Photo - Amanda Westcott//Matchroom Boxing
IBF welterweight champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis (32-0, 29 KOs) and WBC, Ring Magazine super flyweight champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) and their opponents, Karen Chukhadzhian and Pedro Guevara, held their final press conference Thursday afternoon at the 2300 Arena. The card takes place this Saturday, November 9 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia live on DAZN. Here is what they had to say.
EDDIE HEARN
“I think that because of the work we do around the world we have the best roster in boxing. It’s a little unfair because we’re the only global promotion company. In America we have the best stable in boxing. You look at the talent on this card, this is one of the most beautiful fight cards you can see on Saturday night. Of course, you have the two kings, Jesse and Boots, but beneath that you have Ray Ford, Gonzalez, that's a brilliant fight. Khalil Coe, that’s a future world champion. “Ammo” Williams, Tito Mercado in a war. You have Zaquin Moses making his debut, it’s just stacked with talent and I’m very privileged and honored to be a part of these young mens careers. I’m also very privileged to promote in the wonderful city of Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.”
JARON ENNIS
“I’m not going to lie, he’s getting knocked out on Saturday. We’re gonna have some fun, we’re gonna put on a show. It doesn’t matter what he does, we’re going to put on a show and make a big statement Saturday night. We’re gonna have a party.”
“I’m going to have my fun and put on a show. I’m going to just be me and dictate the fight. It’s my ring, he’s in my world.”
“My main focus right now is Karen Chukhadzhian and after I make a big statement Saturday night in knockout fashion, it’s undisputed. Bring me my belts.”
KAREN CHUKHADZHIAN
“I’m ready for Saturday night as the last two years we have worked so hard and have got better each day. I’m going to show my improvements to people. Of course I’m going to fight him (Ennis) you will see a great fight. I’m here to be a world champion and that’s why I’m here and to prove it to people.”
JESSE RODRIGUEZ
“To share the card with “Boots” Ennis, one of the best in all of boxing, is an honor and a huge opportunity to expose my career to the East Coast fans. I’m just blessed to be sharing a card with Boots at the end of the day”
PEDRO GUEVARA
“I really prepared for this bout as I’ve been waiting for this many times. I’m prepared physically and mentally for this bout and I know Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is a great fighter and the best in the division and we want to be an honorable opponent for him. We don’t take this easily and I respect this sport and my opponent. Boxing is a beautiful sport right now.”
Also on hand the undercard fighters in action on Saturday night. Raymond "Savage" Ford makes his return vs. Orlando Gonzalez. Light Heavyweight prospect Khalil "Big Steppa" Coe will take on Manuel Gallegos. Super lightweight Ernesto "Tito" Mercado steps into the ring for his Matchroom debut against Jesus Saracho. Austin Williams returns to action for an eight-round middleweight bout against Gian Garrido.
Also in action, Boots Promotions' Dennis Thompson and Ismail Muhammad, alongside rising star Zaquin Moses
RAYMOND FORD
“Every fight is a must win fight, it doesn't matter who it is. It can be someone you just picked up off the street, it's a must win. I'm excited to be back in Philly, I haven't been back here since my pro debut. I get to fight in front of my friends, my family, and my true supporters.”
“I feel like I'm the big dog in the division now and I just got here, but it's up to me Saturday night to handle business and focus solely on Orlando Gonzalez. I have to take care of him and then I can get these other big fights.”
“I feel like [Gonzalez] is scared. When he gets in there with top notch competition he folds up… I’m gonna punish him”
ORLANDO GONZALEZ
"I’m a different kind of fighter. He is moving up to 130 lbs and this is going to be a walk in the park. This is going to be a real fight, so I invite every fan around the world that watches DAZN and Matchroom Boxing, as well as all the Puerto Ricans in the area to come here and wave your flag because Wells Fargo Center is going to be all us Saturday night.”
“I grew up sparring against a southpaw, so bringing another southpaw into the ring is nothing different for me. I know [Ford] has experience and is a former world champion, but I have the talent, I have the heart, and for Puerto Ricans boxing is a culture. We came here to win. We didn't come here just to put on a good fight. We're here to win.”
KHALIL COE
“I know he’s coming to fight and he’s tough, but I’m ready to go to war. He’s going to bring the fight to me and that’s what I want. We are going to see if this is a step up come Saturday. I got accustomed to the professional life and living the lifestyle of boxing. It’s not just when the fight comes I get ready, it’s a lifestyle that I have to do everyday.”
MANUEL GALLEGOS
“People say my opponent is a monster and I get that, but we are totally prepared for that and even more. The way I feel now and everything that goes into making the weight and the effort I put into it has helped me feel stronger than I previously did.”
ERNESTO MERCADO
“Saracho is just another step in my way and I want the big names such as Paro vs. Hitchins and the winner of that. It’s all about taking care of business on Saturday night. I appreciate Saracho taking this fight on Saturday night because he’s going to get knocked out. I’m looking for bigger names. Anything that Saracho tries to do to make it more difficult for me on fight night we are ready for it.”
JESUS SARACHO
“Whenever a Mexican goes into the ring, it’s a case of you not being able to take your eyes off the TV. I think this is going to steal many eyes and people to watch this fight on Saturday. This is an opportunity to show what I can do and I think I am going to move on to bigger things.”
AUSTIN WILLIAMS
“This feels like a pro-debut number two. I’m coming back stronger from everything I learned, the highs, the lows, my team, everybody with me, and it’s important to know these things as we take this next chapter all the way to the top. I am one of the original guys that started with Matchroom and to see that loyalty reciprocated makes me feel great and excited to give you a big show on Saturday.”
ISMAIL MUHAMMAD
“I can't wait, I'm more than blessed to have this opportunity to showcase my talent on this big platform and put on a show come Saturday night.”
“It's important to fight here and get grounded here just to have the city behind you, knowing that this is your biggest support system being at home. It's big. It's amazing.”
ZAQUIN MOSES
“I'm ready to show the world that there is a new face in boxing. I'm ready to show my skills.”
“We push each other, we work hard, and Raymond Ford he pushed me to every limit... Shakur, he gave me the advice that I need. I'm blessed."
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