Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
“This can be a big night time of boxing in Manchester on December 18 and the great Manchester Area. In fact, the primary occasion everybody talks about, final time an actual close-run combat between Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora, they do all of it once more – this time in entrance of followers.
“What a card we’ve got so that you can shut out the yr, stay and solely on DAZN. We’re having ten exhibits within the subsequent seven weeks in six completely different international locations, after all we’re right here to speak a couple of large card on December 18.
“A number of the undercard are in big fights, profession defining fights, and naturally within the COVID world we stay in as we speak a whole lot of their opponents staying in their very own nation to arrange to fly over shortly for his or her problem.
“We managed to get this combat on once more, because of each guys for accepting the rematch for this combat. Final day out this was one combat I used to be so dissatisfied was behind closed doorways. Derek Chisora is a man who thrives on the massive arenas and atmospheres, you’ve seen Joseph Parker field at Millennium Stadium in entrance of 70,000, towards Dillian Whyte in entrance of 20,000 at The O2.
“We can’t wait to see the followers again in Manchester Area for not only a nice card however a extremely good Heavyweight combat.”
Joseph Parker – Auckland, New Zealand – 29-2, 21 KOs – defending his WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title towards Derek Chisora:
“It’s nice to be again right here within the UK, Andy Lee the coach, the primary man, and Johnny Ward and the remainder of the group again in Morecombe. I’m excited as a result of it’s the primary rematch in my profession, I’m excited to start out seeing the enhancements I’ve been making in camp after I’ve been away in New Zealand and the issues that Andy and I’ve been engaged on.
“We didn’t have the longest camp final time however we’ve had an extended camp this time so there aren’t any excuses. I did watch the combat again and I believed I gained so I’m undecided, he thought he gained too in order that’s why we’re right here once more.
“Derek is one robust man, he comes ahead and places on the strain, like he stated chunk the gumshield and throw the kitchen sink, that’s precisely what he did and what he’s going to do for the following combat. I really feel like this combat goes to completely different, I’ve had much more time to work on issues that Andy has prompt I work on and now that I’m right here with him in camp my confidence is rising daily seeing the enhancements.
“I really feel like that is the place to be you realize, I’ve this combat with Derek in entrance of me and there are much more fights on the market that may be made. We’ve got to make these sacrifices as fighters, I do know a whole lot of fighters that make sacrifices, I’m away from my spouse and household, my mother and father, I really feel prefer it’s my time to make it depend.
“That’s my objective, to turn out to be two-time World Champion, I’m effectively positioned in the intervening time with the rankings however with COVID its laborious lock in fights so because of everybody for getting this made and Chisora for accepting it once more. It’s good to out 3 times this yr and also you’ve simply bought to take the alternatives after they come.
“I really feel like I’ll end this combat inside the distance, I’ve bought an excellent feeling.”
Andy Lee, coach of Joseph Parker:
“We solely had 5 weeks final time, it simply wasn’t sufficient time to have an effect on any change or embed any habits or instincts we had been attempting to work on. In saying that, Derek solely had the identical time with Buddy McGirt. This time Joseph has a better understanding of what we’re attempting to do, it’s as a lot in regards to the mindset as it’s in regards to the technical facet.
“It is going to be an excellent combat, I’ve seen a change in Joseph from the final combat and in comparison with the work we’ve finished in between, he’s undoubtedly centered. I feel Joseph sees a possibility for himself, the way in which the Heavyweight division is now, Joe absolutely believes when he will get previous Chisora, he’s proper there with any of them. I’ve no qualms with placing him in with anyone.
“He’ll by no means combat Tyson Fury as a result of they’re as near brothers, however anyone else in that division I’d be very comfy with placing Joseph in with them. These younger fighters right here in entrance of me, I’m an enormous fan of all of them, I’m wanting ahead to the combat and for Joe to point out precisely what he can do.
“Having David within the reverse nook brings a little bit of trepidation to me, Dave was in my nook for two/3 of the most important fights of my profession. I do know what he brings, the information he has, while you’re somebody like Chisora small changes could make an enormous change.
“That’s most likely what they’ll be seeking to do. Chisora isn’t going to come back out and field, jab and transfer, he’s going to come back ahead and convey the combat. Small changes will make an enormous change, so we’ve got to be prepared for that. That’s what we’re making ready to do, Joe’s working extraordinarily laborious and we’re effectively forward of schedule, I’m very comfortable.”
Picture by Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Derek Chisora – Finchley, London – 32-11, 23 KO’s – difficult Joseph Parker for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title:
“Two fights behind closed doorways, Usyk and Parker, Manchester once more. I’m half excited and half not, I’m comfortable for the combat however I could be dissatisfied with what comes with the combat to be trustworthy with you. I’m going to talk to my administration group at 258 that we get an American referee and good judges for this combat as a result of so many occasions I’ve been robbed, in Helsinki, the primary one right here with Dillian – it will get a bit irritating.
“I’m comfortable the rematch is on, I’m excited and I’ve bought David Coldwell now with me. Proper now, I’m not buzzing but, however I need to say this truthfully to the press and to you Eddie, I would like you to get an excellent referee, an American referee, not a BBBofC referee as a result of these guys prior to now have messed me round. If Robert Smith is listening, I don’t want your referee to ref me for this combat.
“I do know for a truth come 18 December; we’re going to conflict. Joseph Parker doesn’t scare me; he hasn’t bought something that I’m fearful of. He hasn’t energy punches, I don’t understand how they gave him the final combat to be trustworthy with you, I’m simply dissatisfied they gave it to him.
“I 100% gained the primary combat, I used to be the extra strain fighter, I used to be making the combat occur – all he needed to do was maintain. The entire Kronk fashion of holding and resting on you, that’s what they do – it’s good for them.
“The secret girls and gents is boxing, chunk your gumshield and chuck the leather-based. There isn’t any level of attempting to tip-toe boxing, it doesn’t work, chunk the gumshield and chuck the kitchen sink – that’s the secret for me. We’re coming to conflict, that’s why individuals love watching me, we’re coming to combat. I’ve by no means been in boxing my life; we’re coming to combat.
“I used to be saying this morning within the gymnasium, boxing life is brief, and you must seize with each arms the ups and downs, the wins and losses, you must get pleasure from it when you’re doing it. You don’t need to have any regrets while you dangle up your gloves and say why didn’t I practice tougher for this combat.
“I find it irresistible, I get pleasure from coaching and waking up – on the M1 coming to Sheffield each Sunday. I like going again to my household, I like coming again seeing Dave and staying in a resort. I find it irresistible and it’s the identical as my opponent, he leaves his household and involves Europe to coach when he’s so far-off from his spouse and children. This time we’ve got just isn’t lengthy, so I all the time inform myself thank god for all the things I’ve as we speak waking up each morning, loving this recreation we’ve got – boxing.”
Dave Coldwell, coach of Derek Chisora:
“The factor about Derek is, he loves this sport and loves preventing. However what will get him going is actual fights, he’s not one in every of these fighters that when he will get to a sure stage, he simply needs to money out towards mediocre opposition that he believes he’s going to beat simply. He needs to check himself, and when you take a look at his resume and the fighters he’s fought, that exhibits and what will get him going.
“The Joseph Parker combat is a combat that for the reason that first one which’s all he’s spoke about. The primary one was an excellent combat, it was shut, no matter who you thought gained it makes no distinction, Joseph Parker gained the combat. Derek’s getting in there to reverse the consequence and placed on a efficiency.
“He’s [Chisora] working so laborious, not simply laborious however sensible. He’s an actual pleasure to teach, individuals suppose he should be so laborious to work with, he’s not, this time round he’s working with the youthful guys within the gymnasium – he’s an excellent inspiration to them. The distinction with Derek this time round is he trains, he foes his work, then he stays behind and watch the sparring with the opposite guys.
“He’s virtually having fun with being across the setting a little bit bit extra, he appears happier and like I stated the work is good. I can’t knock what he’s doing proper now and we’re nonetheless weeks away from the combat. I’m fairly excited to see Derek put it collectively on combat night time, we perceive it’s going to be a tough combat.
“I’ve bought all of the respect on the planet for Andy Lee, he’s such an clever man, he is aware of all the things about this sport. All his fighters are harmful, good fighters, and I count on as a result of he’s had extra time with Parker this time round I count on a greater model of him, however I count on a greater model of Derek, that is going to be an excellent combat.”
Lerrone Richards – New Malden, England – 15-0, 3 KOs – difficult Carlos Gongora for the IBO Tremendous-Middleweight World Title:
“I’m very excited for this combat, I can’t wait to showcase my abilities and present all people what I’m about as soon as once more. I’m very assured about this combat, you’re going to see extra of Lerrone Richards with a little bit bit extra spice, I can’t wait.
“I used to be very adamant from after I began my skilled profession to field at each stage, successful the British, Commonwealth, European Title and that is the following step. I can’t wait, I’m at this stage, I consider my abilities are past this stage, it’s time for me to showcase this on December 18.”
Jack Cullen – Little Lever, England – 20-2-1, 9 KOs – difficult Emre Cukur for the vacant European Tremendous-Middleweight Title:
“A European Title is each boxer’s dream; I’m going to go in there and get the job finished. Little Lever, there was solely 25 at combat camp, wait till there’s 1000 of them at Manchester Area. It’s going to be superb and I’m wanting ahead to, thanks for placing me on this card, it’s a superb card.
“We had a recreation plan from day one after we came upon we had been preventing Yildirim – it labored. It’s all right down to Michael and Dave my coaches, on the finish of the day we’ll go once more. We’ve watched this man; we’ll get a recreation plan, and we’ll get him beat.
“I feel it’s going to be a straightforward combat, however we’ll see. Such as you stated, I’ve by no means been in a straightforward combat, I’m going to stay it on him anyway he’s having it the lad.”
Zelfa Barrett – Manchester, England – 26-1, 16 KOs – preventing Bruno Tarimo in an Eliminator for the IBF Tremendous-Featherweight World Title:
“That is the form of combat I would like in Manchester; I’ve not boxed in entrance of a crowd in two years so I’m excited to simply combat. I’ll placed on a efficiency, Bruno is not any pushover, he’s there to take me out, he’s rugged, he’ll give it. He’s made for me, you realize he’s not going to face there and field, he’s going to come back to combat and provides it his all, I’m prepared for that.
“That is what’s in my thoughts continually, it’s on my doorstep, placed on an excellent efficiency. Stevenson is superior, you’ve bought to offer credit score the place it’s due, however the remainder of the champions aren’t the strongest. These guys are beatable, I’m in my vary to beat these guys so I simply have to placed on a efficiency, get the win. My focus is on Bruno December 18, I’m going to win and be wanting good as effectively.”
David Nyika – Hamilton, New Zealand – 1-0, 1 KO – preventing in a four-round Cruiserweight contest:
“I really feel very privileged to be right here, I’m within the coronary heart {of professional} boxing right here so it is a huge alternative for me. I’m seeking to put myself on discover within the Cruiserweight division.
“I feel there’s much more to skilled boxing than I initially thought, I really feel like I’m rebuilding Rome beginning to work with Andy Lee. I’m in nice firm with the likes of Joseph Parker, the Fury’s are in camp, I’m a sponge proper now and it is a nice alternative for me to develop, study and develop as a boxer – additionally as an individual.”
Jordan Thompson – Manchester, England – 11-0, 9 KOs – preventing in a six-round Cruiserweight contest:
“It’s a pleasure to have the ability to get out and keep lively, hold the momentum going. It was good to get the win within the fashion I did, making a little bit little bit of an announcement on the scene, it felt like my debut once more it’s been that lengthy. I’m eager to maintain going, hold the momentum going and placed on a present in entrance of my house followers. Again in Manchester, my hometown, I’m wanting ahead to it.
“On the finish of the day, I’ll all the time be going for the knockout. I let my arms go together with unhealthy intentions, however there’s going to come back a day the place I have to get rounds in, I’m going to wish to study – I’m nonetheless studying on the job. I do have to get these rounds in however I’m certain they’ll come; timing is all the things. We’ll go on the market and purpose to get one other knockout December 18.”
Sandy Ryan – Derby, England – 2-0, 1 KO – preventing in an eight-round Tremendous-Light-weight contest:
“I’m wanting ahead to it, to be on an excellent card, an enormous card like this. Let’s go and placed on one other huge efficiency.
“I do know what stage I’m at and I feel I’ve confirmed in my first two combat. I boxed completely different in my first two fights and there’s extra to come back subsequent yr, get me some title fights Eddie.
“I’ll be going into each combat which means enterprise. Hurtful enterprise.”
Rhiannon Dixon – Wigan, England – 3-0 – preventing in a four-round Light-weight contest:
“I can’t wait, it was unlucky what occurred final time nevertheless it’s nice to be on such superb card. It’s the return again on the Manchester Area and I’m simply excited to point out individuals what I can do.
“Ladies’s boxing is simply getting larger and greater and the extra that individuals like myself and Sandy are on these exhibits and placing on superb performances, we’re altering individuals’s opinions of girls’s boxing. I’m simply excited to the place issues are going and exhibiting individuals what I can do on December 18.”
Press launch courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.
