Fighters competing on this Saturday’s Canelo Álvarez vs. Caleb Plant SHOWTIME PPV undercard went face-to-face and previewed their respective showdowns at a press convention on Thursday earlier than they enter the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions occasion from the MGM Grand Backyard Area in Las Vegas.
Thursday’s press convention featured two-time tremendous middleweight champion Anthony “The Canine” Dirrell and thrilling contender “Madman” Marcos Hernández, who meet within the 10-round co-main occasion, former tremendous bantamweight world champion Rey Vargas and Mexico’s Leonardo Báez, who sq. off in a 10-round attraction, plus tremendous light-weight contenders Elvis Rodríguez and Juan Pablo Romero, who will battle in a 10-round struggle that kicks off the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The occasion is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Hennessy and Worth.
Here’s what the fighters needed to say Thursday:
ANTHONY DIRRELL
“Count on fireworks. I do know Marcos brings an excellent sport and he’s a come-forward fighter. It’s going to be a sizzling one. I’m making an attempt to make my mark and get my shot on the winner of the primary occasion. So I’ve to make an excellent assertion. I do know it gained’t be simple and I’m prepared for the problem.
“This can be a huge alternative below one of many largest fights of this yr. I must get a win and get again to the place I used to be. As soon as I get this victory on Saturday, we’ll see the place the win takes me.
“I imagine I’m nonetheless one of many elite fighters at 168 kilos. On the finish of the day, what I believe is all that issues. I deliver quite a bit to the desk. I don’t again down from anybody. Come Saturday, you’ll see what this camp did for me.
“I wish to go away little doubt in peoples’ minds about who ought to have subsequent on the tremendous middleweight belts. I’m prepared for this chance. I gave every part I had in camp and also you’ll see it on Saturday.
“With me being a veteran within the sport, I believe I’m well-equipped to deal with the winner of Saturday evening’s most important occasion, regardless of who it’s.
“I wish to struggle for one thing. At this level in my profession, I wish to struggle for one thing and that’s these world titles. That’s what I’m trying to get to after this struggle.”
MARCOS HERNÁNDEZ
“I’m grateful for this chance, and I’m trying ahead to turning this into extra alternatives previous Saturday evening.
“I’ve by no means mentioned no to a struggle. If the struggle will get to me, I’m going to say sure. I’m grateful to struggle a multiple-time world champion. I’ve fought at and round 168 kilos earlier than, so I’m not nervous concerning the weight. I simply wish to struggle.
“It’s as much as everybody else to resolve what a win means for the way I’m thought of as a fighter. I’m simply trying ahead to getting within the ring, combating and giving it my all.
“Anthony Dirrell is a two-time world champion and it’s going to be a troublesome take a look at for me. I’m simply trying to be my finest and I imagine that will probably be sufficient.”
REY VARGAS
“I’m very proud to be combating on this card. I’m keen to point out everybody what I can do after two years away. I’m prepared for Saturday.
“If you happen to suppose that I’m rusty, you possibly can not be extra improper. I’m right here to point out that I can nonetheless deliver the struggle. I’m nonetheless very a lot a contender. We’ll see what occurs on Saturday, however I’m assured in my expertise.
“If the struggle with Gary Russell Jr. is on the desk, then I’ll be able to take it and go after the featherweight title. Proper now although, we’re simply targeted on Saturday and nothing previous that.
“The layoff I’ve had has occurred for a few totally different causes. I had a state of affairs with my former promoter, and as soon as I had that settled, the pandemic occurred. Then I had an harm, however all of that’s previously now. I’m prepared for a tremendous struggle on Saturday.
“That is going to be an all-out battle on Saturday. It’s going to be a brawl from begin to end.”
LEONARDO BÁEZ
“I’m right here to verify I take advantage of this chance on the massive stage. Canelo is the largest attract boxing and it’s an honor to be part of this occasion. I’m going to do my finest to return out with a win and provides the followers the sort of struggle they deserve.
“If a knockout presents itself, then I’m not going to draw back from it. However we had an incredible preparation and we’re able to go the space. Rey Vargas is a top quality fighter who we’re prepared for.
“We’re ready for any manner that Vargas needs to struggle. We all know what we’re up towards, however I labored laborious to verify I give the followers an incredible struggle.”
ELVIS RODRÍGUEZ
“It’s been an extended highway for me to get right here. I’m grateful to everybody who’s helped me. I needed to work laborious and repair a variety of errors. I’m a a lot better fighter now and I’m assured I’m going to point out all of it off on Saturday.
“I wish to present everybody that I’m the true deal. I’m a distinct fighter and a distinct individual than I used to be previously. I’ve to point out everybody that I’m as much as the problem on this struggle.
“In my final struggle I dedicated a variety of errors. There have been three most important issues that I’ve labored on. The primary is throwing environment friendly mixtures, then strengthening my protection, and third is being extra agile within the ring. All of these issues are going to make me higher on this struggle.
“If I beat Romero on Saturday, it’s going to be a brand new starting for my profession. I’ve labored laborious to get right here, however I need extra and I imagine it’s doable. I’m going to point out everybody on Saturday how far I’ve come.”
JUAN PABLO ROMERO
“That is going to be a particular weekend for all Mexicans. I’m grateful to be part of this undercard and to Canelo for opening the door for us. There are a variety of nice fighters up right here and I’m excited to offer an thrilling present for the followers and go away with a win.
“My aim right here is to show that the Mexican type of boxing is alive and nicely. I’m going to go in there, be aggressive and get the win it doesn’t matter what.
“We don’t care how many individuals he’s knocked out, as a result of we’re aggressive as nicely. We’re safe in figuring out that if we do what we got down to do, we’re going to be okay in the long run.
