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Operator: Welcome to the Matthysse Provodnikov conference call. I will now turn it over to Marc Abrams.
Mr. Marc Abrams: Hello, everyone, welcome to this great conference call for this tremendous fight that’s going to happen on Saturday, April 18th at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. The fight will come on air at 9:45 as part of a split site double header with Terence Crawford taking on Thomas Dulorme. On the call for the first part of the call will be Team Provodnikov, Banner Promotions present Artie Pelullo, the Siberian Rocky himself Ruslan Provodnikov, along with his manager Vadim Kornilov who will train–ultimately will translate, Hall of Fame promoter Freddie Roach, and also Kelly Abdo and Heidi Strong from Turning Stone are also on the call. Let me turn it over to Artie Pelullo–Artie?
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Hi, hello, everybody, this is Artie Pelullo from Banner Promotions. Good afternoon–everybody on this call knows that this is one of the great fights of the year for us, for our sport, and I just wanted to–the first thing I want to say is thank Eric Gomez from Golden Boy, and Oscar for helping us put this fight together. It was very easy to do. Eric, Lucas, and–I’m sorry, Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov, excuse me, both wanted this fight. So, it was very easy to put together. Eric and I literally did the deal in maybe 30 or 40 minutes and this is how one of the great fights of 2015 got made, very easily, but two guys who wanted to fight and two promotional companies who work together in the co-promotion. And we’re doing this event equally together and it’s going to be an exciting night for boxing. I believe it’s going to be Corrales Castillo one, which I had a good fortune of promoting with Bob Arum and Gary Shaw. That’s what I think of the fight. Both guys don’t know how to do anything but put on TV friendly and fan friendly fights. Before I get into anything else with the show, I’d just like to turn it over to Kelly from Turning Stone who is the PR Manager who would like to say a few words on behalf of or host, Turning Stone Resort & Casino who went out of their way to make sure that they landed this fight because they’re really into the boxing business. They’re really fight site friendly. And they’re really into going out of their way to put on a spectacular live event at their location. So, Kelly, why don’t you take it from here and say what you’d like to say about Turning Stone.
Ms. Kelly Abdo: All right, thank you, Artie–hello, everyone, it’s Kelly Abdo from Turning Stone Resort Casino. And as Artie mentioned, we’re really excited to be hosting this epic fight and to have everyone here. We’re all really looking forward to it and we have a week’s worth of events lined up that we’re really excited to host.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Thanks, Kelly–one thing I need to mention, guys, to everybody on the call and ladies and ladies and gentlemen, the reason why the fight is at Turning Stone is because Ed Allmann and Heidi Strong. They wanted the fight. They were aggressive about the fight. They realized what this kind of fight could mean because it could be a historic event because of two great punchers and two great exciting styles. I know Oscar is going to talk about Lucas, but I just like to say that he is a great fighter and I know his manager slash promoter for 20 years, Mario Arana and he’s an exceptional young man. So, it’s going to be a terrific fight on their side. As far as Ruslan’s concerned, in my opinion there’s none better. We’ve been together since his very beginning, since his first fight. It’s been my privilege to work with him. He’s a true athlete. He’s very focused on his job. He’s extremely focused on being a promotional. The VADA, the Anti-Doping Test is always something that he demands and insists on. He doesn’t believe athletes should be anything but legitimate and 100 percent legal. And his manager is Vadim who I have been working with for several years. We have a lot of fighters together. And he’s just good people, focused on the job–never an issue about who. It’s always when are we fighting? Let’s make the best fights possible. And also now Freddie Roach is on the call with us, as you know. Everybody knows Freddie. And his career changed Ruslan when he went to Freddie. The truth of it is, when he went to Freddie, got in that gym, was around world-class guys, the quality of the people he was working with changed and the development of his career was tenfold. So, after saying all of that I want to thank everybody. I’d like to introduce Freddie right now. And, as you know, Freddie is training also training the great Manny Pacquiao, but I’d like to have Freddie say a few words on behalf of Ruslan and the show–Freddie?
Mr. Freddie Roach: Hey, thank you, Artie. Ruslan is doing really well and he’s in a really good shape for this fight. He knows just how to fight and he’s a good fighter and I look forward to it, and on paper it looks like one of the best this year. So, it’s going to be a tremendous show and I don’t think you want to miss this on.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Okay, thanks, Freddie, and now I’d like to introduce to you all Ruslan Provodnikov, the Siberian Rocky, who, as I’ve said I’ve had the good fortune of meeting him and Vadim seven years ago when I went to Moscow for the first time and signed Ruslan to an exclusive contract. And, boy, did I not know how lucky I was at the time–Ruslan Provodnikov, gentlemen and ladies–Ruslan Provodnikov.
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: How are you? Hi.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Well, that’s good. He can say more than one word.
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: I just woke up getting ready to go to training. I’m happy to hear everybody.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Well, Vadim, would you like to say a few words?
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: Definitely–Artie, thank you for the great introduction and, you know, we’re here. Ruslan–he’s eating as we’re doing this. I’m sorry–he’ll be more talkative in about two, three minutes, but I’m glad that this all worked out. It’s a great fight that everybody is looking forward to. And, you know, Banner Promotions, Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya, Artie Pelullo, you guys did a great job and I appreciate, and you working together to put this fight together. It’s very easy to make, and I think this is the way it should be. This is way the business should be, is the best fighting, the best, and the promoters working together–thank you.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Thank you, Vadim, and I guess now it’s back to you for questions and answer, guys, for Marc? How does it go from here?
Mr. Marc Abrams: Maggie?
Operator: The lines are now open for questions. If you would like to ask a question, you may do so by pressing star and then one on your telephone keypad. That’s star and the number one. Our first question comes from the line of Dan Rafael with ESPN. Your line is live.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Thank you very much–hello?
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Go ahead, Dan. We can hear you.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Okay, thank you, Artie–thank you, guys–my first question, Vadim, could you ask, respond, what does he believe the impact will be if any in the fact that Freddie–because of the Pacquiao training camp–is not going to actually be in the corner, even though he’s training him in the gym?
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: Everything is all right. This is not the first time that Freddie was not in the corner. For me what’s important is that Freddie is with me throughout the camp and we’re working together as a team to come up with the right strategy and, you know, get ready for this fight. It’s not a big deal. You know, Marvin Somodio is Freddie’s right hand guy is going to be there for me and I know that Marvin knows what I need to do in the wrong. And that’s all that’s important, but for me this is not a problem.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Okay, Freddie, are you there?
Mr. Freddie Roach: Yes.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Freddie, I know you always like to be with your fighters on fight night. Obviously that’s a big part of training a guy. Can you speak to the reason you won’t be there? Is it the matter of just because of the serious nature of the Pacquiao training camp? I understand you’ve also had some problems with your back. What’s your take on the reasons that you can’t make it to Turning Stone for the fight.
Mr. Freddie Roach: Yeah, because the Pacquiao fight is very important right now and Ruslan is very important also. I work with him every day in the gym. He and Marvin have a good rapport together. Marvin knows what to do. He’s a very good trainer. Even after a fight when we went to Denver by himself without me and they came through. They understand what I want and just because I’m not there doesn’t–Ruslan will still fight his fight and Marvin will make the adjustments along the way. There will be no problem whatsoever. It’s not the first or last time this has happened in my life.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Freddie, when you think about the fight on paper between these guys, I think pretty much every boxing fan looks at this and just says, “Wow, there is no chance. This can’t be, you know, potentially the fight of the year, or a very memorable action packed fight. Can you just give me your take on the match up?
Mr. Freddie Roach: Yes, it’s the greatest match up in the world. It’s–you’ve got two guys that love to fight, two guys that are great punches. It’s going to be a very exciting fight. That’s for sure, and it’s the best fight and the best is what we need. This is what’s going on in boxing right now and that’s why everything is really happening in boxing bigger than ever at this point because of fights like this.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Vadim, could you ask Ruslan to also give your response to his take on the match up? There are so many boxing fans who are super excited about this just because of the action style that Ruslan as well as Lucas to the ring.
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: I expect the same as all the fans. You know, this is a very exciting match up. This is going to be a great fight and I think that for me it’s no less than to all the people watching. You know, for me it’s exciting as well and these types of fights are what’s important because for me the fight and the money as I’ve said many times, they’re not number one. Number one is I want my fights to be part of history, and I think this is one of those fights that is destined to be part of history. And that’s what I want to give my fans. That’s what I want to give my people back home is these fights that people will remember because not all the fights that a World Title fights are remembered. But the fights that–the type of fight that can happen between Matthysse and I are–is a fight that’s definitely going to be remembered forever.
Mr. Dan Rafael: All right, thank you very much, guys–appreciate your time.
Mr. Marc Abrams: Thank you.
Operator: All right, next question comes from the line of Michael Woods with the Sweet Science. Your line is live.
Mr. Michael Woods: Hey, guys, thanks for making the time–my question is for Ruslan. Ruslan, I presume that you believe going into the fight you are betting than Matthysse. How are you better than Mattyssee?
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: Well, first of all I never said that I’m better than him or that I’m better than anyone else because it’s not for me to judge. All I can say is that I know that I can beat anybody and it’s all about my will. And I know that if I give everything that I have in the ring, and I give everything that I have in training, I can beat anybody. It’s all about my character and all I’m willing to give. I can’t judge who is better or who is not better, you know? And I know his team are saying a lot of things and they’re saying, “You know, we’re going to knock them out. We’re smarter, we’re better, we’re better boxers.” I don’t want to say any of that. I’m a lot more political than that. You know, talk is cheap. You know, there’s a Russian saying that says, “Don’t say I won until you win,” you know basically. And I’m not going to talk. You know, I’m going to my talking in the ring and I think that I can be better than anybody if I deserve it and I give it all in training.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Good stuff–I like that. Question is for Freddie–Freddie, I’m not asking for your game plan, but I am asking how you believe Ruslan is better than Matthysse on paper going into the fight.
Mr. Freddie Roach: I think, yeah, he is, I think he’s a good puncher, but Matthysse is very strong also. I mean this is–both guys are very dangerous. I told Ruslan if you hurt this guy, don’t just talk in because he has tremendous power. Don’t let him get lucky. So, you know, we have a pretty good game plan down. We know what do I think and how to do it I think. And so, probably we had a great training camp.
Mr. Dan Rafael: All right, good stuff–thanks, guys, I appreciate it.
Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Distino Lois Jr. from Black Star News New York City. Your line is live.
Mr. Distino Lois Jr.: Thank you very much–thank you for the invitation, I appreciate it. The question to Ruslan is, Ruslan, unfortunately–this is Distino Lois Jr., Black Star News, Manhattan–you suffered a setback with your loss to Chris Algieri. Do you consider this fight with Lucas Matthysse a redemption, a door opener if victorious so that you can take advantage of the vacancies of the 140 pounders because now, of course, we are aware of the fact that Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson, two of your future opponents, have moved up to 143 catch-weight fight for the 11th. So, now the victory over Matthysse would be a door opener for you. Is that how you feel?
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: I definitely know that there’s a lot of different things going on at 140 right now, but for me right now I’m thinking about April 18th, you know? You know, I’m thinking about this fight and I know that once I win this fight it will open a lot of doors for me. But, you know, once the fight is over we can sit down and I’ll be happy to answer all your questions about what’s next.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: I see–let me just also clarify the question that was asked. So you know, neither one of those two guys are giving up their title. They’re fighting at 143 pounds. So, neither one of them would have to be at risk of losing their title, which I find very interesting that neither one of them would fight for their title so they could give up their title to the winner. So, nobody is giving up their titles in that fight. What they’re doing is they made an agreement not to put their titles on the line, which is a big difference in what your question was originally about, sir.
Mr. Distino Lois Jr.: Well, absolutely, but I question Danny Garcia and you said he was having trouble making the weight. That’s why he agreed–.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: –Then he should give up the title–.
Mr. Distino Lois Jr.: –To, to–.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: –Then he should give up the title, but anyway–.
Mr. Distino Lois Jr.: –Right–.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: –That’s not–he should give up the title, but that’s not what’s going on–.
Mr. Distino Lois Jr.: –Right–.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: –What’s going on is they’re not fighting on weight, so neither one of them are at risk to lose their title–.
Mr. Distino Lois Jr.: –Right, I’m aware of that. Thank you very much. Ruslan, without giving out any trade secrets with your Hall of Fame Freddie Roach trainer, how are you all prepared for Matthysse, being that Matthysse has already shown some flaws of being knocked down twice by Molina and once by Danny Garcia? So, what are you doing to make sure that yours is the final punch?
Mr. Marc Abrams: I guess next question?
Operator: All right, our next question comes from the line of Briggs Seekins from Bleacher Report. Your line is live.
Mr. Briggs Seekins: Yeah, hi, Ruslan–I’m wondering is there a sense where mentally it’s a little bit easier to relax in training camp when you know you’re playing a guy who is going to give you the kind of fight you want and not be, you know, an evasive sort of fighter like Algieri, but a guy who is going to, you know, like you say, give you a fight that makes history and also give you the kind of fight that you like to fight?
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: For me training camp is training camp. I always give everything I can in training camp and I’m very responsible in training camp. I don’t take anybody lightly, but to answer your question, you know, walking into a ring with a fighter that I know will fight me definitely I can do a lot better than a fighter who will just run.
Mr. Briggs Seekins: Great, thank you–and Artie I did–I want to thank you for calling out the situation at 140 with the titles. It’s a little discouraging to see them not treated the way that a lot of us grew up seeing titles treated.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Yup, you’re right, and, you know, what’s going on is purely that they don’t want to have anything at risk. It’s a dangerous fight for both guys, but not for like Provodnikov and Matthysse. They’re putting it all on the line because they’re still fighting at 12 rounds. It’s 140 pounds. There is no title because we don’t have one, and I’m telling you both these kids would put their titles out if they had, but they wouldn’t be avoiding fighting for the title because then they don’t want to take a chance at losing it. That’s what’s going on. That’s exactly what’s happening.
Mr. Briggs Seekins: Yeah, absolutely–all right, good luck, Ruslan.
Mr. Marc Abrams: I guess we’ll take one more for Ruslan.
Operator: Our last question comes from the line of Chris Gunzz with 15rounds.com. Your line is live.
Mr. Chris Gunzz: Ruslan, he is a huge puncher as a few different guys brought up already. Do you think he’s going to be the biggest puncher you’ve faced and do you ever wonder if you’ll be able to handle that power? Have you ever had the experience of getting hit by a guy who carries a massive punch like that, and do you feel–any questions on whether you’ll be able to take it on the night?
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: The question is about Matthysse being the biggest puncher that Ruslan has faced, correct?
Mr. Chris Gunzz: Yes, and if he has any questions of whether he’ll be able to take it.
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: Looking at his record, he seems to be one of the biggest punchers of this decade, you know? He’s probably one of the biggest punchers right now. Does it bother me–not at all. It only makes me more excited because I know that this is going to be a real fight and I know that either, you know, I take him or he takes me. And it’s going to be toe to toe it’s going to be a real fight. For me that’s only a positive.
Mr. Chris Gunzz: And I appreciate that even more that you realize you’re facing someone dangerous, and you want to face him anyway and you don’t mind it. I love the balls you’re showing in that, and final question for Freddie. Is it a plan to jump on him early, Freddie, because he did show that vulnerability in the Molina fight? Is Freddie still there? I heard someone hang up in the phone call, but is Freddie still there?
Mr. Freddie Roach: I’m here. Yeah, I’m still here.
Mr. Chris Gunzz: Is it a focus in training camp to try to jump on him early seeing that the vulnerability was shown in the Molina fight early on?
Mr. Freddie Roach: Well, you know, we can. I mean we know how this guy fights. I mean I think he is the bigger punch, and we’re a little bit better than he is, but I mean, you know, he’s got his strong points also. So, it makes for an exciting fight. Ruslan is a very good fighter. Ruslan, I saw him learn how to fight Manny Pacquiao on his own. He used to be Manny’s sparing partner. And that’s when I first really got interested in him because he’s so capable. He learns very quickly and he’s a great shooter.
Mr. Chris Gunzz: One of the best ever–I appreciate it, Freddie. Good luck on April 18th and good luck on May too.
Mr. Freddie Roach: Thank you very much.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Okay, was that it, guys?
Mr. Marc Abrams: It’s–I’m going to turn it over to Golden Boy and Team Matthysse in a minute. I guess final comments from I guess first Artie and then Ruslan.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Well, I just want to say thank you for everybody for joining the call. There’s really not much to say. As Dan Rafael and all the other reporters and Mr. Woods who got on the phone, everybody knows that this is the most TV friendly and fan friendly fight. The networks were all over–both of them bid on the fight. So, it’s going to be a great night for boxing, a great night for our fans. And I just want to thank everybody, Ruslan, Freddie, and Vadim for helping promote the fight, which–it’s like–it doesn’t take a lot of promoting to promote this event because everybody knows it’s going to be a terrific event. I want to thank everybody for coming on board–thank you. Now I’d like to introduce my co-promoter and my partner in the show, and everybody knows who this is, one of the great fighters of our time who has turned out to be quite the promoter himself, good people. He has a nice staff. Like I said earlier, a lot of people say a lot of different things. It literally has been no misses to work with Oscar and his staff. It was very smooth and it’s been a joy and a pleasure, and like Eric Gomez and I say there will be future events that we’ll be working. Now I’d like to turn it over to Oscar De La Hoya. He’s the founder and president of Golden Boy and one of the great personalities in our sport. It’s my pleasure to work with him, Oscar?
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: Artie, sorry to interrupt. Ruslan is leaving. So, we’re good to go. He wanted to say a couple of things–.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: –Oh, I’m sorry–I went too fast, excuse me. I’m sorry, Ruslan. Say something. I apologize.
Mr. Ruslan Provodnikov: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: I just want to say that I want to thank Artie Pelullo personally, Banner Promotions. I want to thank my whole team for making this happen. This is going to be a great fight. I want to thank HBO for making this happen. I’ve been loyal to them and they’ve been loyal to me and that’s very important to me and we’ve done great things together and there’s great things to come. So, I appreciate this and I want to say one thing to the fans. I promise this is going to be the fight you guys are all waiting for. And now from me, Artie, good luck with–.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: –Sure–.
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: –I want to give the word to Oscar De La Hoya and the rest of his team, and I bet for the next 30 minutes you guys are going to hear a lot of–Matthysse is going to knock Provodnikov out and all of that, but I just want to say that Provodnikov has never been on his knees. So, you know, they’re talking about knockouts a lot, but they should be expecting a knock out on their team. Good luck to you guys and I appreciate the promotions. Ruslan says all the best of health to Matthysse and his team–thank you.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Thanks, Vadim–.
Mr. Vadim Kornilov: –Thanks again–.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: –Well, since I–I apologize, guys, I went a little bit too fast. So, Oscar, you’re up. I don’t have to say it again. Everybody knows what we think of you–Oscar De La Hoya–.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Thank you very much–we really appreciate it and Artie already mentioned this fight needs no promotion. We are just thrilled that the best network is going to be televising this event. These are the types of events that obviously belong on HBO Championship Boxing and we are just thrilled and excited to be part of it. I also want to take the opportunity to thank Corona Extra, also Mexico Live it to Believe it, and Corsair Vodka, which are the sponsors of the events. They have been doing a tremendous, tremendous job with all of the Marketing and the grassroots Marketing. So, come April 18th the whole world will know the best 140 pounders will be fighting on that night. It is my pleasure to introduce to you a fighter who hails from Argentina. We all know Argentinean fighters are strong fighters who are smart fighters who come to give the fight fans a spectacular show and when you’re going to see Lucas and Provodnikov in that same ring April 18th, we–you’re guaranteed fireworks. So, it is my pleasure to introduce to you a fighter with a record of 36 and 3 and 32 knockouts. They call him La Máquina, and that is Lucas Matthysse. [Foreign Language Spoken]–Lucas. [Foreign Language Spoken], Lucas.
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: I’ll translate for Lucas. He said, hi, good afternoon, everybody–I’m calling from my training camp in Junin and I’ve very excited for this fight and to be fighting once again in the United States.
Mr. Marc Abrams: Thank you, gracias, and we’ll now open it up for questions from the media–gracias.
Operator: As a reminder, if you would like to ask a question, you may do so by pressing star and then one on your telephone keypad. That’s star and the number one, and our first question comes from the line of Dan Rafael with ESPN. Your line is live.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Thank you very much–my question for Lucas–I asked Ruslan this in his portion of the call–you have a fight here where I think pretty much every boxing fan, media is anxiously waiting what they think would be the fight of the year. I would like to hear from Lucas about his thoughts about the really high expectations for this fight to be, you know, extremely, extremely exciting and entertaining.
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: Yes, I’m, you know, I’m just excited. I’m excited to be fighting a caliber of fighter like Ruslan. It’s two, you know, fighters at the top of their game fighting each other. I had many good, you know, replies on it, especially in Argentina. A lot of people are looking forward to the fight and I’m just excited to be fighting again at this level and fighting a guy like Ruslan.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Eric, could you ask Lucas, you know, in April last year he knocked out John Molina. It got voted as the Fight of the Year by the Boxing Writers. Does he think that it has the chance of–to be another fight of the year? Is that something he ever thinks about? I know he’s probably happy that they got the Fight of the Year for last year. He could make it two in a row potentially.
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: Well, I mean for last year’s fight I’ve got to give credit to John Molina because he came to fight and he allowed me to perform in a way that made it Fight of the Year. If Ruslan comes forward and is aggressive and does the same thing, then, yes, I’m going to seize that opportunity and try to take advantage of that and make it an exciting fight. I think personally it could be a great fight. But, you know, it takes two.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Exactly, thank you for that, Eric–one question for you, Oscar.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: I’m here.
Mr. Dan Rafael: Hey, Oscar, good to talk to you. I know for the last number of months you have preached very regularly about your desire to try to make the best fights you possibly can do as the leader of Golden Boy Promotions. I’d like to know from your point of view, is this sort of basically the kind of fight you had talked about when you said those words that this is the expectations that you have to make this caliber of a fight on a regular basis?
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Well, these are exactly the fights that the fans want to see, whether there’s a title on the line or no title, or where it takes place. You know, these are the fights that the fans deserve and I’ve been an advocate of staging the best fights possible for the fans and come April 18th I don’t know for sure, but I have a good hunch that this fight might be the Fight of the Year.
Mr. Dan Rafael: All right, thank you for that, Oscar–appreciate it. Thank you very much, guys, look forward to this one.
Operator: All right, our next question comes from the line of Daniel [unintelligible] [00:35:22] Deportiva [sp]. Your line is live.
Mr. Daniel: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Daniel: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Yeah, he asked me about this fight, why wasn’t it staged in Los Angeles or in Las Vegas? Why New York, and, you know, simple–the venues were not available and I–he asked me if, you know, this fight being such an exciting and anticipated fight, I mean how do I feel? This is what Golden Boy is all about and I’m just really happy to be working with Artie Pelullo and Eric was very instrumental in making this fight happen, and we feel very, very optimistic that I mean this fight is going be action packed from the first battle and I–and it might even be better than the Mayweather Pacquiao fight.
Mr. Daniel: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: Okay, so the question was, do you know–are you aware that, you know, Freddie Roach will not be working in the corner of Ruslan on the night of the fight. And Lucas said, “No, not really–I didn’t know.”
Mr. Daniel: Gracias.
Operator: All right, next question comes from the line of Michael Woods with the Sweet Science. Your line is live.
Mr. Michael Woods: Hi, guys, thanks for taking the time. My question is for Ruslan. Ruslan, on the first portion of the call someone referenced you saying something along the lines of you believe you are going to knock Provodnikov out. But I didn’t see that. I’m not sure what outlet that was said to. Can you reiterate that? Can you talk about that and clarify it for me what was said there?
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: No, he said they weren’t exactly those words, but he said how long. It’s a tough fight and he’s going to–he’s ready to fight. He’s ready for a tough fight, and if the opportunity presents itself so that the fight could end early, obviously I’m going to take advantage of it. But I’m ready to fight a tough fight and it’s going to be a tough fight.
Mr. Michael Woods: Thanks–this question is for Oscar. Oscar, you’ve repeatedly said you want the best fighting the best. That’s going to be the stamp that Golden Boy wishes to put on its fight. I am wondering, is there a certain class of athlete and human being who wants to accept the challenge of the best fighting the best, and are you going to maybe target those types of fighters and only sign those types of fighters to Golden Boy moving forward?
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Well, that’s up to the fighter. I mean I can’t fight for the fighter. You know, they go up to the ring and they perform, but, you know, we at Golden Boy want to make the best match ups possible, you know, obviously keeping in mind that, you know, that the fans always come first and, you know, this fight here with Lucas and Provodnikov, I mean this is–everybody is writing about how this is going to be the Fight of the Year and we feel proud to be working with Artie Pelullo and making this happen.
Mr. Michael Woods: Yeah, and the fan buzz for this on Twitter is amazing I would say. Could you give us a hint maybe, a little bit of a tease about maybe some other types of fist fights that maybe you’re trying to make, or want to make for the rest of this year?
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Well, this is–that’s calls for another conference call. So, we’re going to focus here on Lucas. So, we’ll have a call about that shortly, my man.
Mr. Michael Woods: All right, thanks–appreciate it, guys–be well.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Take care, Michael.
Operator: All right, next question comes from the line of Disino Lois Jr. with Black Star News New York City. Your line is live.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: Thank you very much–gracias–[Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Hey, Eric, can you translate that in English too? I speak a little Italian, but no Spanish.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: Oh, you want me to say it in English too?
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Yeah, I want to hear what’s–I told you, I speak a little Italian, but no Spanish–sorry, guys.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: Well, I can do both if you want me to. I don’t know.
Mr. Eric Gomez: So, the question was, Lucas, do you see this as an opportunity of more doors opening at 140 so that you can be the top fighter at 140? Obviously there’s still Danny Garcia and Lamonte, but everybody knows they’re fighting at a catch-weight. Is this kind of like the changing of the guard and it’s going to open up the doors so you can be the top fighter at 140? Lucas, [Foreign Language Spoken], Lucas?
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: Yes, obviously, I mean obviously with this fight here, we’re the ones that are fighting at the weight class–.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: –Right–.
Mr. Eric Gomez: –Whatever reason Danny and Lamonte, they’re not–they’re fighting outside of the weight class. Yes, this is the fight that’s going to open up opportunities for the winner. It’s the fight that’s going to open up bigger and better things, and that’s what I’m looking forward to. That’s what motivates me.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: Lucas, [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: Are you preparing for this question–are you preparing for this fight which obviously promises to be a fight in a phone booth? Are you preparing so you’re not hit and not dropped like you have, like you did get dropped with Danny and your last fight with Molina, Lucas?
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: Well, it’s all in the preparation. It’s all in the preparation and I’ve had–.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: –Right–.
Mr. Eric Gomez: –And I’ve had a very, very good preparation and obviously we’ve worked on things so that that won’t happen during the fight, but it’s all in the preparation and I’ve had one of the best preparations for this fight.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: Thank you–gracias, Lucas–my last question will be to Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar–I’ll do it in English. Is this your dream come true, Oscar, that all of the fights that you wanted to put together are little by little coming true, and at the same time you are spreading the wealth because you are going up to Verona, New York. A lot of people have told me, where the heck is Verona, New York, but it is a fight town. So, are you doing this to spread the wealth of boxing and to make it more palatable for those who cannot come into the Las Vegas and the California’s and whatever?
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Well, it, I’m happy to be part of a year where boxing will be shown and on the main stage. You know, we feel that boxing in 2015 is going to transcend–.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: –Right–.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: –And boxing is just–it’s just getting started. I mean with the Mayweather Pacquiao fight happening–.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: –Right–.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: –With Canelo fighting and this fight here, I mean this is what the fans want to see and we’re just excited to be part of it. And, you know, to take it down to Verona, you know, the ticket sales are just a great indication of–.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: –Right–.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: –You know, that Verona is a fight town and–.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: –Exactly–.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: –Yeah, the arenas weren’t available in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. So, you know, we didn’t take a risk of taking it to Verona. I mean we obviously already–Pelullo knew first hand what type of fans there are in Verona, New York. So, you know, obviously he wasn’t wrong. I mean this is almost a sell out event so we’re excited to be part of it.
Mr. Disino Lois Jr.: Thank you very much–God bless all of you and [Foreign Language Spoken]. Thank you very much, I appreciate it.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Gracias.
Operator: All right, next question comes from the lines of Chris Gunzz with 15rounds.com. Your line is live.
Mr. Chris Gunzz: Lucas, I know that–it was my opinion that it was Fight of the Year last year, you versus John Molina. And you know how hard John Molina hits. You faced him. When you were sent film of Ruslan, you know that he carries a punch. How do you assess through film when you compare what you might feel from him, that what you already felt from John Molina? Who do you think has bigger one-punch power?
Mr. Eric Gomez: Lucas, [Foreign Language Spoken]. Lucas?
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: Yes, yes, okay–yeah, yeah, you know, obviously it’s hard to compare because, you know, I haven’t fought against Ruslan. But they’re different styles. They’re different styles. Molina was a little sneaky. Ruslan is a very, very different style. Obviously the object of it is not to get hit, you know, in this fight but I’m preparing. I’ll be ready for it.
Mr. Chris Gunzz: And, as a guy who faced that kind of power and had to get up, cross the canvas, and you pulled out a victory in that great fight, do you ever have any questions that if Ruslan does prove to carry bigger power, will you be able to get up? Do you ever question that?
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Lucas Matthysse: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: I’m not going to get dropped with Ruslan. So, you don’t have to worry about that. I’m not going to get dropped. But when Molina dropped me, you know, if the punch was a little bit behind my head. I’m not making excuses, but I’m not going to get dropped. I’m not going to get dropped with Ruslan and that’s not what I’m thinking about.
Mr. Chris Gunzz: He’s pretty tough, and one question for Cuty Barrera, Lucas did show and he has shown that he can jab and he can move a little bit. He does have a little bit more to his game than Ruslan does. Is it a game plan to show movement because Ruslan does admit that he has problems with movers? Is it a plan to try to move a little bit?
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Cuty Barrera: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Eric Gomez: He’s talking in robot I think. I don’t know what he’s saying. [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Chris Gunzz: Does Lucas want to answer that? Is he trying to involve a little bit more movement to the fight?
Mr. Eric Gomez: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Cuty Barrera: [Foreign Language Spoken].
Mr. Artie Pelullo: I don’t now what’s going on.
Mr. Eric Gomez: Yeah, he said, you know what? I think I understood him saying they’re working on the jab. He’s working on the jab a little bit, but he doesn’t want to give up too much information.
Mr. Chris Gunzz: Maybe he’s coming as a robot. He’s going to be had to beat if he does. And one quick question for Oscar. Oscar, when you finished laughing out loud, what did you end up saying through text or phone call to Gary Russell on Saturday night? I’m just playing. I’m just playing. I don’t want you to answer that. I know you’re a lot more professional. I just want to commend you on the great fights that you’re putting on and the great job you’re doing at Golden Boy. I do appreciate the great job you guys are doing–thank you–thank you, everyone.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Thank you.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Are we done, Marc?
Operator: We have no further questions, thank you, at this time.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Okay, so, I guess, Oscar, I want to thank you. Eric, Lucas Matthysse, Ruslan, and all of the reporters on board. See everybody–Oscar, I’d like you–I’ll let you finish up with the last word. I want to see everybody at the fight and I appreciate everything that is happening with this great event–thank you.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: Thank you–thank you very much, and, yeah, there’s really not much to say. We’ll see you April 18th. I mean sure fireworks. We are all excited and we’re just–it’s just a pleasure to be working with Artie Pelullo and his staff and everybody involved. So, watch it live on HBO Championship Boxing. There’s a few tickets left. So, it’s sure going to be a sell out and crowd there in New York. So, we’re excited and so we’ll see you soon–thank you.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: Oscar, if you’re around tomorrow, Wednesday, I’ll be in LA. Lunch is on me at In-N-Out Burger. Very important on the east coast–we don’t have them here.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: I’m actually in–I’ll be in New York, but I’ll take you up on that at another date–thank you, Artie.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: You got it. Have a good day, guys–thank you very much–anything else, Marc?
Mr. Marc Abrams: No.
Mr. Artie Pelullo: All right, thank you–bye bye–.
Mr. Oscar De La Hoya: –Bye–.
FACTS: Matthysse vs. Provodnikov is a 12-round junior welterweight bout presented by Banner Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and is sponsored by Corona Extra, Mexico – Live It To Believe It! and Khortytsa Vodka. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
TICKETS: The April 18 showdown between former World Champions Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse and “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov proved to be a smashing success as all ringside seats have sold-out. Limited seats are still available , $35 and $25 and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Professional media requesting credentials for the April 18th fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at 315.366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.banner-promotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BannerBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @RuslanProvod, @ TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @ bannerboxing, @ turningstone and @ruslanprovod.
