Junior Welterweights in Puerto Rico's Subriel Matías (21-2, 2 KOs) and Mexico’s Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (30-3, 17 KOs), held the official press conference Thursday in Fajardo, Puerto Rico ahead of this weekends fight as they square off this Saturday in Fajardo Puerto Rico live on DAZN.
Present at the press conference were the co-main event fighters, WBO NABO junior welterweight champion Alfredo Santiago (16-2, 7 KOs) and Dominican Republic’s Javier Fortuna (39-5-1, 28 KOs). Also in attendance, Puerto Rico’s undefeated Nestor Bravo (23-0, 16 KOs) and Xolisani Ndongeni (32-6, 19 KOs) as they will battle for WBA Intercontinental Super Lightweight title showdown.
Dmitriy Salita, the President of Salita Promotions, Juan Orengo, the President of Fresh Productions, and José Aníbal "Joey" Meléndez Méndez, the Mayor of Fajardo, all participated.
Subriel Matías, No. 3-ranked IBF Junior Welterweight.
“I am happy to be a part of this title elimination fight. When I lost the title, I did not give any excuses. I promised myself I would regain the title and bring it back to my hometown. I respect my opponent, but I understand the great rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico.
“People have seen me fall and get up again. If you have followed my life, you would know that being a fighter was not in the stars for me. I thought I would either be dead or in jail for a long time. I had the opportunity to turn my wrongs into rights.”
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, No. 4-ranked IBF Junior Welterweight
“Thank you to the people of Puerto Rico. You have given me a warm welcome. I am extremely anxious to get into the ring and represent Mexico in this new edition of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. This is historical and I feel the weight and honor of representing Mexico. I understand that this fight has two fighters with the warrior spirit.
“I also want to thank the media because without them, no one would see the work we put in.”
Alfredo Santiago, WBO NABO Junior Welterweight Champion
“I know Fortuna very well. I hope he comes prepared. This is the most important fight of my life, and I will not let him, or anybody take my dream away.”
On being classified by the WBO as the No. 1-ranked contender at 140 pounds, “I am very excited. I got the call from my manager last night. This is the fruit of our labor.”
Javier Fortuna, Junior Welterweight Contender
“This fight means so much to me. I’ve wanted to challenge for a title and this opportunity has been a long time in the making. Many people believe I am in the last stretch of my career and on Saturday, I plan to prove them otherwise.”
Nestor Bravo, Undefeated Junior Welterweight Contender
“I want to thank God first. Thank you to my opponent for accepting this fight. I know he [Ndongeni] is a good fighter, and I respect him, but nobody is taking the food away from my baby.”
Xolisani Ndongeni, Junior Welterweight Contender
“I am very thankful for this opportunity. I believe I am in the best shape of my career, and I can’t wait to prove that on Saturday.”
Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions
“It is a great honor to be here. The last time I spoke at a press conference in Puerto Rico was when I fought here. I am very grateful to be back at a place that has produced so many great fighters in boxing. We recently made a long-term deal with DAZN, which allows us to stage great fights all over the United States and work with great promoters. We have chosen to work with Juan Orengo and Fresh Productions. Juan has proven to develop very competitive fighters.”
“Saturday’s card is filled with great fighters. Pryce Taylor is a heavyweight prospect out of Brooklyn, N.Y. and will open up our televised portion. I believe he has the potential to reach the upper echelon of the heavyweight division.”
“Claressa Shields, who we have worked with since the beginning of her career, will be in attendance this Saturday.”
“There is not much to say about this incredible main event matchup between two fighters from nations that have produced legends in the sport, Puerto Rico and Mexico.”
José Aníbal "Joey" Meléndez Méndez, Mayor of Fajardo
“To all, welcome to Fajardo, Puerto Rico. We hope you enjoy our food, culture, beaches, and all the beautiful things we offer while you are here.”
Juan Orengo, President of Fresh Productions
“I am excited about the quality of our fights here in Fajardo this Saturday. I want to thank Mayor Meléndez Méndez and Dmitriy Salita for working with us. All eyes will be on Fajardo this weekend.”
Comments