nice body attack. Santa Cruz wins by unanimous decision.”

– R. Guerrero

“Leo Santa Cruz is a much busier and better fighter.”

– Love

“That fight is hard to call. I think Santa Cruz is a strong up-and-comer. I think Alexander Munoz is an tough opponent for Santa Cruz to go up against, but he will go in there, look good and come out with a win.”

– Mares

“Leo Santa Cruz is the favorite to win because is young and powerful, and I think he will win.”

– Ponce de Leon

“I love watching Leo Santa Cruz. He’s a fan-friendly fighter and I think he will win.”

– Quillin

J’Leon Love vs. Gabriel Rosado – Saturday, May 4 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV

“Gabriel Rosado is a Philly guy, so I have to go for the hometown fighter.”

– Garcia

“J’Leon Love is the man. We’ve fought on the same card several times. I fought Gabriel Rosado. That is a pretty tight fight. He’s a tough opponent. That one is a question mark for me.”

– F. Guerrero

“J’Leon Love is a good prospect, but I think Gabriel Rosado is going to pull off the upset. Experience will be the key factor in a Rosado split decision.”

– R. Guerrero

“Flip a coin on that one.”

– Mares

“This is J’Leon Love’s biggest fight. He’s in camp with the pound-for-pound champion. He has a controversial win on his record. Gabriel Rosado is rough and rugged. He puts it all on the line. We’ll see. I don’t know who will win this one.”

– Quillin

“I have heard that J’Leon Love is a really good fighter. He should be able to take it. He has more to lose. I think he’s going to go out there and win by decision.”

– Santa Cruz

“This is a toss up. J’Leon Love is looking to prove himself. Gabriel Rosado is proven in my mind at 154, so we will see if weight is an issue.”

– Trout

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About Canelo vs. Trout:

Canelo vs. Trout, a 12-round Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight for Canelo’s WBC title, Trout’s WBA title and the vacant Ring Magazine title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The co-main event will be a 10-round fight between undefeated prospects Omar Figueroa Jr. of Weslaco, Texas and Abner Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico which is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and will be a WBC lightweight semi-final elimination bout for the vacant NABA Lightweight Championship and Cotto’s WBC FECARBOX Lightweight Championship. The fights will air live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with Canelo vs. Trout being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Newly released tickets priced at $100, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale now and only available for purchase at the Alamodome box office.

About Garcia vs. Judah:

About “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero”:

“MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero,” a 12-round fight for Mayweather’s WBC Welterweight World Championship and the vacant Ring Magazine Welterweight World Championship, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Star Trek Into Darkness and Valvoline. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). Also featured will be WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon taking on Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares in a 12-round fight for Ponce de Leon’s WBC Featherweight World Championship, former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz facing veteran Alexander Munoz in a 10-round fight for the vacant USBA Junior Featherweight Championship and rising star J’Leon Love squaring off against recent world title challenger Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round middleweight battle for the vacant NABF Middleweight Championship.

Remaining tickets for “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero”
priced at $1,500, $1,250, $800 and $600, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now with a ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com
or www.ticketmaster.com.

General admission tickets for the “MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero” closed circuit telecasts at ARIA, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York, are priced at $50, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

DANNY GARCIA & ANGEL GARCIA PHILADELPHIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

DANNY GARCIA, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“He [Zab Judah] is just another guy in my way. They all say the same thing. They think they’re going to beat me…until we get into that ring.

“Everything is going solid. This is one of my most solid camps. I’m running and sparring and looking sharper every day. We’re running a perfect schedule.

“[On his rib injury that postponed the originally scheduled February 9 fight date] I got hurt sparring. Boxing is a contact sport. It’s my first injury ever as a professional. I feel like there shouldn’t be any questions. My team and I made the right decision.

“Zab is from Brooklyn, but I’m the hometown guy. I was in New York City a few weeks ago, and a lot of people told me they are rooting for me. I know the crowd is going to be for me that night. I’m the champ.

“I feel like I’m hungrier now than ever. Everyone wants what I have. I have to always be on my A game. If you think like a champion, act like a champion and walk like a champion, you are a champion.

“I’m not really concerned about anything [that Judah will do in the fight]. I know I’m going to be at 110 percent and in perfect shape.

“I’ve fought tons of southpaws in the amateurs and in the pros. It’s easier for me because I can land my hard left hand and hard left hook.

“Experience doesn’t mean anything when you get hit. It is about how you can take a punch. When you get hit and let your hands go, experience doesn’t matter.

“I have to keep showing the world that I’m the best 140-pound fighter

“I think it’s personal when you go into a fight and a man is trying to hurt you. It’s always personal.

“[On the support of Philadelphia fans] It means a lot because Philadelphia is a fighting city. The support of the Latino community means a lot. There has never been a Latino world champion that has come out of Philadelphia. I have Latino kids come up to me everyday and thank me and say they look up to me. I want to keep holding it down for my city.

“Every fight, my fan base is grows. That’s how it is supposed to be. I’m happy that my city’s following me.

“I’ve been going to this gym since I was 10 years old. Everyone here knows me. Kids I grew up with tell me to keep doing my thing. They pay attention and recognize the hard work.

“140 [pounds] is a great division. I have been at 140 since the amateurs. I think I have two or three more left at this weight.

“You are going to see the best Danny Garcia on April 27. I am predicting a fourth round knockout.

“I don’t really have anything to say to him [Judah]. I am going to do what I do best, and punch him in the mouth.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Garcia’s Father & Trainer

“Danny doesn’t care what people say, but he is the champ.

“The truth hurts. Zab Judah fought Vernon Paris a year ago. Paris gave him nine rounds. Zab had his day. This is a new era of fighting. This is the Danny Swift era. He is the champion of the world.

“When Danny is fighting, I am in the ring with him. His opponent is fighting two spirits, not just one.

“The fighters needed someone to step up to the plate and SHOWTIME stepping up is the best thing that they ever did.

“Viva SHOWTIME!

“I train him, he fights them and Al Haymon picks them. At 140 pounds, no one can beat the champ.

“When it comes to the injury, things happen. He is on his A Game now.

“People say Danny is a basic fighter, but come on…he is the champion of the world.

“Danny went to college…he got his degree [in the ring]. A few more years he will get his masters.

“People are always going to talk. I don’t care what they say. I know we’re happy. Danny has more haters than lovers, but those are the people that are going to come see him. As long as they pay the money to see him, I’m happy.”

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Remaining tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling800-745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Immediately following Garcia vs. Judah, Amir Khan vs. Julio Diaz, a 12-round 143-pound catch-weight bout, emanating from Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, England, will air on tape delay on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition. Highlights of 2012 British Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo’s professional debut will also be shown during the telecast.

VIDEO: DANNY GARCIA

AMIR “KING” KHAN VS. JULIO “THE KIDD” DIAZ TO BE TELEVISED ON SHOWTIME IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE LIVE SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: GARCIA VS. JUDAH ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27

NEW YORK (April 4, 2013) – British superstar and former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Amir “King” Khan’s first fight in England in nearly two years against former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz will be televised on SHOWTIME® on Saturday, April 27, immediately following the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event featuring Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia against former Four-Time and Two-Division World Champion Zab “Super” Judah.

Khan vs. Diaz, a 12-round 143-pound catch-weight bout, will emanate from Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, England, and air on tape delay on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition. Highlights of 2012 British Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo’s professional debut will also be shown during the telecast.

Capping an exciting night of boxing will be a replay of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Guerrero, Episode 3 on SHOWTIME that will immediately follow the SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition.

Preceding the scrap between Bolton, England’s Khan (27-3, 19 KO’s) and Diaz (40-7-1, 29 KO’s), of Coachella, Calif., SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will feature a pair of world title fights that will be televised live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Undefeated WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (28-0, 20 KO’s), of New York, will defend against hard-hitting Fernando Guerrero (25-1, 19 KO’s), of Salisbury, Md., and in the main event, unbeaten Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (25-0, 16 KO’s) will risk his world title belts against former Four-Time and Two-Division World Champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-7, 29 KO’s), of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Khan will be making his second consecutive appearance on SHOWTIME. Last Dec. 15, he captured the vacant WBC Silver Super Lightweight Championship with a dominant 10th-round TKO over previously undefeated Carlos Molina in Los Angeles.

Anthony Ogogo is a former Junior Olympic Champion, Junior World Champion and Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist. In London this past summer, Ogogo beat representatives from the Dominican Republic, Ukraine and Germany to win a Bronze Medal, thrilling his fans from throughout the United Kingdom. On April 27, the charismatic middleweight will begin his journey as a professional.

“The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz” is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by JD Sport and Maxi Muscle.

Tickets priced at £300, £200, £125, £75 and £50 plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale at the Motorpoint Arena box office, by calling (+44) 0114 256 5656, online at www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk or through Sports Corporation by calling 0845 163 0845 or at www.sportscorporation.com.

For more information on Khan vs. Diaz, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.amirkhanworld.com and www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.twitter.com/AmirKingKhanand www.twitter.com/AnthonyOgogo, follow the conversation using #KhanDiaz and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/AmirKhanTheOfficialPage and www.facebook.com/AnthonyOgogo.

For more information on Garcia vs. Judah, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BarclaysCenter, @DannySwift, @SuperJudah,@SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BrooklynBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

DANNY GARCIA VS. ZAB JUDAH AND PETER QUILLIN VS. FERNANDO GUERRERO CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Kelly Swanson

We are doing this call to talk about the big fight coming up April 27th, the main event is Danny Garcia vs. Zab Judah, and also featured co-main event is Peter Quillin and Fernando Guerrero. And just for the little homework purposes we will start with Peter and Fernando, and then Danny Garcia and Zab Judah will be joining us immediately following, so we appreciate your patience and hanging in there while we do this call.

Before I introduce and turn it over to David Itskowitch with Golden Boy, I wanted to just mention to everybody that we do have a solid really busy April month for three great fights; and just from a media note, we will be doing a lot of conference calls, a lot of media days supplying you with plenty of information about all of those fights, so please watch your inbox. We don’t mean to inundate you with information, but due to the schedule, there will be a lot happening for those events.

But today we’re really focused on a great event that I look forward to seeing. At this point I’m going to go ahead and turn it over to David Itskowitch, Chief Operating Officer of Golden Boy Promotions.

David Itskowitch

Thank you, Kelly. Thank you everyone for joining us today. We are really excited about this show. We’ve been waiting for it for a long time, as everyone has been. As you know, originally was scheduled for February 9th, but was postponed after Danny Garcia suffered a rib injury. As Kelly mentioned, we have Danny Garcia versus Zab Judah in a 12-round unified super lightweight world championship fight. Our co-main event is Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin versus Fernando Guerrero in a 12-round fight for Quillin’s WBO middleweight world championship, Saturday, April 27th at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Tickets are still available, but they’re going very quickly, price starting at just $25. You can get them at Ticketmaster or at the Barclays Center box office.

The event will be televised live on Showtime Championship Boxing beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time. We urge everybody to get out there and get their tickets, and if you can’t get your tickets, tune in live on Showtime.

Now I want to introduce the fighters. First up to say a few words a young man from Salisbury, Maryland, who had an impressive 2012: scored three wins, one over Jason Naugler in Mexico; the other over Jose Medina in Las Vegas; and J.C. Candelo in Texas. On April 27th the hard-hitting southpaw finally gets his chance at a world title, which he’s been waiting for for a long time. With a record of 25-1 with 19 KOs, Fernando Guerrero.

Fernando Guerrero

Hey, how y’all doing? I want to say hello to everybody that’s listening and Fernando Guerrero is going to be a champion.

Itskowitch

Thank you, Fernando. Now I’ll say a few words before we open up questions from the media. He became the WBO Middleweight World Champion by defeating World Champion Hassan N’Dam in a really, really exciting fight at the opening night for boxing at Barclays Center on October 20th of last year. He scored six knockdowns in the fight, really got the crowd going. It was really electrifying. April 27th will be his first defense when he fights Fernando Guerrero. He has a record of 28-0 with 20 KOs from Manhattan in New York City, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin.

Peter Quillin

How’s everybody is doing? Thank you for allowing me to grace the phone with you guys. I just want to thank everybody that’s made this fight possible: Barclays Center; my promotion team; Golden Boy; my advisor, Al Haymon; my management, John C., Jimmy McDevin; my trainers Eric Brown, Robert Garcia and Brad Bowes; manager, Johnny Berez; my two assistants, Tiffany Carter and Lisa Mahoy. I’m just very blessed and make sure that y’all stay tuned to be able to watch Never Guerrero, because he’s never going to be the champ like me.

Peter, you fought a steadily improved caliber of opponents; Jesse Brinkley, Craig McEwan, Ronald White and of course Hassan in your last fight. Can you talk about how that progression has kind of improved you and improved you experience-wise as a fighter?

Quillin

Yes, you know just the thrill of victory, the thrill of me having the will to want to be able to be better. Roberto Duran said it best, “Once you stop trying to learn and be better, then you’re no longer good enough anymore,” so I just think I take every task I do in boxing to try to make myself a better fighter. And not only that; outside of the ring, I’m trying to work on myself to be a better person; spiritually, physically, and mentally.

You talk about how the Winky Wright fight, would you consider that kind of a transition that really helped you to prepare for the atmosphere that you faced against Hassan N’Dam when you’re fighting in your hometown?

Quillin

Well, we can all look at it like that, but I look at everything as a challenge in my life. Winky Wright was just only a starter where I was going to go in. I’m not up the ladder yet where I want to be. I want to be a unified champion. I want to be all these other things and whatever comes my way I just make sure that I bust the challenges down to become just a better fighter, a better champion. The Winky fight was only a practice towards where I wanted to be. I know before the fight a lot of the hear sayers would say that I wasn’t, you know, will make it look like an ugly fight; that Winky Wright will outclass me, and all these things were said about me. To put on the performance that I did against Winky I couldn’t do it without him at the same time; but most importantly, I just take everything for the experience to be where I’m at right now.

With this fight, fighting Guerrero, he’s a southpaw and I got super lots of experience with a lot of camps fighting southpaws. I just feel comfortable in the ring and like I said, everything you got to use to be a practice to wherever you want to be.

Compared to you-and this is my last question for you, has he, you feel that Fernando has faced the kind of competition or the atmosphere that you’ve faced and had to be tested against? You think that’ll be an advantage for you, your experience in those types of situations?

Quillin

Well, all I can say Fernando having a large sense of amateur background and I can probably just imagine that everybody in his corner will always tell him he was going to be a champion all his life, so being able to go out there and have the amateur record that he had and be able to go out there and perform as a professional the way he did, fighting at home, main event in his home town of Salisbury and just having just the crowd behind him in the push, only can make a person better, if not, make him weaker.

As far as me, I was never told I was going to be anything like them. So every time I step out there, I just had to prove to myself-not to the people that told me I couldn’t do it, but to myself that I was able to do these great things that I’m doing in boxing right now. So with that being said, you know what I’m saying, like I don’t have any pressure, as far as knowing that I’m able to go out there and perform. Geez, I just fought Hassan, who some would consider the fighter of the year, whereas he was dropped six times. He got back up and he fought his heart out and then now I know with the experience that I’ve got 12 rounds of hard fighting underneath my belt, so I’m only as good as my last fight. I’m looking here to capture new moments. And I’m very happy to be able to do that on Showtime and do it at the Barclays and just have all the people that’s been supporting me support me for all the right reasons. Like I said, come April 27th, I’m only looking to create more great moments in boxing.

Thank you very much, Peter. Now, for Fernando, like Peter said, he had to really step up in his last fight and like I was saying, he’s faced a lot of experienced guys in his career just recently. Do you feel like you are making a huge step up? Would it be accurate for me to tell you that going into the Barclays Center in such a big atmosphere? And what kind of a challenge is that for you, personally?

Guerrero

Well, basically every fight that I step in is a big step up and now this is gonna be my first fight of the year, and it’s gonna be the biggest step up for this year. Fighting in a large crowd doesn’t faze me because I’ve been doing it for the longest. Just like he said, I was always told that I was going to be a champion. I never expected anything less. People never expected anything less, but once when you get out in the real world, it’s not that easy. You’re not going to be a champion just because people tell you that you’re going to be a champion.

So now I’m here to prove it to the world and especially to myself. I heard it before. I want to make it true, and do it for everybody that believed in me and then just keep it going.

How far are you away mentally from the loss to Grady Brewer? What did it take to come back from that and how well do you think you’ve done winning four straight fights like you have?

Guerrero

Well, the thing is it was one the hardest things in my life. When I was a kid I never even thought about death or anything like that, because you know how kids, they never think they can die, because they don’t understand where do you go and everything like that. So when you lose a fight like that, when you’re undefeated and everything like that, it’s hard, you know; and you go through those breakdowns. But the thing is it’s like that’s when they show your real colors, it’s easy. I was knocking everybody out, I’m the strongest.

Even in the amateurs, I always felt like I was the strongest. I never fought anybody that was stronger than me, but God always tested me. I think it’s because He wants to make sure that everything that He’s going to give me I really want it.

So how far am I from all that? I’m not far at all. I don’t want to be far from. Every fight, every position, every place that I’ve been it made me where I am now and who I am now. So the thing is, it’s just basically is written. I don’t really care about what’s going to happen or anything. It’s already written and if I’m meant to be a champion, I’m meant to be a champion.

All I’m doing is just I’m going with the flow. I’m going to go in there and just broadcast my talent and broadcast my speed. If he hits me hard, I’m going to hit him harder. If he’s fast, I’m going to be way faster. If he’s better, I’m going to be way better than that, so it’s just going with the flow. And if that wasn’t good enough, at least it will be good enough for me, because I know that I’m doing everything by the book and everything that I’m supposed to do; and all I’m supposed to do is just try my best. And with all of that, I will be the champ.

I don’t know anybody who-very few people who didn’t see Peter’s last fight, so I imagine you saw that. You just said that if he hits you hard, you’re going to hit him harder; you’re going to be faster. I would wager if you asked him it took everything he had to win his last fight. If you find yourself in a fight like that with Peter, do you think you can wage that kind of a war where you have to get up and really answer blow for blow, second for second the whole fight through?

Guerrero

Well, a lot of times a lot of boxers don’t like-it’s funny that you ask that question. It would be an honor to fight that way. I would love to fight just like that because as a fighter, I mean I’ve been seeing it for so long, we want those historical moments. We want to make those historical moments. I’m a fighter. I’m Guerrero.

So the thing is is like I’ve never been bullied and I’ve never been in that aspect. A lot of times things happen and you just got to overcome them and I’m still here. I still know that I’m the best and I still feel like I’m the best and I feel like I’m a champion. So it’s not like I just woke up yesterday and that’s my job and said, hey, I’m going to start boxing. No, I’ve lost before in the amateurs and once when I lose, I just get way better and I beat the guy up the next time, so I’ve been through it all. And like I said, it’s already written. If it’s not for me, it’s not for me, but I’m here and I’m just going to take it and I’m going to go as far as I can with it.

Okay, and my last question, you had mentioned that how low you were after the Grady Brewer fight. When you said you thought about-were you saying you actually thought about death, or were you just saying that you were low? I didn’t understand that reference.

Guerrero

No, no, no, no, low as in like of course you’re going to be low, especially with the type of-it’s like I’m the type of person that it’s all about the craft, because that’s all I had. I mean as an amateur I had 9,000, 10,000 people surrounding me all the time in Salisbury; and being a Dominican and being in Salisbury and being the type of person that I was, I was always named like I was the only one. From my home town, there’s only one person that came out of and did something; that was the girl from Terminator. So other than that, I was it, so it’s just when I meant that I was low, it just crushed me that I let a lot of people down. But then once when you grow up, you got to understand, too, that it’s my life in the ring, and they really didn’t care about that and they showed me that. A lot of people showed me that they don’t even care if I box or not. They only want me to just keep pushing and keep being that person that I am.

I’m never-a lot of people don’t understand I’ve never been in the streets. I’ve never been the type of person that had a bad life or anything. Yes, my life was difficult, but it doesn’t matter. I had a good household. I stayed in school, straight A’s and all that stuff, so for me it’s like boxing was just something that I was just good at; and then I emerged, but other than that, man, it’s not everything. It’s not everything.

My everything is the people. My everything is the youth. Every time when I go to the schools, when I went to the clinic, when I did my races for cancer and everything like that, that’s my everything; providing for them, providing for my people, providing for the people that provided for me when I came to America and made me feel good and made me feel like I’m at home.

Peter, are you anxious to get back in the ring because of the delay of the original date back in February?

Quillin

Well, let’s just say this, this is my whole life. The only way I feel like I’m getting my therapy is being in that ring. So with that being said, I learned a lot of things about myself within the last camp in; it being cancelled the week before I was well prepared for and it tells a lot about me when I had to step out and learn how to deal with that situation, which long agonizing days and nights training hard. But most importantly, you got to think positive and I’m going to be even more super more prepared to be able to take this fight April 27th.

And Fernando, as you all know, you are Dominican. The Dominican team won the World Baseball Classics. Congratulations. How much do you want this fight to add another championship for the Dominican Republic?

Guerrero

Hey, look, man. It brought a smile to my face that you even recognize that. I don’t really wear a steady hat, so whatever anything like that, because I don’t really get into all that, but I had to buy my hat, man. I’m like oh man, like I had to get it. Everybody has their day. Every country has been having their day. You see once with Pacquiao and then the Filipinos and then Mexico and then Puerto Rico. Then a lot of people in the back burner, they’re always laughing at us a little bit, like how many Dominicans have you ever seen with a Tito Trinidad title and all that other stuff, all the Cubans and everything like that?

But the thing is it’s like, I mean we’re small and we’re coming up. And little things like that even back in the day people didn’t understand when I tried to tell them the only person that I had to look up was Sammy Sosa. But they’re like, oh, he’s not from boxing. I was like, yeah, but that’s my idol. I want to be the Sammy Sosa of boxing.

But now we have a few other Dominicans that are winning their championships, it makes me feel good. It makes me feel proud of my country and I just want to be an addition to that and I want all those other people just to know that yes, we’re doing some things and we’re going to keep it going.

Do you feel there is pressure to become a champion as a Dominican?

Guerrero

It’s no pressure at all. It just makes me feel good and all I want to do is just add to what we need too to our country. Boxing is pressure; so anything else is no pressure at all.

Peter, how do you feel physically and what do you want the fans to know for April 27th?

Quillin

Well, let’s just say I feel very, very good. I just found myself in a place where in my life where it’s just like I’m just feeling physically, mentally strong. I just I’m very happy to be where I’m at right now. I don’t take anything for granted. I don’t take what Fernando was trying to do for his country away, because within ourselves, that’s very powerful. But at the same time, I have my own reasons why I should be doing what I’m doing. I’m doing this for just not being a Cuban-American, I’m a … I’m saying like a lot of Cubans that’s back in Cuba, they sit on the beach and it’s like a sad thing to watch. People just want to get out of that country and fight for opportunity.

So now that I’m here and I know that it’s very important to be able to say yo man, it ain’t about the sand. It ain’t about nothing else besides myself. Like I hear Fernando talking about he’s doing it for the fans and he’s doing it for everybody. But to be able to do it for somebody else, you have to be able to do it for yourself first to be able to prove to other people that, you know what I’m saying, you’re doing it for yourself; and that’s what the fans are going to support, you doing it for yourself.

So, me doing this, it’s more than just like for Cuba and my father, who came over here with just a pair of pants and a shirt with no shoes on and come over here to make a-

Guerrero

I’m sorry to cut you off, Peter.

Quillin

I didn’t cut you off.

(Overlapping voices)

Guerrero

I could never do it for somebody else.

Quillin

I respect what you’re doing. I respect what you’re doing, but when I gave the opportunity to talk and you gave your long answers, I respect that, but now it’s my turn to talk. I’m the champion; respect the champ.

Right now I’m telling you that whatever you’re doing and for whatever reasons you’re doing it, you’re finding the wrong reasons and I’m going to exploit those reasons why you’re doing this for the wrong people. The only thing amounts to when he’s talking running from a cat is when you run into this whole thing and he’s mad that he ran from the cat. All right, when he comes out of the hole and he decides that he’s going to fight the cat and be able to put up a fight and he decided it’s a fight that he can’t win, he runs back to the hole.

Listen man, we both fought older guys. We both had those kind of things in our life to say what we at, why we are at now in life, and right now I’m trying to prove to myself that I’m the strongest champion out there. You will not beat me April 27th. The only thing you’re going to know how to do is run back in that hole like you did with Grady Brewer. You know how to lose. Me and you fighting from two different points of views; you fighting not to want to lose again. I’m fighting to keep my undefeated record and be the powerful champion that God sent me here to be.

Guerrero

Are you done?

Quillin

Yes, let’s keep it short and straight to the point because that’s what I’m going to do when I fight you. We’re going to keep it straight, straight to the point.

Guerrero

The only way we can keep it straight and short to the point is in the ring, my man, you know.

(Overlapping voices)

Quillin

I’m going to prove that April 27th. It is already said and done man.

Guerrero

You just started yesterday and God has blessed you and there’s no doubt, but I don’t respect nobody because I’m the champ. When you get into the ring, you’re not going to fight ….

Quillin

No, you’re fighting an animal, a hungry little animal, that’s what you’re fighting. The only thing you’re going to be in this fight is …

Guerrero

Every animal has his day and you’re not an animal until you face me.

Quillin

I’m the champ. I’m the champ. I’m the champ.

Fernando, I know you have a huge following in Salisbury, Maryland. I was just wondering what type of a response you’re expecting when you step into Barclays, you know, tapped into the Dominican community from New York City.

Guerrero

Well like I said, the following has always been great, but all I need is one or two people. Like I said, all I need is one or two people, and they always come through for me not just because I’m doing it for myself or anything. I fight for different reasons. Boxing, it’s not just about boxing. It’s about what boxing means to those people, what I have achieved, and that’s what I do. I just get in there for those people because those are the ones that made me and I’m going to put my life on the line.

I don’t care about the fight with this dude. I’ve lost … amateur. That’s nothing new to me. Life is not, it’s like a lot of people try to make it seem like because I was in the Dominican Republic and I had no shoes and I had-Peter, you don’t know anything about having no shoes or nothing. You probably never even been to Cuba. Your dad told you.

Quillin

I said boxing is fighting through the struggles. It’s not fighting for two or three people. Boxing is fighting through the struggles. I have been to Cuba. I witnessed my family living in the same house that my father lived in over 32 years ago. I’ve been to the Dominican Republic. I’ve seen how people live in DR. I’ve been to China; I’ve been everywhere.

The thing that’s important to me is that I’m doing this for myself and nobody else, so once I step in there on April 27th the only thing Fernando Guerrero is going to be able to do is run back in that hole because I’m going to be a cat on his ass.

Guerrero

Yes, okay. Well, he already said what I was going to do, so I can’t say anything about that, but we’ll see it in the fight. I’ve never been the type of person that I don’t even know what he’s talking about rat and mouse or whatever and all that stuff and the cat. I just know that I know what made me. I know what I fight for and my purpose, my purpose and that’s what I’m going to go with, my purpose, my heart.

I don’t see this just myself. I see it from everybody. I see from all that energy everything, that’s what keeps me alive and that’s where I’m going to put and that’s what I’m going to show the whole world over there. If you fight for yourself, if you do it for yourself, y’all gonna be … yourself, by yourself.

Swanson

That was the last question for Peter and Fernando, thank you so much for joining us today. That was very exciting. I can’t wait to see the fight, so we are now going to say good-bye to you. Thank you for taking your time to join us and we will see you fight week here in Brooklyn, New York.

Quillin

I’m looking forward to that. I’m looking forward to that. I want to make a closing comment. I want to say make sure that y’all go tune in to this fight April 27th. I going to be only on animal status and I hope and I just pray that he’s ready when he comes, they should allow him every last allow him to wear headgear because I’m coming straight for you, homie. I’m done with this call. Have and nice and blessed day. Hit up www.kidchocolate.com.

Swanson

Thank you. Now we have our main event fighters on the line, so I am going to one note of homework, Danny Garcia will be having his media day in Philadelphia this Thursday. The alert will go out after the call. Now I’m going to turn it back over Dave Itskowitch to make the opening introductions, and here we go. Dave.

Itskowitch

Thank you, Kelly. Introducing now, I want to say a few words; this young man is one of New York’s most accomplished fighters of all time. He’s a former five-time world champion, that’s super lightweight and welterweight, former undisputed welterweight world champion on swings over Cory Spinks, Lucas Matthysse, Micky Ward, Junior Witter and DeMarcus Corley, has also shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto and Kostya Tszyu. He’s won six of his last seven bouts, most recently in ninth round technical knockout win over then unbeaten Vernon Paris last March.

On April 27th he’s going to look to use his speed, wring savvy and vast experience to capture the unified title from the younger Garcia. He’s got a record of 42-7 with 29 KOs from Brooklyn, New York, Zab “Super” Judah. Zab.

Zab Judah

What’s up, y’all? Five time champion of the world, the last undisputed welterweight champion in the world.

Itskowitch

Now I would like to introduce the unified super lightweight world champion. He was boxing’s breakout star of 2012 and was a top candidate for 2012 Fighter of the Year honors as a result of his spectacular performances. He won his first world title in March of 2012 by dropping and then decisioning the legendary Eric Morales for the WBC 140 pound title. Garcia had unified the titles in July for the stunning fourth round knockout of the Amir Khan netting him the WBA Super and Ring Magazine world championships. He helped to open Barclays Center for boxing business last October with a one punch knock-out of Morales in their rematch, which was really spectacular, and a candidate for 2012 knock-out of the year.

He has a record of 25-0 with 16 KOs from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Danny Swift Garcia. Danny?

Danny Garcia

What’s up, guys? Thanks for having me on. I just want to let everybody know I’m having a great camp, really motivated. I’m 110% ready and I can’t wait to show people my skills April 27th on Showtime.

I want to start with Danny. Can you talk, Danny, just a little bit about what exactly happened to you with the injury and then your thoughts when it came to the point where you actually had to postpone the fight and move it from February to April?

Garcia

Yes, it was three weeks out to the fight. It was Saturday and I was fine. I sparred three different guys. I did 12 rounds. After I got done sparring, I had a sharp pain on my side. I thought maybe it was a cramp or something, but when I cooled down, I couldn’t I put my hands past my head, because I couldn’t stretch because the pain was so severe, so I went to the ER. I got my ribs checked and they said I had a bruised rib. They said that it would take four to six weeks to heal, so I tried to train with it another week, but I couldn’t run or anything because it was taking my breath away. So we had to make the decision I was supposed to spar that Saturday. I couldn’t spar, so I couldn’t go through a championship fight not sparring for three weeks, because timing is everything.

So we had to make the smart decision and we had to postpone the date, but now I’m 110% ready and we’re about four weeks out and it’s coming up faster than you know it.

So Danny, it hasn’t given you any problems since you were able to go back and spar.

Garcia

No, I’m 110 percent ready. We healed it right. We started sparring at the right time. We did a couple treatments. We’ve done our physical training and I’m just strong and I’m ready to go.

Okay, Zab, I wanted to ask you about that. Can you talk just a little about the mental aspect of being very close to a very important fight and having it get postponed because you’ve already been probably at that point through, probably well over a month of training camp and it comes sudden where you didn’t do anything wrong. You’re still in good shape. You’re getting ready and your opponent gets injured and has to postpone the fight. What’s that like to deal with the disappointment and have to recharge and get back in there?

Judah

Oh, nothing. I’ve been in the game. I understand in this boxing sport that we’re in, things happen. I mean Danny got hurt, Danny got hurt. I mean it’s nothing to that. I just got to, you know what I’m saying, put our cards right and keep on timing about the things that we’re doing and keep a watch on our preparation and our preparation is great; and we just took a little bit of time off and came back at the right time, just stay sharp in gym. And April 27th it’s going to be an explosive night.

How is that, how long did you actually take off, like while he was recovering from the injury, because the fight was postponed for a month and a half? Did you take off a couple days, a month, a week, whatever?

Judah

I’m in that work zone again, you know what I mean, so I would take off days here and there, you know what I mean, so I don’t know exactly. I know I didn’t take off no straight day, you know what I’m saying? I kept it moving and kept-even if I was just doing conditioning, playing basketball or whatever it was, I was doing something.

When Danny first got hurt and the fight was announced that it was postponed, you had made some comments, I think it was you made some comments that that you didn’t believe that he was injured and that maybe he wasn’t in shape and there was some talk that maybe he’d been seen out partying in Philadelphia leading up to the fight, celebrating the last victory against Morales and maybe not taking you that seriously; and that was the reason why the fight got postponed. Is that still your opinion or do you believe that Danny got injured and, like you said, stuff happens in boxing?

Judah

I mean my opinion is my opinion; you know what I’m saying? I mean what has to happen, you know what I mean? I don’t really know, but Danny has got one story. We got another story, but Danny is a fighter, so Danny-who am I to say what really happened to him? I can’t judge that, man. I mean April 27th we’re going to find out everything.

Zab, you know you’ve been around. That’s an understatement. This is actually his I guess fourth or fifth champion that he’s fighting in a row and each time the guys he’s fought has pointed to his inexperience as something they would exploit. Out of all those guys, you are the most experienced and most accomplished that he will have fought. What will you bring to the ring that he hasn’t seen before?

Judah

I mean, everything, just me coming to the ring, period, you know what I’m saying, Lem? Just from him being in Brooklyn and … is something that he’s never seen before, you know what I mean? He’s going to experience things that he’s never seen. Like I said, he did open up the Barclays Center. He opened it up with me, you know what I’m saying, Lem? That’s my city. You know what I’m saying? I’m the king of that city and come April 27th we’re going to show it.

When you fought Vernon Paris you seemed as though you were-I mean it was like ten years previous. I mean you really brought it and can you say what the difference between you that night and, say, you against Khan and you against maybe the latter half of the Matthysse fight, why were you so much on in that fight and can you be the same in this fight?

Judah

Yes, just that my whole focus is different, you know what I mean? When they told me I was going to Brooklyn against the undefeated fighter, like Vernon Paris, I was excited. See, people don’t understand. Fights and people don’t give me, it’s opportunity of things that gets me, you know what I’m saying? I’m saying with me having the opportunity of being the only and last man to unify a weight division, a junior welterweight, because of what the WBC rules are now, so to my understanding there will be no more undisputed champion of the world after this fight is done. So for me being that I did it at welterweight and I’ll come back and do it at 140 again, that’s going to be beautiful to me. So it’s the opportunity that excites me, not the people or the situation.

Okay, Zab, thank you very much and good luck in the fight.

Danny, you already talked about your injury, and like I said before, each of the guys you fought, Campbell, Holt, Morales, …, Khan, they all pointed to your inexperience and your father countered that saying that they weren’t as good as they thought they were. What did you learn and how does it kind of, I guess does it motivate you when you hear that kind of talk? Does that bring out the best in you in those fights?

Garcia

I feel like the last fight … they say they had more experience than me; but I feel like none of that matters when I step into the ring, because that don’t matter when you’re getting hit. When you’re getting hit, it don’t matter how much experience you’ve got. Can you take the punch? That’s the only thing that matters. I’m in great shape. I feel like I’m in great shape, I’m focused and I’m doing the right thing. Nobody can beat me. The only person that can beat me is me and that’s like if I go in the ring not at 110% of shape and I’m focused, I’m ready to go; I feel strong and it’s going to be an epic night April 27th.

Your last two knock-out victories over Khan and over Morales, was that a product of your improvement, or was that a focus? What do you attribute those to, because you’d fought Morales, gone the distance with him before, and then Khan was knocked out by you after having you lost to Peterson?

Garcia

I guess I would just say growing as a fighter and getting more confident, believing in yourself and that’s what I do. Every time I step into that ring, I don’t care who it is. I always know that I’m going to win the fight no matter if I’m the underdog or if I’m picked to win. I go in the ring with always knowing I’m a winner and that’s what I bring into the ring every time.

My last question for you is, you know Zab is a great fighter. He’s been a champion five times and he’s fought great fighters. Do you respect his skills and also what does he bring to the ring that does in fact pose a challenge?

Garcia

No doubt you’ve got to respect anybody who puts on gloves. He’s the world champion. It’s not easy to become a world champion in this game, especially with the politics, so anybody who is a world champion you got to give him respect and you got to respect him as a man. I’m never going into the ring not respecting another fighter, because they got two hands just like you got two hands. So any fighter that tells you they don’t respect nobody going into the ring, that’s a lie, because if you don’t respect nobody you’re going to get knocked out underestimating them, so I respect every fighter. I don’t underestimate no fighter. I go into the fight 110% focused and ready and that’s what I’m gonna bring April 27th.

But with Zab specifically, is he any different? He’s a southpaw, he’s also very skilled. Is he any different than the last four or five guys you fought?

Garcia

We’ll just have to see. We’ll have to see. Anything is easier said outside the ring than in the ring, everything that the story will be told April 27th. You can say you’re going to do this, you could say you’re going to do that. I can say he’s different, I can stay he’s faster. I can say he’s more experienced, but we won’t know till we step in the ring.

Danny, what did you see in Zab’s fight with Amir Khan that he could bring up to this fight against you? When you fought Amir, you know how he’s a strong fighter, a quick fighter. What do you see in that fight?

Garcia

It was a good fight. I think speed was a problem for him and he couldn’t keep up with him, but this is a different style fighting. It’s a different style for this fight and it’s going to be an explosive fight.

Zab, how about yourself? You fought Amir … before Danny. Do you use that as a benchmark to see what you can do or what should you do to defeat Danny when the fight comes?

Judah

No, no, I’m a whole different style, a different fighter than Amir Khan is, you know what I mean, so Amir Khan and Danny Garcia, they fight, you know what I mean? I think that means Danny is going to be a whole different type of fight than Amir Kahn and Danny Garcia.

Danny, Zab spoke about the importance for him fighting in Brooklyn in his hometown. There’s a big Hispanic community in New York also. You’re from next door, from Philly. How important is it to you to fight in a big venue like that where you fought Eric Morales in the rematch?

Garcia

I’m happy. I’m very excited because I’m happy that I’m bringing a big fight back to the east coast and a lot of people on the east coast they’re missing out on boxing, because there hasn’t been a lot of big championship fights. So just bringing a big fight back to the east coast for the Puerto Rican fans, the Philadelphia fans, the Brooklyn fans, all the fans in the east coast, that means the world to me, because we’re bringing boxing back in the east today.

Finally, Zab, you’re a multi-new world champion. You’ve been on the top. You know how difficult it can be. You know the pressure that comes from … champion. How do you see that as an advantage for you against a young fighter who’s facing for the first time the superstardom where you’ve been before? Could that be a detriment for him and affect his focus?

Judah

No. I’m preparing for the best of Danny Garcia that can ever be. You know what I’m saying? When I train, you got to understand, I don’t train for a regular Danny Garcia. I train for like my own fight with oh Mike Tyson or somebody … Mohammed Ali. This is who I’m preparing for, you know what I’m saying; so when you prepare and get your mindset at a thing like this, you run into nothing but flying colors. You know what I mean? I mean I’m pretty sure Danny is going to come in there; he’ll come in there swinging his hooks. He’ll start with his right hand and he’s going to come in there doing what he’s got to do. You know what I’m saying? And just super going to be ready. But like I said, this is why the fans, to come on out, get your tickets or tune in live at the TV, get your popcorn and sit down and let’s watch this process.

Hello, Danny. How does it feel for people to question the legitimacy of the injury after it happened?

Garcia

Any time something happens, there’s always going to be a controversy, but I can’t do nothing else to prove it but get ready for April 27th and fight. That’s behind me. I’m looking at the future and now that’s the past and the future is April 27th. I know … everything is going great, no injuries, no nothing and it’s going to be a great night.

Zab, my first question is to you. Pretty much I mean you’re known worldwide. You fought many fighters. Looking at Danny, do you see anything any different in him, or is it just like another boxer?

Judah

No, I mean Danny really you respect him as a champion. You respect the skills that he’s bringing to the table. He has youth on his side. He’s a young fighter, he’s coming in. He’s very excited to be in this position and you know what I’m saying? We know Danny Garcia is going to come in and fight hard, you know what I mean; so you got to take that and just prepare for it. The old man showed you what to do, and that’s …. He showed you what … how to go in there and annihilate these young boys, you know what I mean, and you just got to follow the game plan and follow through. That’s it.

Can you talk to me a little bit about your training process, how have you prepared for this fight?

Judah

The training has been phenomenal, you know what I’m saying? It’s kind of funny; I went to three different training camps. I was supposed to fight Lamar Peterson first, then the first Garcia fight and then now the second training camp, so it allowed me to get a lot in, you know what I’m saying, a lot of good sparring and a lot of good training, and sharpening up my skills. I think as I sit here today I’m really sharp right now and I’m 100% ready and focused and I’m ready to go 12 rounds. Let’s get it on. I just can’t wait now.

You also have elaborated how Brooklyn is your hometown and it’s home field advantage, I guess, something very important for you. Can you elaborate on how important it is fighting in Brooklyn for you?

Judah

It’s somewhat like a basketball game or a sport games or a football game. When you’re home you got the fans behind you, cheering. You got the momentum, you’ve got the energy. You know what I mean? It’s going to be a lot of energy in that building that night and you know what I’m saying. I think most of it is, I think most of it and all of it is going to be on my side, you know what I’m saying, but that’s why I want to fight, you know what I’m saying? … is going there, and showing your skills.

One thing overall, when people say you’re Zab, …, people say Zab wasn’t in condition. Nobody has ever questioned my skill level as a fighter; you know what I’m saying? Everybody said if that Zab Judah we know get in shape and come in there fully prepared and focused 100% like he should, there’s nobody on this planet that can beat him. And I think April is going to show, you know what I’m saying? Like I said, it’s nothing personal against Danny Garcia. It could have been any other fighter in this position. Danny is the champion, and boxing you go for the championship, you know what I’m saying? He got the championship and we’re going to take it. That’s it, you know what I mean? There’s no hard feelings. You know what I’m saying?

And Danny, first of all, I know you don’t speak Spanish. I know every time I’ve interviewed you, it’s always been through your dad, but if you could just tell me first of all, how are you doing after your injury? How are you feeling right now?

Garcia

I’m doing great. I’m 110 percent ready and I’m training hard and we’re four weeks out to the fight. I feel good and I’m ready to go.

What do you want the fans to know from Philadelphia, what do you want everyone, the Latinos, the community here in the southeastern Pennsylvania and around the world pretty much, what do you want everyone to know about your fight coming up?

Garcia

I want them to know, first of all, I want everybody to come out and … Philadelphia … there’s already a whole bunch of people I know that’s going out. I bump into people in traffic when I’m going to the store, anywhere I go, people tell me, hey, I’m going to the fight. I’m going to the fight; I already got my ticket, so already I know I got a lot of support coming from Philadelphia. I’m pretty sure I got fans in New York, the Spanish fans, the hip hop fans, whatever. I know they’re going to come out and they just want to win. It’s a great night and I know I’m going to have the support. I know I’m going to be ready and I know it’s going to be a good night.

Danny. How is your training camp going and who are you sparring with?

Garcia

Training camp is going well. I’ve been sparring with a couple local guys, a couple local guys. I’ve got some new guys coming in today, so we’re doing good. You really don’t have to go that far for work and we live in Philadelphia, especially the everybody brings their best in the gym and everybody is tough in Philadelphia. Some of the best work is in Philadelphia and … We get new guys in today and we’re going to finish our camp with them and be ready for the fight.

Zab, Danny, who are you sparring with to get ready for this fight?

Judah

I have a couple … same way, we got a couple of guys that we flew in and a couple guys from … California. We got a couple local Vegas guys here and you know.

Garcia

And training camp has been phenomenal. You know what I’m saying? As far as sparring, I mean I don’t have-I probably went through multiple trainings, I probably went through a total of ten guys already, you know what I’m saying? So a lot of guys don’t stay in camp long with me so they’re in and out, you know what I mean? Hey, we’re prepared and ready to go for April 27th.

Hey, my first question is for Danny. Danny, Jose Soman made a statement about a month ago, and in the statement he said that you must either choose this organization’s belt, which is WBC, or relinquish your title. Have you made a decision on which belt you’re going to keep?

Garcia

To be honest with you, I don’t know nothing about that. I don’t worry about the policy side. My job is to train for the fight. I’m not worrying about what belt I got to keep going into the ring or the organization is going to restrict me or nothing like that. I’m pretty sure I got this far for this long. He knows how hard I work. He knows the dedication and the fact that … belt, so I’m just go into the ring and defend whatever title that I defend. I don’t really worry about the policy side of the thing and I just train.

And your first training camp for the … fight, you had …, sorry, and he mentioned also in the media that your injury was actually a thumb injury and somehow the rib injury came out later. Can you explain that situation?

Garcia

Well, I guess when I was hurt he didn’t want to tell nobody it was a rib injury. I’m just thinking how he would think just in case I did keep-just in case I did go into the fight, he didn’t want nobody to know that I was probably injured on my rib. But other than that, I want to know why he would lie, but I don’t know.

Okay. And Zab, the last time that you fought in Europe for 140 pound title against a Puerto Rican fighter, the outcome wasn’t so positive. What have you done now to change the outcome for this fight?

Judah

I prepared myself different for these fights. Back then, I was never-I mean I … train … for all those fights, you know I’m saying? But now my focus … is totally different.

And you’re going to be in your hometown Brooklyn for this fight. For everyone in Brooklyn and for everybody in the world-

Judah

And for the record, I only lost to one Latino fighter, that was Cotto. The other ones that I fought I knocked out. Check the record.

No, no, I know. I just said that the last time you fought a 140 pound fighter in New York, that’s what I said. My last question to you is what does it mean for you, what does it mean to Brooklyn for you to come out the victor in this fight?

Judah

It would mean a lot. We’re in Brooklyn; the city needs a great champion. It need somebody to stand up for the city, you know what I’m saying? That’s for my American fans and Latino fans. New York City is New York City is my city, you know what I’m saying, so I have a lot of Latino friends. I have a lot of African-American friends. I have a lot of friends, period. I have a lot of all kind of friends, races, it’s a lot of-I got everybody in my circle. I just think that it’s our problem again; you know what I’m saying? Brooklyn once reined in the early ’80s and the early ’90s with Mike Tyson and now Zab Judah is gonna come back in and take over again. This time we got an arena to represent it.

Danny, you opened up the Barclays Center for boxing this past fall, and there’ll be a lot of fans from Philly making the trip to see you fight. Do you feel like you’ll be fighting at home come April 27th?

Garcia

Yes, definitely. It’s an east coast fight in the east. Philadelphia is right next to New York. There’s a great atmosphere. I think when I fought at the Barclays Center that was one of the best atmospheres I ever fought in. It’s a brand new arena. Everything was nice. The atmosphere was nice. The people are nice out there. I got a lot of love out there and they made me feel like I was at home and I’m looking forward to doing the same thing April 27th.

Okay. Absolutely, it was historical. Okay, there have been some criticism over your last win over an aged Erik Morales, but Zab Judah is a resurrected fighter. Is there anything you feel you need to prove against a seasoned veteran like Zab?

Garcia

I feel like I have nothin’ to prove, I have to just go in the ring and I don’t worry about what nobody say about me; how I fight, the way I fight, fighting older guys and none of that. That’s not my job. My job is not to match make. My job is not to worry about what people think. My job is to train and get ready for a fight and give the fans of boxing a great performance no matter who is it against. That’s my job. And that’s what I’m going to bring into the ring April 27th, a great conditioned Garcia and he’s gonna go in there and do what he does best.

That’s old school right there; I like that. Okay, not to look past Zab, but I know you saw the Rios/Alvarado fight this last weekend. You like to collect title belts these days. What are your thoughts on possibly facing either Rios or Alvarado in the future?

Garcia

As far … I know it was a good fight. It was a good fight for boxing. You don’t stop many fights, I mean they both like to fight and my focus is Zab Judah. Other than that, I really can’t talk about any other fighters. Congratulations to Mike Alvarado. He did his thing and now it’s time for me to do my thing.

All right. Well, we look forward to seeing you do your thing on April 27th. Okay, next questions are for Zab. Zab, you fought in New York on a number of occasions. However, this is the first time you’ll be fighting in your home town, Brooklyn. Do you feel any additional pressure fighting at home for the first time?

Judah

It’s my second fight …

Oh sorry, okay, I’m sorry about that. I didn’t know that was actually in Brooklyn. Okay, well, being that you’re going to be fighting in the Barclays Center for the first time, is there any additional pressure fighting there for the first time?

Judah

No, I think it’s going to be great because you get to have your peers finally get to come out and see me fight. A lot of people always was kind of upset because they could never ever get to come to my fight, because it was always in Vegas. All the big ones is in Vegas or other places. I’m saying now they get to take a train or a bus or drive right there and walk and come check out Super Judah, so I think it’s going to be a phenomenal atmosphere and it’s going to be great.

You’ve been around for a long time despite being 35 years old. Do you feel your experience is going to be the key factor in this fight?

Judah

I just think that my mindset is different right now and I know it and I know certain things that I do and choose to do, you know what I’m saying? That my mindset is different. And people always say, the fans have said it for years, is that focus, nobody that can beat him. I think that finally I made it to that peak in life right now.

And one last question, you resurrected your career many times over the years. You’ve stayed in top shape all these years and you still look like you’re in your mid 20s. What are some of the things you have done to help continue your legacy over these years?

Judah

Just hard work, you know what I’m saying? I’ve always been an athlete. Throughout the years, I’ve never been the type of fighter where I’ve never done nothing, I’ve just stopped doing other things, you know what I mean, so I’m always in good shape. I don’t know. Just stay focused. Understand since I was six years old, this is all that I’ve ever done in life; you know what I’m saying? Boxing has only been my only job ever and it’s a job that I love and I take pride in to it. It’s almost a gift and a curse. Sometimes we’re having talents and skills and that allowed me not to train as hard as I should have trained for certain fights, you know what I mean? And I paid the consequences on that. But at times when I did stepped in there and I did put 100% work in, it always came out with flying colors.

Things got a little heated between you guys at your last press conference. How’s the postponement ease the temperaments of the any personal animosity that you guys had?

Judah

Oh no, never, this is all business; you know what I’m saying? Things like that happen. I think what … did was beautiful because it allowed the fans and everybody to take place and to bring the light to the situation; you know what I’m saying? It’s probably something that I needed just to light the candle and the fuse under myself and it was great for boxing. It was great for the sport. As far as animosity or somebody like having like somebody really want to be sad, I mean I’m saying my mother sleeps good at night. I’m pretty sure Danny’s mother does, too, so it’s not. There’s no beef.

Danny, any hard feelings on your camp?

Garcia

I got feelings about this that … no. It was only for everybody to watch me and … fighting it … from the press conference to a great night in boxing and that’s entertainment …. Nobody wants to watch a boring press conference or a boring fight or nobody will watch it. Like I said, they didn’t know, now they know now.

Garcia

I want everybody to come out April 27th. It’s going to be a great night for the Philadelphia fans, the Brooklyn fans, the Puerto Rican fans. I’ll be on my A game and at the end of the fight and still champion of the world, Danny Garcia.

Judah

Yes, it’s going to be a great night of boxing. I just hope all the fans come out or be locked in by the TV if you’re not coming out. Brooklyn is back, keep God first. Anything is possible and … that’s it.

END OF CALL

Remaining tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale atwww.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

For more information on Garcia vs. Judah, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BarclaysCenter, @DannySwift, @SuperJudah, @SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BrooklynBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing orwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Morales banned 2 years by USADA

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com former four division world champion Erik Morales has been banned for 2 years following at least 2 positive tests in the wake of his bout last October 20th against Danny Garcia

“USADA conducts testing programs for professional boxing matches only when both athletes contractually agree to participate in the anti-doping program, which stipulates agreeing to abide by the applicable anti-doping rules, including the rules regarding the adjudication process and sanctioning,” USADA said in its statement announcing the ban. “Morales’ contractual agreement for this anti-doping testing program included his acknowledgement that USADA would be the results management authority to adjudicate any adverse analytical findings in accordance with the rules.

“In addition, the appropriate boxing commission was notified prior to the fight, and within 48 hours of USADA receiving the information, that there was a potential anti-doping rule violation.

“Morales has been offered the opportunity to participate in the full, fair legal process under the rules, but has indicated to USADA that he would not like to move forward with the independent arbitration process, and as a result, has received a two-year period of ineligibility and the disqualification of all competitive results obtained subsequent to October 3, 2012, including the forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.”

APPROXIMATELY 50,000 TICKETS SOLD FOR BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK MEGA-FIGHTS

LOS ANGELES, March 21 – Boxing fans and sports enthusiasts have spoken to the tune of approximately 50,000 tickets purchased for the unprecedented three consecutive weekends of mega-events in April and May, all of which are promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

The three-week marathon of championship boxing excellence begins with the WBC and WBA Super Welterweight Unification bout between Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday April 20 which is co-promoted with Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions, followed by the Unified Super Lightweight World Championship between Danny Garcia and Zab Judah at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, April 27 and the grand finale, “MAY DAY: Floyd Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero” on Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions. The April 20 and April 27 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING events will be televised live on SHOWTIME® and the May 4 “MAY DAY: Floyd Mayweather vs. Robert Guerrero” mega-event will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV®.

“The fans’ response to this amazing schedule of boxing events, which occur one right after the other, has been overwhelming,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Across the country from Brooklyn to San Antonio to Las Vegas, we have seen a rapid response from sports fans and boxing loyalists who have purchased tickets to support these terrific boxing events.”

Schaefer continued, “The public’s enthusiasm about this three week run, culminating with the return of Floyd Mayweather to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, reinforces our strong belief that if you provide and deliver competitive matches at the highest level, the public will respond enthusiastically and support this sport we love. In addition, fans across the country that cannot be there in person, can see all of these fights on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME PPV (May 4). We are thrilled to partner with SHOWTIME to continue to provide excellent programming throughout the calendar year to those who love and appreciate the sweet science of boxing.”

Ticket sales for Canelo vs. Trout have been so overwhelming that promoters Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions will soon extend the available seating by putting additional tickets on sale. San Antonio can expect more than 30,000 fans in the building come fight night, proving once again that Texas is a hot spot for boxing aficionados.

Coming off of witnessing the record-breaking performance by IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins on March 9 at Barclays Center, Brooklyn boxing fans are gearing up for another stacked fight card taking place Saturday, April 27 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia facing Brooklyn’s own Four-Time and Two-Division World Champion Zab Judah.

The three-week lead up ends on Cinco de Mayo weekend with a nearly sold out event featuring the ring return of boxing mega-star Floyd Mayweather against Six-Time and Four Division World Champion Robert Guerrero. The event, which takes place on Saturday, May 4 at MGM Grand and will be produced and distributed live on SHOWTIME PPV, will undoubtedly sell out, once again showing Mayweather’s incredible drawing power at the box office.

About Canelo vs. Trout:

Canelo vs. Trout, a 12-round WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. The fight will air live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT) and is presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

Remaining tickets priced at $100, $25 and $10, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available for purchase at the Alamodome box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

About Garcia vs. Judah:

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia’s Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored Corona and AT&T. In the co-featured attraction WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin puts his title on the line against hard-hitting Fernando Guerrero in a 12-round fight. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Remaining tickets priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

About “May Day: Mayweather vs. Guerrero”:

“MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero,” a 12-round fight for Mayweather’s WBC Welterweight World Championship is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and AT&T. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Also featured will be Daniel Ponce de Leon vs. Abner Mares, a 12-round fight for Ponce de Leon’s WBC Featherweight World Championship.

Remaining tickets for priced at $1,500, $1,250, $800 and $600, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

DANNY GARCIA RIB INJURY FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF FEBRUARY 9 FIGHT AGAINST ZAB JUDAH

BROOKLYN (January 27) – Due to a rib injury sustained while training, Danny Garcia will be unable to compete in his scheduled February 9 world title defense against Zab Judah which was to be televised by SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. As a result, the event, and its undercard bouts, have been postponed until Saturday, April 27 at Barclays Center and will be telecast live on SHOWTIME.

All tickets purchased for the February 9 event will be honored on April 27.

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia’s Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona and AT&T.

Tickets for the April 27 fight, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

INSPIRATIONAL MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR DANNY “MIRACLE MAN” JACOBS TO FACE BILLY LYELL ON SHOWTIME EXTREME® TELECAST LIVE FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN ON FEBRUARY 9

Daniel_Jacobs
BROOKLYN, January 24 – On Saturday, February 9, Brooklyn’s own Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs continues his phenomenal comeback following his successful battle against cancer with a 10-round middleweight bout against rugged Billy Lyell that will be featured live on the SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) from New York’s newest home for world-class fight action, Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Headlining the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® event at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast) will be the highly anticipated title bout between Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and hometown hero Zab “Super” Judah while in the co-main event, New York’s Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin defends his WBO Middleweight World Championship against popular contender Fernando Guerrero. Also featured that evening will be Brooklyn boxing mainstay Dmitriy Salita facing Hector Camacho Jr., son of the late “Macho” Hector Camacho.

“We are so thrilled that Danny Jacobs is getting back in the ring for the third time in less than five months,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “Billy Lyell is going to do what he can to put an end to Danny’s undefeated comeback streak, but the ‘Miracle Man’ will be hard to stop.”

Following a harrowing, but victorious fight against cancer that kept him out of the ring for over a year, Brooklyn’s Jacobs (24-1, 21 KO’s) returned on October 20, 2012 at Barclays Center and scored an emotional first round knockout victory over Josh Luteran. In December, the 25-year-old Jacobs made it two for two in his comeback when he halted tough Chris Fitzpatrick in five rounds and will seek a similar result in his next bout at Barclays Center against Lyell.

A 10-year professional hailing from Warren, Ohio, Billy Lyell (24-11, 5 KO’s) is a gritty competitor who always shows up to fight when the bell rings. Willing to fight the best competition available at the drop of a hat, Lyell has been in the ring with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., James Kirkland, Yory Boy Campas and Vanes Martirosyan. He owns a 2009 victory over John Duddy in which he handed the Irishman his first professional loss. A former world title challenger, look for the 28-year-old Lyell to be in Jacobs’ face from start to finish on February 9.

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Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia’s Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona and AT&T. In the co-featured attraction on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin puts his title on the line against hard-hitting Fernando Guerrero in a 12-round fight. In fights featured on SHOWTIME Extreme, boxing’s most inspirational fighter, Brooklyn’s Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs faces veteran Billy Lyell in a 10-round middleweight bout and Brooklyn’s Dmitriy Salita faces Hector Camacho Jr. in a 10-round junior middleweight fight. The SHOWTIME Championship Boxing telecast begins live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME Extreme at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION PETER QUILLIN TO DEFEND TITLE AGAINST TOP CONTENDER FERNANDO GUERRERO AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 LIVE ON SHOWTIME

BROOKLYN (January 11, 2013) – WBO Middleweight World Champion and New Yorker Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin will make his first title defense against Fernando Guerrero in the co-featured bout to the world title clash between Unified Super Lightweight Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and Brooklyn native Zab “Super” Judah at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

In addition to Quillin and Garcia, the stars of last October’s inaugural boxing event at Barclays Center will return to the sport’s most popular new venue.

SHOWTIME Extreme will start the televised action with a 10-round junior middleweight bout between Brooklyn’s Dmitriy Salita and Hector Camacho Jr. along with a 10-round middleweight fight featuring boxing’s most inspirational fighter, Brooklyn’s Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, who continues his comeback following a successful battle against cancer against an opponent to be named.

Other undercard fights will feature the New York professional debut of Staten Island’s 2012 United States Olympian Marcus Browne in a four-round light heavyweight fight as well as crowd- pleasing Boyd Melson, whose dedication to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries makes him a true champion, who will fight in a six-round middleweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia’s Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona and AT&T. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights to air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

“We’re happy to be back in Brooklyn with the great main event of Danny Garcia vs. Zab Judah and a stacked undercard that has something for every boxing fan, from championship bouts to crossroad fights, to appearances from New York’s best,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “This will be another great night at Barclays Center.”

“The inaugural fight card at Barclays Center last October was a rousing success as we teamed with Golden Boy to bring championship boxing back to Brooklyn for the first time in more than 80 years,” Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark said. “We expect an even more exciting event on February 9, as we continue to offer great title fights while giving emerging New York fighters the opportunity to showcase their talents in Brooklyn’s grandest ring.”

“It’s a great feeling to be back in Brooklyn for my first title defense and I am going to give fans what they are looking for again,” said Quillin. “The crowd at Barclays Center pushed me to another level last October when I won my title and I can’t wait to win for them again on February 9.”

“This is the moment every fighter dreams of and I feel like everything is finally aligned for me to win my first world championship on February 9,” said Guerrero. “Quillin is an exciting, aggressive fighter like me and we’re going to put on a show for the great fans in Brooklyn.”

“It’s a special feeling to be able to fight in my home borough again,” said Jacobs. “This was an extra special holiday season for me and my family. To look back on last October when I had the chance to return to the ring and continue my career was an early Christmas present that no one can ever take away from me. My fight on February 9 gives me the opportunity to continue my championship quest.”

“I love fighting in Brooklyn and to now face Hector Camacho Jr., another legendary New York name, the stakes will be extremely high on February 9,” said Salita. “I look forward to the opportunity and feel confident that I will be victorious that night.”

“It is going to be an exciting, but very emotional night for me on February 9 when I fight at Barclays Center,” said Camacho. “I am fighting for myself, but it will also be a tribute to my dad who was loved throughout all of New York. I plan to honor and represent the family name with a win of Dmitriy.”

“This moment is what I’ve been waiting for since I first started boxing and I just can’t wait to fight,” said Browne. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills in front of my fans and make my hometown debut at Barclays Center. Everyone on Staten Island and in New York City has shown me a tremendous amount of support and I’m ready to put on a great show on February 9.”

With an exciting style and a flair for the dramatic, Quillin (28-0, 20 KO’s), who lives in Manhattan, carried the momentum from his June 2012 win over Winky Wright into Barclays Center on October 20, winning the WBO middleweight title with a six-knockdown performance against previously unbeaten former World Champion Hassan N’Dam. Ready to top that epic win with an encore performance, Quillin will make the first defense of his crown against Guerrero.

Long one of the most popular fighters on the East Coast, Guerrero (25-1, 19 KO’s) took his show on the road in 2012, and with wins over Jason Naugler (TKO 4) in Mexico, Jose Medina (W10) in Las Vegas, and J.C. Candelo (TKO 6) in Texas, he showed the development of his game and his readiness for a world title shot. On February 9, the hard-hitting southpaw gets the opportunity he’s been waiting for.

Following a harrowing but victorious fight against cancer that kept him out of the ring for over a year, Jacobs (24-1, 21 KO’s) returned to action on October 20 and scored an emotional first-round knockout win over Josh Luteran. In December, the 25-year-old Jacobs halted tough Chris Fitzpatrick in five rounds and he expects similarly positive results in his next bout at Barclays Center.

One of New York’s most popular fighters, Salita (35-1-1, 18 KO’s) is ready for another world title shot and a win over Camacho Jr. on February 9 will move him one step closer. A decision winner over Brandon Hoskins at Barclays Center last October, the 30-year-old Salita aims to keep his five fight-winning streak and his championship dreams alive with a win over Camacho Jr.

The son of the late, great “Macho” Camacho, Hector Camacho Jr. (54-5-1, 29 KO’s) will undoubtedly be looking to leave an impression and score a victory in his father’s home city on February 9. The winner of 11 of his last 13 bouts, the 16-year veteran of the sport has been waiting for an opportunity like this in the Big Apple. In his first local bout since 2001, the 34-year-old from San Juan can’t wait to hear the bell ring.

A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, Marcus Browne (2-0, 2 KO’s) proudly represented Staten Island in London, and now that he’s back home, he’s ready to impress his growing number of fans. Undefeated in his two fights as a pro, the 22-year-old southpaw dispatched of both Codale Ford and Ritchie Cherry in his first two bouts.

31-year-old middleweight Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson (10-1-1, 4 KO’s) got a scare from underrated Jason Thompson at Barclays Center last October when he hit the deck early in the bout, but the talented and resilient Army veteran battled back to earn a six-round draw in one of the most exciting fights of the night. On February 9, the New Yorker vows to leave the ring victorious in a six-round middleweight fight.

Opponents for Jacobs, Browne and Melson will be announced shortly.

Opening the event will be two four-round bouts featuring Manhattan junior welterweight Zachary Ochoa (3-0, 3 KO’s) and Philadelphia bantamweight Miguel Cartagena (5-0, 3 KO’s) who will both compete against opponents to be named.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.barclayscenter.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BarclaysCenter, @DannySwift, @SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BrooklynBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

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Located atop one of the largest transportation hubs in New York City, Barclays Center is accessible by 11 subway lines, the Long Island Rail Road, and 11 bus lines.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS GIVES THE GIFT OF CLASSIC FIGHTS WITH FOUR MARATHONS OF LEGENDARY FIGHTS TO AIR ON FOX DEPORTES ON DECEMBER 22, 25, 29 & JANUARY 5

LOS ANGELES, December 21 – This holiday season, get ready for a gift all boxing fans will love, as Golden Boy Promotions teams up with FOX Deportes to re-air classic fights for four days and nights of epic fights featuring current and future Hall of Famers, world champions and rising stars engaging in some of the most pivotal bouts of their careers.

Included in these marathons are “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, Julio “JC” Cesar Chavez, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Marco Antonio “Baby Faced Assasin” Barrera, Miguel Cotto, Sugar Shane Mosley, Canelo Alvarez, Abner Mares, Ricky “Hitman” Hatton and Danny “Swift” Garcia, just to name a few.

The action begins this Saturday, December 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT with the following lineup:

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Pernell Whitaker – 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT

Manny Pacquiao vs. Marco Antonio Barrera I – 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Shane Mosley I – 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT

Erik Morales vs. Pablo Cesar Cano – 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT

Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez III – 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT

Miguel Cotto vs. Shane Mosley – 8:00 p.m.ET/5:00 p.m. PT

Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz – 9:00 p.m.ET/6:00 p.m. PT

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad – 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT

The next day of classics begins on Tuesday, December 25 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT with 10 more bouts:

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Ike Quartey – 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT

Shane Mosley vs. Ricardo Mayorga – 2:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. PT

Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Oscar De La Hoya – 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT

Floyd Mayweather vs. Ricky Hatton – 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas – 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT

Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez II – 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad – 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT

Amir Khan vs. Marcos Maidana – 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT

Canelo Alvarez vs. Ryan Rhodes – 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT

Canelo Alvarez vs. Mathew Hatton – 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT

On December 29, it’s a Saturday night doubleheader featuring:

Abner Mares vs. Vic Darchinyan – 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT

Danny Garcia vs. Nate Campbell – 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT

Finally, on Saturday, January 5, it’s another marathon of elite level boxing action with the following bouts:

Rigoberto Alvarez vs. Austin Trout – 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT

Lamont Peterson vs. Victor Ortiz – 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT

Amir Khan vs. Paulie Malignaggi – 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT

Floyd Mayweather vs. Shane Mosley -9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad – 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxingor visit us on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page. For more information on FOX Deportes visit www.FOXDeportes.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

DANNY “SWIFT” GARCIA AND ZAB “SUPER” JUDAH ANNOUNCE FEBRUARY 9 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

NEW YORK (December 2, 2012) – Tensions flared as Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and former Four-Time and Two-Division World Champion Zab “Super” Judah formally announced their Saturday, February 9 world championship fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Garcia, Judah and their camps had to be separated mid-way through Saturday’s press conference at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in New York City after Garcia’s father Angel made comments while addressing the media. Judah took offense to Angel’s promise that his son, the WBA Super, WBC and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion would knock out the Brooklyn native.

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia’s Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsor Corona. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, go on sale on Monday, December 3 at 10:00 a.m. ET and will be available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

Here’s what the participants had to say during Saturday’s press conference:

DANNY GARCIA, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“It’s going to be another epic show. [To Judah] Come February 9th, I’m going to show you. I’m going to knock you out.

“Now there’s going to be a fight on February 9th.

“I am old-school. I always go for the knockout.

“I’m going to punish him. I’m going for the knockout. This is not going past four rounds.

“This is my time. It is going to be a great fight.

“He [Judah] is going to try hard because he is fighting in Brooklyn, and he is in his hometown. He is going to do a lot of barking and I am going to do a lot of biting.

“I won the title in Houston in front of Morales’ fans. I beat Khan in Vegas; he had a lot of fans there, so this isn’t anything new to me.”

ZAB JUDAH, Former Four-Time and Two-Division World Champion

“You’ve got a hungry Zab Judah. Get your seatbelt on because it’s going to be a roller coaster on February 9th.

“When you come into Brooklyn you have to show some respect. [To Garcia] Take your ass whooping and head down I-95.

“Danny is a cool, calm fighter. His dad is the mouth.

“I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I got mad.

“I am too fast, too slick and too strong for Garcia. February 9th is going to be fun.

“My first title fight was on SHOWTIME and now I have a chance to win the unified title [on SHOWTIME].

“It’s a dream to have an arena right in my borough. After 16 years as a professional, I am going to be able to give my borough the championship of the world.”

ANGEL GARCIA, DANNY’S FATHER & TRAINER

“Danny is blessed. I am blessed because of Danny. I train him, Al [Haymon] picks ’em and Danny fights ’em.

“Zab was a champion, that was his time, his era. There’s a new era. It’s about Philly right now.

“Danny is still undefeated. We’re not leaving those titles in Brooklyn.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, President of Golden Boy East

“A lot of fighters have made history in New York City, including myself. What better way to start the second show at Barclays Center than with a fight like this one? Golden Boy put on a great show in October and we are coming back with another great show on February 9th.

“Zab can’t be underestimated or disrespected. He always brings his ‘A’ game. Everyone knows Zab comes to fight. He brings it. Garcia, a Philly guy, is representing himself, his family and the City of Brotherly Love.

“They love Zab Judah in Brooklyn like they love Mike Tyson.

“This will be a test for Danny to disprove to any doubters out there. He’s taking on someone he doesn’t have to fight…a living legend.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“This is the kind of fight that was easy and quick to put together. Both of these guys wanted this fight.

“When you have two fighters that really want it, it results in a great matchup.

“We have fantastic pricing for this fight starting at 25 dollars. That’s like the price of a movie ticket.

“The undercard will have Danny Jacobs, if he gets past his fight tonight and Peter Quillin.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“At SHOWTIME, we are committed to bringing our subscribers the biggest names and most established stars, as well as discovering and building the stars of the future. On February 9th, we will be featuring both of those [types of fighters].

“It’s hard to believe in less than a year Danny has gone from an interesting prospect to a bona fide world champion. He has put his name on the short list of boxing’s household names.

“Zab Judah has been on that list for quite some time. February 9th will be Zab’s 10th appearance on SHOWTIME and every single appearance has been entertaining and compelling.

“This will be Danny’s litmus test.”

SEAN SAADEH, Vice President of Programming for Barclays Center

“We’re thrilled to have this fight at Barclays Center. Our first fight was great and the energy was electric.

“Brooklyn is known for raising some of the best fighters and the world and we want Barclays Center to be their home.

“We are proud to continue that tradition with Brooklyn’s own Zab Judah.

“We want up-and-coming Brooklyn fighters to aspire to fight at Barclays and we want it to be their ultimate goal.

“In October, Danny Garcia showed us why he was one of the most elite fighters in boxing we are looking forward to showcasing him again.”

VIDEO: ZAB JUDAH

VIDEO: DANNY GARCIA

DANNY GARCIA VS. ZAB JUDAH SET FOR THE UNIFIED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

BROOKLYN (December 1, 2012) – Following an unforgettable night of fights in October to open a new era of boxing in Brooklyn at Barclays Center, Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME return to the area’s most spectacular new venue on Saturday, February 9 with a world championship bout featuring WBA Super, WBC and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia against former Four-Time and Two-Division World Champion and Brooklyn’s own Zab “Super” Judah.

“Zab’s a great fighter, one of the best of his era, but it’s my era now and I’m going to prove it on February 9,” said Garcia, who will be making his third title defense. “The crowd in Brooklyn was great for my last fight, and I can’t wait to put on another show for them. I plan on ending this one the way I did my last fight at Barclays Center…by knockout.”

“I’d like to thank Danny Garcia, Golden Boy and Barclays Center for this opportunity,” said Judah. “I’m blessed to be able to come back home to Brooklyn, perform for my fans, and win another world championship. Danny is a talented fighter, but I have tricks he’s never seen before. This will be the defining fight of my career, and I can’t wait.”

“The atmosphere at Barclays Center was electric for our first event there in October and I know it’s going to be bigger and better on February 9,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Danny Garcia is an exciting young champion making statements with each fight and Brooklyn’s own Zab Judah is going to test him like never before. This is a Fight of the Year candidate in February, and I can’t wait to get back to Brooklyn to see it.”

“We are thrilled to bring another exciting championship fight to Barclays Center for what is sure to be a dramatic evening for boxing fans,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. “Our inaugural boxing event in October was a rousing success as we are delighted to re-ignite boxing’s powerful tradition in Brooklyn.”

“After a strong 2012 lineup of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, 2013 will prove to be even better,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “On February 9, we are expecting a spectacular night of boxing at Barclays Center featuring a rising champion in Danny Garcia and Zab Judah, a boxing main-stay who hails from Brooklyn. Fans came out strong in Brooklyn and tuned into the SHOWTIME telecast during the last fight at Barclays Center and we can’t wait for the same to occur come February 9.”

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia’s Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsor Corona. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

Philadelphia Danny “Swift” Garcia (25-0, 16 KO’s) has been boxing’s breakout star of 2012, and a top candidate for Fighter of the Year honors as a result of his spectacular performances on the sport’s biggest stages. A top prospect and contender in the years leading up to 2012, the 24-year-old won his first world title fight in March by dropping, then decisioning the legendary Erik Morales for the WBC 140-pound title. Garcia then unified the titles in July with a stunning fourth round knockout of British Superstar Amir Khan before opening Barclays Center in October with a one punch knockout of Morales in their rematch. Now Garcia has his sights set on taking out another superstar in Zab Judah.

One of New York’s most accomplished boxers of all time, Brooklyn’s Zab “Super” Judah (42-7, 29 KO’s) has lived up to his nickname with blazing speed, one punch power and classic performances. A former world champion at super lightweight and welterweight, the 35-year-old southpaw owns wins over Cory Spinks, Junior Witter, DeMarcus Corley and Lucas Matthysse, while also going toe-to-toe with modern greats like Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, and Kostya Tszyu. The winner of six of his last seven bouts, most recently a ninth round technical knockout win over then unbeaten Vernon Paris in March, Judah is amped up to fight in his hometown for the second time as a professional on February 9.

Televised co-features and a stacked lineup of undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.barclayscenter.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BarclaysCenter, @DannySwift, @SuperJudah, @SHOsports, follow the conversation using #BrooklynBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

VIDEO: GARCIA – JUDAH PRESS CONFERENCE BRAWL

Garcia trashes Morales in four

BROOKLYN, NY–There was a a lot of doubt weather the fight would go on as scheduled but Danny Garcia left no doubt by scoring a spectacular fourth round knockout over future hall of famer Erik Morales to retain the WBA/WBC/Ring Magazine Super Lightweight title that highlighted the first ever boxing card at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Morales showed some spunk and craftiness in the first round but Garcia started getting his shots especially ti the body. At the end of of round three, Garcia landed a big right that rocked Morales to the point that he walked to the wrong corner. Garcia landed a vicious left hook that spun Morales around and crashing into the ropes that had Morales father/trainer Jose jump into the ring and stop the fight at 1:23 of round four.

Garcia, 139.8 lbs of Philadelphia is now 25-0 with sixteen knockouts. Morales, 139.2 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 52-9.

The fight almost did not come off after a failed drug test for a diuretic was discovered that Morales and it took last minute negotiating weather the fight would go through

“That left hook, I got that from my mom,” said a jubilant Garcia after the fight. “Her side of the family is all left handed.”

The 36 year old Morales was dejected and humble after the fight. He graciously accepted the loss and said (through a translator), “Time goes by. This is a sign that the end is near.”

“He’s a crafty veteran,” said Garcia of his opponent, a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame. “I really thought we’d go 12 rounds. He hit me with a couple of good shots, but I came back strong.

“In our first fight, I laid back a little too much. In this fight, I was more confident and I knew I could set up my punches and land some big shots.

“You know I’ll fight anyone. I never duck anyone and I know those guys want all these belts. They have to come get them from me.”

Paulie Malignaggi won a twelve round split decision over Pablo Cesar Cano to retain the WBA Welterweight championship.

Cano was not able to win the belt as he weighed in a pound over 147 pound weight limit in Friday.

It was a tactical fight that saw Malignaggi box in his patented style by jabbing up and down and moving. He caused a cut over the left eye of Cano. That did not deter Cano as he started to come forward and the overhand right was his punch of choice.

The two traded rounds with Cano landing the harder blows until Cano landed a huge booming right that sent malignaggi to the canvas. The made the action heat up in the twelth with both guys cut and giving as good as they received.

Malignaggi won two cards by 114-113 tallies while Cano grabbed a third card at 118-109.

Malignaggi is now 32-4. Cano is now 26-2-1.

Peter Quillin dropped reigning champion Hassan N’Dam six times en route to capturing the WBO Middleweight championship via twelve round unanimous decision.

N’Dam showed some sneaky boxing skills over the first three rounds that may have befuddled Quillin. In round four, Qullin landed a booming right hand that sent the champion to the canvas. Clearly shaken, N’Dam tried to fight fire with with but was being bounced all over the ring until he ate a massive left hook that put him on his back at the end of the frame. After steadying himself in round five, Quillin dropped N;Dam from a big left hook in the corner a second knockdown in round six came from a right which could have been ruled a slip.

The second half of the fight saw some terrific back and forth action with the champion showing a tremendous heart after being rocked and coming back. In the final round, Quillin sealed the deal by dropping N’Dam twice and came home with a 115-107 win on all cards.

Quillin, 159.2 lbs of New York is now 28-0. N’Dam, 159 lbs of Pantin, FRA is now 27-1.

Devon Alexander wrestled the IBF Welterweight championship with a lackluster twelve round unanimous decision over champion Randall Bailey.

The fight was void of action with the exception of round two where Bailey landed a big right hand. ALexander boxed and moved and threw more punches and cruised to the 117-109, 116-110 and 115-111 victory.

Alexander, 146.8 lbs of St. Louis, MO is now 24-1. Randall Bailey, 147 lbs of Miami, FL is now 43-8.

Former world title challenger Dmitry Salita pounded out a six round unanimous decision over Brandon Hoskins in a Welterweight bout.

Salita bloodied the left side of Hoskins face and won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 59-55.

Salita, 150 lbs of Brooklyn is now 35-1-1. Hoskins, 147.2 lbs if Hannibal. MO is now 16-3-1.

In the past year Danny Jacobs knocked out cancer, tonight Jacobs knocked out Josh Luteran in sixty-nine seconds of theire scheduled eight round Middleweight bout.

Jacobs landed a hard right hand that sent Luteran down with his has pounding off the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Jacobs, 161.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 23-1 with twenty knockouts. Luteran, 161.8 lbs of Blue Springs, MO is now 13-2.

Former world champion Luis Collazo scored a eight round unanimous decision over Steve Upsher Chambers in a Welterweight bout.

Collazo repeatedly beat Chambers to the bunch and landed hard combinations on the ropes and picked Chambers apart in the center of the ring. Chambers put up a valiant effort and landed some good shots but Collazo won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75.

Collazo, 146.8 lbs of Brooklyn is now 32-5. Chambers, 148.6 lbs of Philadelphia is now 24-2-1.

Hot shot prospect Eddie Gomez scored a second round stoppage over Saul Benitez in a scheduled four round Jr. Middleweight fight.

One knockout was scored and the bout was stopped at 1:23 of round two.

Gomez, 151 lbs of Bronx, NY is 11-0 with eight knockouts. Benitez, 149.6 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is now 2-3.

Boyd Melson & Jason Thompson christened the building by fighting to a six round draw in a Jr. Middleweight bout

Thompson dropped Melson with a hard right hand in round one. Melson got even in round three when he landed a big right hook that sent Thompson to the canvas. Melson boxed well down the stretch and landed some decent punches but it wasn’t enough to offset the quick start from Thompson and the bout was a ruled a draw by scores of 56-56 om cards

Melson, 155 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 9-1-1. Thompson, 151 lbs of Brooklyn is now 5-6-2.

SHOWTIME–BARCLAYS SHOW PREVIEW

We already covered tonight’s Garcia vs. Morales main event. Now on Showtime, it is the main event, but in the Barclays Center there is another main event.

Brooklyn’s main event.

Paul Malignaggi (31-4, 7 KO’s) vs. Pablo Cesar Cano (25-1, 19 KO’s)
Paul Malignaggi was once a young talent begging for a title shot. Now he’s the veteran about to face a talented young fighter. Pablo Cesar Cano is no joke. His one loss came against Erik Morales in a fight that he took on very short notice, and had to stop the match due to a cut. Otherwise, his record is virtually blemish proof against some very stiff opposition.

But Malignaggi has a not so secret weapon. He is fighting as the titleholder in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY. This is something he never imagined happening to himself. Mostly due to the fact that Brooklyn never had a venue to facilitate world title fights. At the pre-fight press conference, Cano made a mention of this fight being a war. This doesn’t phase Malignaggi.

“Listen, man, we can do wars. We can do boxing matches. I have done it all. I have 35 pro fights. I’ll be 32 next month, and I have been in there with the best and fought some of the best, won some, lost some. Won two world titles as you know. There is nothing that I have not seen. So, be at war, a tactical match. So, there is nothing new on Saturday night that I can expect to see that I haven’t already seen and that I’m not prepared to deal with.”

Peter Quillin (27-0, 20 KO’s) vs. Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (27-0, 17 KO’s)
For those in the know, this match-up is the one that most believe will be the fight of the night. Both fighters are undefeated and both are very good. For anyone able to view fight footage of N’Dam, one thing stood out. He is the real deal. He isn’t your typical euro-fighter that has faced soft opposition. Quillin, a native New Yorker, is poised to impress. He has been yearning for a big opportunity on this stage. Both fighters can box and are very capable of keeping things technical, but don’t be surprised if you see them showcasing power punches.

“But, I know that I have the skill to pay the bills. And come October 20, I will look you in the eye, Hassan, and you will see all the pain I will endure on you,” stated Quillin. N’Dam’s response was, “I do want you to see a show on Saturday night. I am a French showman.”

Randall Bailey (43-7, 37 KO’s) vs. Devon Alexander (23-1, 13 KO’s)
This match-up is the perfect clash of styles. Bailey is one of the most feared punchers in the game while Alexander is one of the fastest stylists in the game. While Alexander looks to be the favored fighter, Bailey is not concerned. He has been the underdog against young gunners in the past. And he prevailed.

“I am still going to prove myself by taking on Randall Bailey. You guys say that he’s Knockout King Bailey, but Saturday night I will show you what I’m going to do to him. I don’t run from anybody. I will fight anybody. I’m a throwback fighter. And I’m ready to rock ‘n’ roll. I have been ready since September 8,” said a confident Alexander. Bailey, a man of few words, stated, “So, I’m looking way too forward to Saturday night. It will be a great show. I plan on putting on a great show, along with all of the other fighters come Saturday night.”

Morales tests positive for banned substance before Garcia rematch

Four division world champion Erik Morales allegedly tested positive for a banned substance just days before his rematch with world Super Lightweight champion Danny Garica this Saturday night in Brooklyn according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“As far as I know, the fight is going on,” one of the sources told ESPN.com. “There is nothing that can be done to stop it” because the “B” sample test result has not yet been disclosed.

“(USADA) said it could be a false positive,” one of the sources with knowledge of the disclosure said. “But from what I understand, they won’t know until the test on the ‘B’ sample comes back, but that probably won’t be until after the fight.”

WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION AUSTIN TROUT & HALL OF FAME REFEREE JOE CORTEZ TO JOIN ANNOUNCE TEAM FOR SATURDAY’S HISTORIC SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® QUADRUPLE-HEADER TELECAST FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

NEW YORK (Oct. 18, 2012)—Undefeated WBA Super Welterweight Champion Austin Trout will take his skills to ringside for this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® quadruple-header from Brooklyn’s brand new Barclays Center.

Trout, who is currently training for an upcoming title defense against superstar Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 1 on SHOWTIME, will serve as an expert analyst on Saturday. He will join host Brian Kenny, announcers Mauro Ranallo (blow-by-blow) and Al Bernstein (color commentary), ringside reporter Jim Gray and recently retired Hall of Fame referee Joe Cortez on the live SHOWTIME telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Trout will offer his observations from ringside for all four world championship fights on the historic, first-ever boxing event at Barclays Center. Cortez, the subject of a feature story in Wednesday’s New York Times (read here), will be on hand to offer the expertise that comes from being the third man in the ring for more than 3,000 fights during a distinguished 35-year career.

Said Trout, who’ll be making his broadcast debut, “I’m excited to step behind the microphone for a major card like this quadruple-header on SHOWTIME. Broadcasting is definitely something I would like to pursue in the future so I want to make the most of this opportunity. I know many of the guys on the card personally and that, along with my insight as an active fighter, will help me give the viewers a unique perspective on what they are seeing in the ring.”

Trout (25-0, 14 KO’s), of Las Cruces, N.M., is currently in training camp for the fourth defense of his crown, but the 25-year-old southpaw has personal ties to Brooklyn.

“My mother and grandparents grew up in Brooklyn, so I’m always excited to come here. It’s like coming home,” he said.

Before turning professional in September 2005, Trout was an elite-level amateur and competed alongside Danny Garcia, Devon Alexander and Daniel Jacobs. He captured the WBA belt with a unanimous decision win over Rigoberto Alvarez in February 2011.

###

World championship boxing returns to Brooklyn with an inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center on October 20 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia against future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. In the co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, undefeated number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin of Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship and Devon Alexander “The Great” faces Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship in a bout presented in association with DiBella Entertainment. The SHOWTIME® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The undercard is loaded with many of New York’s top fighters, including Brooklyn’s hot middleweight prospect Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, former World Champion Luis Collazo, the Bronx’s rising star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and Brooklyn prospect Boyd Melson.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Doors open at Barclays Center at 4:30 p.m. The first live fight is at 5:00 p.m.

Ashley Thephane previews Garcia – Morales II

Golden Boy Promotions hosts one of the biggest events this year on Saturday at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York City.
Brooklyn is my home away from home as I have been staying there for training camps since 2005.
My old foe WBC world champion Danny Garcia is coming off a stunning knock out win of Britain’s Amir Khan.
Danny fights the Mexican legend Erik Morales who he won the title off at the turn of the year.
Their first fight was a cracker and I expect another spectacular fight.
The winner can look forward to fights against Brandon Rios, Juan Manuel Marquez and Lucas Matthysse.

Ricky Hatton comes back on Saturday 24th November in Manchester so I’m sure he will have his eyes on his former victim WBA Welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi. Paul fights Pablo Cesar Cano in the chief support bout. I sparred Paul years ago in Brooklyn. I enjoyed our sparring session at Gleason’s gym.
Paul has been in some great fights against Cotto, Diaz, Hatton and Khan. He should get past Cano as Erik Morales disposed up him very routinely.
There has been talk of me fighting WBA number six Johan Perez who Cano beat for the interim WBA 140lb title in his last fight. I’m just waiting on Hatton promotions to finalize the deal with Golden Boy Promotions.

Devon Alexander against Randall Bailey looks like a fight you don’t want to take your eyes off. Devon has great speed and skills but Randall has the one punch knock out power. He was losing against Mike Jones in his last fight but Jones took his eye off the ball and Bailey knocked him out. That’s what he does best. I was due to fight Randall Bailey in 2010 in an IBF 147lb world title eliminator. I beat world number 3 to get the opportunity. In the end I fought Lenny Daws for the British title as Mick Hennessey made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.
I beat Demarcus Corley after Devon Alexander beat him. I was at Madison Square Garden for that fight and I was impressed with Devon. I knew he would go onto win a world title. I thought he was a special talent after watching his performance.
Kell Brook will fight the winner of Alexander v Bailey. Kell has a good skill set but would he be able to take Bailey’s power and would he be able to match Devon’s skills and speed. I guess we will find out soon.

World title challenger Dmitriy Salita makes an appearance on the card. He is looking for another world title shot. He has Paulie in his sights. It would be a big fight for New York City with the Italians and the Jewish fans coming out to support their own. Dmitriy is undefeated since losing to Amir Khan. He has been preparing for this fight at the Kronk in Detroit. I have been training camp many times with him. Florida, Pennsylvania and New York are just a few of the places we have had our camps.

Former world champion Luis Collazo is another New Yorker on this amazing card. I’ve also sparred him. He has fought Andre Berto, Shane Mosley and Ricky Hatton. He has a tricky fight against hungry Steve Upsher Chambers. He will have to get past him to make another world title fight a reality.

Golden Boy have pulled out the stops for their first show at the Barclays Center.

I’ve sparred three of the fighters on this show, in Paul Malignaggi, Luis Collazo and Dmitriy Salita. I fought Danny Garcia and I was meant to have an IBF 147lbs world title eliminator with Randal Bailey. I also have a mutual opponent with Devon Alexander.

Amir Khan has fought Danny Garcia, Paul Malignaggi and Danny Garcia.
Ricky Hatton has fought Luis Collazo and Paul Malignaggi.

2013 will see some blockbuster shows at the Barclay’s center and us Brits could be part of it.

Boxnation TV will be televising the show in Britain and Showtime will be televising in the States.

It looks like an action packed event and I’m looking forward to it.

BROOKLYN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUADRUPLE-HEADER FINAL WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

NEW YORK (Oct. 17, 2012) – Just three days before they step into the ring as part of world championship boxing’s historic return to Brooklyn, Saturday’s fighters worked out in a ring erected in Barclays Center Daily News Plaza, in front of the arena that will host Saturday’s world championship quadruple-header, live on SHOWTIME (8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Fans cheered for the fighters who will take part in the first world championship event in Brooklyn in over 80 years and the kickoff boxing event at the brand new Barclays Center.

Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, of Philadelphia, will defend his crown against future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales, of Tijuana, Mexico, in the main event. In co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Mexican Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, undefeated No. 1 rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, of Manhattan, takes on France’s unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship and Devon Alexander “The Great,” of St. Louis, faces Miami’s Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

DANNY GARCIA:

“I feel strong, I’m well prepared and I can’t wait to show case my skills.

“I expect a lot of fans from Philadelphia to come. Everyone is coming to this fight. It’s big.

“I always go for the knockout, the fans love it. That’s what I do, I bring knockout power.

“Definitely expect a win. I’ve been training so hard. I’m too smart and I can’t see myself losing to anyone anytime soon.”

ERIK MORALES:

“Lots of people have seen my fights. Even though I’m not at home, I know lots of people will watch and they will see my hard work and effort in the ring.

“We’re totally prepared. We are ready and anticipating stepping in the ring. We’re very hurt over what happened in March and we have done everything possible to be ready for this Saturday.

“You don’t want to miss it. It will be an explosive and historic fight. You will see an Erik Morales who is ready.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI:

“It’s surreal that the time is almost here to put on the show. I have goose bumps every time I think about it. It’s a chance for Brooklynites to put Brooklyn on the map.”

PETER QUILLIN:

“This is something that I’ve been fighting for my whole life. For a guy who never had anything to have something, it’s a blessing.

“Expect chocolate after I win and get my belt. Expect me to inspire. All you guys and gals that want to do something in your life and think that you’re not a fighter, you are a fighter as long as you have your spirit and your hard work behind you.”

DANNY JACOBS:

“Mentally, I’m ready for battle especially after training for six months. It’s long overdue. Physically, I made weight three weeks ago so I’m ready to go. I’m just waiting for Saturday night.

“I am living proof of what hard work and determination can get you. I’ve suffered, been paralyzed and doctors told me I would never be able to box again.”

ABOUT “GARCIA VS. MORALES”:

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000.

BARCLAY CENTER FIGHTERS AT THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PHOTO GALLERY

15rounds.com Photographer Claudia Bocanegra was present at the famed Brooklyn Bridge where fighters from this Saturday’s historic fight card at the Barclay Center took part in a photo shoot under the Bridge. The fight will feature four world title bouts and will be shown Live on Showtime
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

Garcia / Morales Preview

Brooklyn, NY will be the center of the Boxing world this Saturday as the brand new Barclays Center will play host to one of the most loaded events in a very long time. 15rounds will be your one stop shop for everything that is Brooklyn Boxing and today, we will provide to you a cheat-sheet for the main event of the evening. Throughout the week, we will do the same with the rest of the televised portion of the card that will air on Showtime. And to add some icing on the cake, we will also preview the non-televised portion, which also features some competitive match-ups.

Let’s get started.

Danny Garcia (24-0, 15 KO’s) vs. Erik Morales (50-8, 36 KO’s)
WBA/WBC light welterweight titles

These two squared off a little over a year and a half ago in what turned out to be a very entertaining bout. Much to our surprise, it was Garcia that was more aggressive throughout the night, throwing over two hundred more punches throughout the fight. And his output finally paid off when he managed to floor Morales with a powerful left hook. Before this bout, Garcia was virtually unknown to anyone that was not a hardcore fan.

Here is what we could expect out of both fighters. Despite not having huge power, Garcia likes to take the fight to his opponent. He has shown that he can experience some difficulty against more defensive minded opponents. Morales seemed to make some attempts at this on their first go around, so we could expect to see him counterpunch off of his back foot. Morales saw some success bringing his right hand over the top of Garcia’s left hook. Garcia has one advantage that is quite literally a game changer. Both fighters know that Garcia is capable of knocking Morales down.

In the end, we could expect to see a very different fight between both fighters. Most of it is riding on how Morales has prepared his strategy for this bout. Garcia certainly has the advantage, which is why he is favored so highly.

Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the Barclays Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Or you can tune into Showtime Extreme where the boxing broadcast will begin at 7:00PM Eastern Time and then Showtime at 8:00PM for the fight broadcast.

ERIK “EL TERRIBLE” MORALES CAMP NOTES

TEOMAYA, ESTADO DE MEXICO (October 12) – Erik “El Terrible” Morales, the first Mexican fighter to become a four division world champion and who is preparing for his rematch against Danny “Swift” Garcia taking place next Saturday, is closing his camp and is ready to travel to New York for the inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn on October 20. Morales’ unified lightweight world championship title challenge against Garcia headlines a night of four world championship bouts that will be telecast live on SHOWTIME®.

Morales, one of the few Mexican fighters, still maintaining his camp at the high altitude of the Centro Ceremonial Otomi located in Temoaya, Estado de Toluca, Mexico, has spent already 12 grueling weeks in the mountains under the guidance of his father/trainer Jose “Olivaritos” Morales.

“I had a very good training camp and I am ready,” said Morales. “All I have to say is that I am ready to put a great show next Saturday night.”

His training routine included running at 8:00 a.m., working out in the gym at 5:30 p.m. with four sparring partners including Rodrigo Juarez and Saul “Cobra” Carreon. Last Monday Morales impressed his team with his stamina and tenacity during an intense 12 round sparring session.

The rest of the team includes Tiburcio Garcia [assistant coach], Fernando Fernandez [mitts], Carlos Mera [publicist] and a cook, who prepares Morales’ meals, which consists of pasta, chicken, fish and meat on occasion.

“Training camp was excellent and I strongly believe I will have no problems making my mark on the division [140 pounds]. My body responded well to my training regimen and I feel that this time the outcome will be different. I want to be a world champion again.”

“I have to be honest and say that Erik [Morales] is very well motivated for his rematch against Danny Garcia,” said Jose Morales, father and trainer of Morales. “My son did a great job for almost 12 weeks to make sure that the result will be different. For this fight, he has had more time to plan everything and do different things.”

He added: “I know my son and I know he had problems due to the gallbladder surgery before the first fight. This time has to be different because there are no excuses or injuries.”

# # #

DANNY GARCIA, DEVON ALEXANDER AND RANDALL BAILEY MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Kelly Swanson
Thanks, everybody, for joining in. We have a lot of work to do on this call today. This is the first of two conference calls back-to-back, one is set for tomorrow, to talk about the October 20th four world title fight extravaganza. Of course, as everybody knows, this is bringing boxing back to Brooklyn from the new Barclays Center and, again, championship boxing has not been in Brooklyn in over 80 years. The fight will be televised on Showtime.

As you received in your media alert, we have four fighters available today and we’re going to start this call with Devon Alexander and Randall Bailey. He’s joined by his promoter Lou DiBella. And just to give the particulars of the fight and what you can look forward to, I’m going to turn it over to Robert Diaz from Golden Boy Promotions to make the opening statement. Robert?

Robert Diaz

Good afternoon, everybody, and thank you very much. I want to just give you a little bit of insight. This is a very exciting night of boxing that’s going to back to Brooklyn, like Kelly mentioned, after 80 years since the last world title fight and we’re going back with four world title fights.

We’re going with four world title fights to open up the beautiful Barclays Center. In the main event, Danny Garcia and Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Paulie Malignaggi defends his title against Pablo Cesar Cano; Hassan N’Dam will be fighting Peter Quillin and, of course, you’ll be hearing also from former World Champion Devon Alexander and current World Champion Randall Bailey.

Also, a stacked undercard with Brooklyn’s finest, Daniel Jacobs, Luis Collazo, young prospect, undefeated, Eddie Gomez. Dmitry Salita comes back to Brooklyn and Boyd Melson as well. Don’t miss it, it’s on Showtime. The telecast begins at 8 p.m. eastern time.

You’ll have Showtime Extreme beginning at 7 p.m. eastern time. Ticket prices are $300, $200, $100 and $50. So, don’t miss it, a great night of fights at the new Barclays Center. We want to thank also our sponsors, Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T.

I’d like to introduce right now the promoter for Randall Bailey as that fight is in association with DiBella Entertainment, President Lou DiBella. Lou?

Lou DiBella

Thanks, Robert. It’s great to be with you and it’s great to be part of what’s gong to be an historic night of boxing at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. I was born and raised in Brooklyn and the return of boxing to Brooklyn is truly an exciting night. Showtime has put together with Golden Boy, a packed show with four top fights and an undercard that does feature a lot of New York’s finest.

So, I’m looking forward to Randall getting the opportunity to defend his title on the show. Randall is a hard puncher. He can stage a fight with just one punch from either hand. I don’t think there’s anyone in the sport who is a more devastating puncher.

Devon Alexander is a terrific young boxer. He probably will at some point in the fight be ahead in rounds, but if Randall lands one punch, then he retains his belt and I think that’s what brings this fight so much excitement and so much interest.

So, it’s my pleasure to introduce the KO King, the IBF Welterweight Champion of the World, Randall Bailey. Randall, do you want to say a few words?

Randall Bailey

Hello, everybody. I’m glad to be here on this show and I’m looking forward to October 20th. And I just want to thank my promoter, Lou DiBella and Golden Boy for getting this fight done and rescheduled so me and Devon can make this day happen.

Diaz

Thank you, Randall. And with that, I’d like to introduce to you Devon “The Great” Alexander out of St. Louis, Missouri, 23 wins, one loss, 13 knockouts. He’s a former World Champion in the Super Lightweight WBC and IBF Junior Welterweight Champion, no stranger to big punchers as he’s recently beat Lucas Matthysse and Marcos Maidana, two of the biggest punchers in the division. Devon Alexander “The Great”.

Devon Alexander

Good afternoon, everybody. I want to thank everybody for having me. I’m excited. I’m definitely excited to be coming to Brooklyn. This is my first time fighting in Brooklyn. I was ready four weeks ago to get this fight on, but I’m definitely still ready and ready to become three-time World Champion again. So, thanks for having me again.

Randall, can you briefly just kind of touch on what it has taken to re-acclimate yourself to sparring, including the back injury. I know how it happened, you explained how it happened, but what was the recovery process and the transition back into sparring?

Bailey

It just required a lot of rest. I had to sit out and just take the medicine that they had prescribed for me and just relax for a couple of weeks.

And how difficult was it to re-acclimate yourself to sparring, throwing the right hand, which you said was one of the reasons you hurt it? How was that transition?

Bailey

I do that naturally, so there was no fear and feeling pain because when you’re in a fight, whatever you hurt you’ve still got to go on. But just in this situation it didn’t make sense for me to go into a fight injured.

Leading up to the fight with Jones, you were very understated. You came to the podium, in fact, at the press conference and you were very short and sweet. As opposed to then, now as Champion, you’ve been, obviously, very vocal about Devon and a lot of that exchange has come from you and Kevin Cunningham. Kevin Cunningham is used to this. He does this all the time. Is there any notion that maybe you’re being distracted by this, taken out of your game or are you completely focused in spite of all the trash talking?

Bailey

I am completely focused because it’s all a comedy to me, to tell you the truth, because Mike Jones’ trainer was doing the same thing. Vaughn Jackson was doing the same thing before the fight, saying a whole bunch of stuff, talking a whole bunch of smack and now he’s unemployed. So, at the end of the day, on October 20th maybe Devon will be finding him some new employees.

Okay, do you guys, Devon and Kevin, do you guys have a response to that? I’m going to start with Devon first. Devon, as I said before, you’re accustomed to your trainer talking like he does and you going in the ring and doing your work. Can you talk about that relationship and how you just kind of stay back and kind of talk when it’s necessary or ready?

Alexander

Yeah, yeah, me and my coach have a beautiful relationship and whatever my coach says goes for me, too. My coach knows what he says and he knows what he’s doing, so whatever he says I’m right behind him.

For me, I will talk, but the point is, me and Bailey are getting in the ring and these hands will do the talking. I don’t have to talk about what I want to do, who I’m going to do it to, or whatever, because October 20th, actions are going to speak way louder than words. You can say what you want to say, but you’ve still got to get in the ring. So, I’m going to leave it at that.

No pressure for you when Kevin talks like he does?

Alexander

No, not at all, not at all. That’s Kevin. Kevin is part of my team and that’s him. You’ve got to be yourself and I’m going to be myself. That’s how teams work, everybody plays their position and that’s what I’m going to do.

Kevin, you heard what Randall said about you potentially going to be unemployed after this fight. Do you have a response?

Kevin Cunningham

Yeah, I heard what he said, but the bottom line is this. Vaughn Jackson is not Kevin Cunningham. And Mike Jones is not Devon Alexander. Vaughn Jackson doesn’t have the accomplishments that I have as a trainer. Neither does Mike Jones have the accomplishments that Devon has as a fighter.

So, I look at what Randall Bailey says; nothing that comes out of Randall’s mouth has facts to it. He just says things, so, basically it’s part of the hype, but come Saturday night, October the 20th he’s going to realize that he’s in with an elite fighter. And we all know Randall Bailey can punch.

But we also know that Randall Bailey knows how to lose because he’s lost seven times. And every time he steps in the ring with an elite fighter he gets nailed. So, that’s the difference in what this whole conversation and all this back and forth talk is. I’m speaking facts and this dude is just talking out the side of his neck.

You had said that you believe that he was faking the back injury. Do you still believe that? And then also do you believe that he’s out of his element when he personally engages with you as he’s doing?

Cunningham

He’s way out of his element when he engages with me because he doesn’t have the oral skills to even deal with me on that type of level. So, I do my thing. I handle everything on the outside of the ring and Devon handles everything on the inside of the ring. And that’s what a perfect team does. I do what I do, Devon does what he does and that’s what a team does.

When you’re dealing with Team Alexander, that’s what you’re dealing with, a team. Yeah, we all know fight night Devon has got to go in the ring and fight. That’s his job. My job is to handle everything outside the ring, make sure he gets in position to get great opportunities, make sure his career stays relevant, all this type of stuff.

And this is a business as well as it’s boxing. So, America has just got to understand the business aspect of boxing. But, look, in the last few months I promoted Randall Bailey more than he’s been promoted in his whole 16-year career, so he should be a little more thankful and grateful.

Lastly, the question about his back.

K. Cunningham

Oh, sorry. Come on, man. Look, the man just told you he was off resting for two weeks after the injury. He was on Twitter on Monday after the fight. The fight was scheduled September the 8th. On that Monday he’s on Twitter talking about he’s in the gym working hard and he’s feeling good.

So, I mean, he needs to get it together, bro. I mean if you were injured, you’re injured. Stuff happens, but if you’re on Twitter talking about you’re in the gym working hard on Monday, the Monday following the fight, I mean were you on bed rest for two weeks or were you in the gym like you Tweeted? You tell me.

Randall, do you have any retort to all this that they’re talking about?

Bailey

Kevin must have eyes everywhere because he just knows so much. He just knows everything. You can’t tell Kevin anything. Kevin is like a cartoon in his own show.

Thank you very much. Randall, that was very funny about the cartoon. But my question for you, with this fight, is your back now, even though you were just talking about the couple of weeks off, is it 100% right now?

Bailey

I’m good right now. My sparring and everything went well. I did my last day yesterday and I’m good.

Do you feel like in the fight that you’re going to have to be a little bit more active? I saw your fight. I was at your fight with Mike Jones. You scored a great knockout. You basically landed two great punches in the fight, one that knocked him down and one that knocked him out.

The way that Devon seems to fight with his style, I guess, that you might have to have a little bit more punch output and a little bit more activity to do what you have to do against him. Do you feel like you need to be more active when you’re in the ring with Devon Alexander?

Bailey

I keep telling everybody that Devon is not the same size as Mike Jones. They’ve got Mike Jones linked at six feet. He’s at least six one and a half. He’s very hard to reach. Devon is smaller than me. He’s not going to be hard for me to find. And this is what they don’t understand.

Okay. Devon, what’s your reaction to what Randall just said?

Cunningham

October 20th they will definitely see.

Okay. Devon, do you have any remark about what Randall just said, comparing your size to Mike Jones’ size?

Alexander

I don’t see where size matters in boxing. Koto was smaller than you, Urango was smaller than you. You fought a lot of guys smaller than you, so I don’t see-

Bailey

You’re smaller than me, too. I’m going to show you what a big man do to a small man.

Alexander

Oh, okay. But I just don’t see-

Bailey

No, no, no, cat doesn’t have your tongue. Keep talking, don’t stutter.

Randall, let him answer the question.

Bailey

Damn, you’re slow.

Alexander

I don’t see what size has to do with boxing. I could be two feet and still come in there and do what I’ve got to do and win the fight, so I don’t see what he’s trying to say or what he’s trying to come up with. I’m going to put it like this. It doesn’t matter what Randall Bailey is coming to do, and it doesn’t matter what he’s coming to do, what he’s put out, what I have either.

It’s about what I’m going to do to him. I’m going to implement what I’m going to do and we’ll come out of there with the IBF title. That’s the name of the game.

Devon, let me ask you this; when you hear the talk that goes on between Kevin and Randall, you’ve had your say, but Kevin is, obviously, an outspoken person and him and Randall have been engaging, not only in this promotion building up to October 20th, but before the fight was postponed the last time it was scheduled, do you sit back and just kind of laugh because you and Kevin have such different personalities, do you just sort of sit back and kind of are amused by the whole thing?

Alexander

Yes, it’s definitely is funny, but my coach, he definitely knows what he’s doing and I’m definitely with him 100%. So, it’s definitely entertaining and, like he said, this is boxing, this is the entertainment field and you’ve got to entertain people, you’ve got to make people want to see the fight. So, like my coach, he did a great job promoting the fight, people want to see the fight now because of the trash talking. And I love it because he’s part of my team so I don’t mind it.

One other question for both of you guys. This fight was the main event on Showtime, that was supposed to be a few weeks ago, now even though the fight is still happening and the people would like to see it, you’re moving on to an undercard so maybe it’s not going to get as much attention if it was the main event, I think that’s fair to say.

Do you have an opinion about or a thought about not being the main event anymore or does it not make a difference to either of you guys? Randall, maybe you can start.

Bailey

It don’t make a difference to me, it don’t make a difference to me.

Okay, short and to the point. And, Devon?

Alexander

Everybody’s got their own job to do. Of course, with me being the lead fighter I definitely want to be main event all the time, but sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. The fight was scheduled for September, but now it’s October so we’ve got to get on this card. Everything happens for a reason, so we’re not going to worry about that. We’re just going to go in there and do what we’ve got to do.

Diaz

I just want to remind everybody this is four world title fights. Any of these fights could be a main event. You’ve got eight great fighters fighting for a world title, so any fight here on this card could be a main event.

Devon, it was just mentioned you being in a main event last month and to know being basically the fight that opens up the show. Does that give you more motivation to try to take this title next Saturday night?

Alexander

I’m already motivated. I’m already motivated and it does motivate me to go in there and even put on a more spectacular performance. But, like I said, in the last question everything happens for a reason. I’m used to being on top, the top bill, main event, but, hey, this is what happened. When a fight falls off and you’re put on somebody else’s card or whatever, so I’m okay with that. I’ve just got to do what I’ve got to do and get back to where I feel comfortable at, which is main event.

Let me ask you this, you’ve been looking real strong at 47 the last two fights. Do you feel as though 47 is the best class for you compared to how you was at 40?

Alexander

Indeed, definitely indeed. Like everybody knows I was able to make 140 and now 147, I’ve got all my power, all my legs, all my energy back and it’s going to be trouble for whoever I fight at 147 because it’s a different Devon Alexander, so it’s going to be trouble for anybody.

Randall, let me ask you this. I know you had trouble with your back, but I have to mention Devon is a smaller fighter. Do you feel as though your size is going to complement you better going into the fight next week?

Bailey

Definitely. I don’t know what they’re talking about. Even in the Marcos Maidana he was barely making it. I’m going to show these fools.

What’s your response to that, Devon?

Alexander

Well, response to what? I don’t even know what he said.

He’s basically saying that even in the Maidana fight you barely made 47, so do you think it will be difficult for you–

Bailey

Actually I was saying even in the later rounds of that fight he wasn’t doing as much and, in fact, Maidana was really keying off on him and he wasn’t the one controlling the fight in the end.

Alexander

Did you see in the last round I did the shuffle?

Bailey

Yes, I saw that fight. I did see that fight. You watch it again.

Hi, Devon. You’ve been in the ring with some pretty big punchers and, obviously, you’re going to be in the ring with another big puncher on the 20th. Can you tell me, of all your fights, who would you say is the hardest that you’ve eve been hit by and by who?

Alexander

Well, I plan my boxing career on not to get hit often. This is boxing, you’re going to get hit, but I… myself not to get hit as often. But if I was to say the hardest puncher I faced, it would have been Matthysse.

Lucas Matthysse?

Alexander

Yes.

Did he ever hurt you in the fight? Do you feel you’ve ever been hurt in a professional fight?

Alexander

Not at all, not at all because in boxing you’ve got to be alert and you’ve got to know what you’re doing in there and I don’t think I have ever been hurt. Of course, I get collar punches or whatever, but nothing to say oh man, wow, so not at all.

Swanson

Okay. So, if everybody could stand by and we’re going to go ahead and thank Randall and Devon for joining us. If we have any last comments from either one of you or you want to go ahead and get back to training, that’s fine. So, Randall, any last minute thoughts there?

Bailey

Thank you all for having me and I look forward to October 20th.

Alexander

Again, thanks for having me. I’m excited about being in Brooklyn to be crowned the new IBF Champion, so I’m excited.

Diaz

Well, when you talk about Erik Morales there’s no introduction needed. You have a multiple world champion, one of the best fighters in Mexico, one of the best fighters in the world, definitely a Hall-of-Famer, with a record of 52 wins, eight losses and 36 knockouts, Erik Morales.

*PLEASE NOTE: Erik Morales was unable to participate in the conference call

Well, everybody, Danny, the WBC/WBA Super Lightweight Champion, Danny “Swift” Garcia, 24/0, fifteen knockouts out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a little known fact that many might not know, he’s also very talented in the music. Danny writes his own songs out there, right, Danny?

Garcia

Yeah, I’m messing around with it. First, I feel blessed just to be headlining on the card in Brooklyn. I’ve worked really hard. I’ve been working really hard for eight weeks for this fight. I’ve been working hard my career for this fight and I just want to give the fans another great fight and I’m training hard to make that happen, so I can’t wait until October 20th. It’s going to be another explosive performance.

Here’s the thing about this fight; now, in the first fight you won a decision. It was a good fight, but I don’t think there was any controversy about the outcome of the fight. You knocked him down, if I recall, I believe in the 11th round of the fight.

So, going into the rematch, would your ideal plan to be to sort of be even more of a run away winner in this fight than you were in the first fight? To look even better in this fight, to maybe be more definitive with your victory, which perhaps would be a knockout or is it you don’t think about that? I know you just want to get the W.

Garcia

I always think about, again, the W, but I feel like the first time around, the first fight, it was my first fight on a big stage. I showed them a lot of respect. Now the tables are turned and I’m the champion, he’s the challenger. I’m confident and I’m ready. I feel like this fight I’m more prepared mentally and physically.

If I understand it correctly, he had the option to have a rematch with you after you had an interim bout, which is what you had when you knocked out Amir Khan and so he invoked that rematch clause and being a person of honor you accepted that, but if there was not a rematch clause in your first fight, would your preference have been to move on to some other contender or some other champion or some other fight or are you just as content to have that other fight with Erik Morales, who, like Robert said, may be older at this point, but someday will be a Hall-of-Famer?

Garcia

You know, me, I really don’t look at who I fight. I just train. I let my manager pick out the fight and, me, I get ready and I’m always ready for whoever they put in front of me, so I just fight whoever they put in front of me, I just get ready for who they put in front of me. I’m not really the matchmaker.

But you didn’t have an opinion about it, though? You didn’t think to yourself, I’d like to fight this guy or I’d like to fight that guy, even though, like you said, you have your management and your promoter that handle the business part?

Garcia

I never really thought about it because they say Khan was the number one guy in the division and when I beat him I didn’t really know who else was out there. There are a couple of tough guys out there, but I was just happy at the moment. I never really thought after that.

Okay. One other thing, then. In the first fight he didn’t make the weight. He had the belt going into the fight, go to the weigh-in, he doesn’t make the weight, the title is vacant. You make the weight, no problem, you then go out there and win the title in the next night. So, are you a little concerned at all in any way that he’s going to not make the weight a second time and cause more problems or are you confident that that was a one-time thing for him?

Garcia

I don’t really know him. I’m not worried about him, but if he comes over weight, then he has to lose weight. It’s got to be fair this time. Say we are sacrificing big weight, he has to do it and that’s a part of the sport.

Right, but last time he didn’t lose the weight.

Garcia

Yeah, because he was the champion, he was, I don’t care. He was making good money, I wasn’t making as much money as him, so it wasn’t really not for him. But this time it’s different, he’s got to make the weight.

Danny, my question to you is this. You are a young fighter. I think there were even some people who thought that Erik Morales would have too much experience, maybe challenge you in different ways, tricks of the trade, all of that, more than you had before and still beat you. The same thing about Khan, there were people, and I’m sure you heard it, that thought you were going to get beat. Those two wins, number one, what were some of the comments that you heard and how were you supposed to, I guess, get beat according to what you heard? And number two, how are you a better fighter from each of those experiences?

Garcia

Those two fights, I was a young kid, nobody knew who I was, so it was only right for people to think what they were thinking, but that only made me hungrier to prove everybody wrong and win the fights. I was an underdog my whole career. It just makes me hungrier to prove people wrong and just to keep winning.

The Erik Morales fight, you had some cuts. Can you talk about the adversity that you overcame in that particular fight and how rewarding was it to kind of put on some steam and knock him down in the 11th round and really pour it on in the end?

Garcia

It gave me a lot of confidence because he’s a smart bet. He tried to get me tired and then finish me off in the later rounds, like he did to the other kid, the one he beat before me. Yeah, I knew I had to be in shape because he tries to play dumb for the first ten rounds and then tries to kick it on late and get the young player out of there.

But I was in great shape and blood and cuts, that’s what happens in boxing. It really doesn’t bother me. That’s what happens when you get hit and you get a cut and you bleed, so that’s a part of boxing. That don’t really bother me.

I thought a crucial moment in the Khan fight was the second round where your father, Angel, really got in your grill about getting out-punched, about not doing certain things, so he really challenged you and I thought that was a crucial moment where you had to respond. Can you talk about that moment and how do you think you responded?

Garcia

He was just trying to keep me focused. We knew Khan was going to come out fast, he’s a fast starter. That’s why they kept talking about how they were going to jump on me early and knock me out. But I knew once I adapted and I started leading my shots, we wanted to see could he take them. And the first clean punch I hit him with, he went down.

Last question for you. I talked to Lamont Peterson and his brother, Anthony, who was his sparring partner before the Khan fight and they said that they were looking to catch Amir Khan during exchanges and when he was pulling out and dropping his hands, that they could hit him squarely and one of the punches they said they thought they could land was the latter, that you landed.

Can you talk about weathering the storm offensively, because he was hitting you with some pretty good shots, but you stayed on the body and then came to the top. Can you talk about how you were able to do that and, obviously, ultimately the landing left-hook was something you wanted to do.

Garcia

We knew he was fast, but he’s reckless. He just throws punches and doesn’t worry about; he just throws punches and doesn’t worry about the other guy coming back. He just puts his hands up and runs. So, we knew he had no defense, so it was time and speed and everything and that’s what we trained for.

Will you be satisfied with a decision against Morales or do you feel you need a knockout to improve on your last performance against him?

Garcia

No, the past is the past. I always go into the fight ready for 12 rounds. I don’t ever go for the knockout because that’s how you get knocked out. But I’m ready for 12 smart rounds and the KO comes then we’re going to take him out.

Your parents are Puerto Rican and you were born and raised in Philly. Those are two areas well known for their boxing history and heritage. Do you think you combine both parts? Philly fighters are very particular, Puerto Rican fighters are also very particular in their styles.

Garcia

Yeah, most definitely, I feel like I have; Philadelphia is a real town of boxing, a lot of smart fighters, so I definitely bring that to the ring, my smarts and my skill. And then I have the Puerto Rican blood, which is my strength and my power. So, I feel like I have the best of both worlds. I have the power and I have the skill.

Also, there’s a history of a sports rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico in the boxing ring. How do you feel, you have been part of that great heritage of Puerto Rico versus Mexico and how do you this second fight with Morales, one of the all-time greats, is going to stack up against that great history?

Garcia

I think it’s going to be another great fight, another tough fight. This time I’m a lot smarter, more confident, and stronger, so I think it’s going to be enough.

And finally, how has your life change after your huge win over Amir Khan? I mean, you were the champion before, but being kind of the underdog and the way you did it must have brought a whole new life and friends to your career. Is that so, has it changed in any way?

Garcia

I mean, it definitely changed. Now I get the respect that I deserve. A lot of people really never respected me. They didn’t think I was a true champion. But now, I proved to the world that I’m the best.

Danny, this fight is a rematch. So, my question is have you had a rematch before and how do you, like going into a rematch how is that different than the first time you face a fighter?

Garcia

I have never had a rematch in my professional career, but there are a lot of rematches in the amateurs. But this time, I expect, I know what he does. I know this time he’s going to come harder than the last time, so I’m definitely more prepared for that. I’m just going to go in there and do what I do best and adapt to a fight and win.

Okay. And do you think, it being a rematch, does it favor either one of you, you or Erik, and why?

Garcia

I think it favors me, because I’m the younger fighter. I learn off my mistakes and this time, you can’t teach an old horse new tricks, so I know he’s going to bring the same thing, but he’s just going to try harder. He’s looking at it like this is his last fight, so he’s going to put everything on the table and try to pull off a victory, but I’m ready for 12 rounds of war and I’m going to get the job done.

And given the fact that you want to perhaps do better in this fight than you did in the first fight and he, obviously, wants to do better, do you think this fight is likely to be an even better fight than the first one?

Garcia

Yeah, I think it’s going to be a better fight because we both know what’s in front of us and we’re both training hard and we’ve both got something to prove. I’m in great shape, man, I just can’t wait to out there and perform.

As a young champion is there anyone in the sport that you look up to or are you kind of past that?

Garcia

I don’t know, I definitely look up to some fighters. I’ve got a favorite fighter. I’ve got one favorite fighter, that’s because he’s not in my weight class. I like Andre Ward. I look up to Andre Ward. He’s a good fighter and we both have the same belt. He’s doing his thing, a real smart fighter. I like him and I like myself, so those are the only two players I like right now.

And Brooklyn is really in the spotlight right now nationally with the new building, the cover of Sports Illustrated this week, it’s kind of a big deal around here in New York. I’m just wondering what it means to you to sort of open up boxing and sort of bring the tradition back to Brooklyn and were you excited about it when you heard you were going to be fighting in the Barclays Center?

Garcia

I’m really excited. This is what I’ve waited for my whole life, to bring a big fight back to the East Coast and there hasn’t been a big fight in Brooklyn in 80 years, so just for me to be headlining that card, man, it’s just a dream come true to me and I’m training my hardest to give everybody a great performance.

Speaking of Amir Khan and rematches, do you think that trainer Virgil Hunter can help Amir Khan and is a rematch something that you’re interested in or was knocking him out once good enough for you?

Garcia

Like I said before, I don’t choose my fights and I don’t really worry about other fighters. If they’re next, they’re next. But right now I’m focusing on Erik Morales and it’s a big fight in front of me and I’ve got to get through this.

Speaking of Morales, what did you think of the shape that Erik Morales was in for the first fight and do you think that he can train himself into a better performance this time?

Garcia

I really don’t know. Only he knows himself, but I’m preparing myself for a war. He’s the Mexican warrior, he has a lot of experience and I’ve got to be ready for all his tricks and whatever he brings to the table.

Assuming you win this contractually obligated rematch, what are your plans moving into 2013? Who would you like to defend your title against, or are you looking for fights outside of your division?

Garcia

I never look past my opponent, so I don’t even think of that kind of stuff. My main focus right now is Erik Morales. I’ve got a tough task in front of me and I’ve got to get past this.

What’s your prediction for the fight, Danny?

Garcia

Danny Garcia win all the way, whether it comes by a knockout or it comes by a decision, I’m ready for 12.

Garcia

I’m just excited and I can’t wait to perform.

Diaz

Take care, Danny. We’ll see you next week. Once again, everybody, thank you so much, the Unified Super Lightweight World Champion, WBA/WBC and Ring Magazine Champ, Danny “Swift” Garcia.

Thank you for being on the call. Thanks to Showtime, our sponsors DeWalt, AT&T and we’ll be bringing it back to Brooklyn after 80 years, October 20th, don’t miss it. Four world title fights.

END OF CALL