All eight fighters participating in Saturday’s Showtime “Four Warned” event and the undercard fights on Showtime Extreme participated in a final press conference on Thursday. Right here, you can find a collection of photos, quotes and notes from the Four Warned presser, highlighted by Antonio Tarver vs. Lateef Kayode, Peter Quillin vs. Winky Wright and Austin Trout vs. Delvin Rodriguez.
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday:
TARVER:
“Sometimes when you sign for a fight you never know how it will turn out, but this event took a life of its own. It wasn’t until the kickoff (press conference) when I realized what I was really in for. Everything had to take a back seat to my training. The passion and love for the sport still lives inside.
“Age is nothing but a number. I know this is the fight that will bring the best out of me because I know he will press hard all night long looking for that lightning in the bottle that I know won’t come. You’ll see on Saturday.”
“They (SHOWTIME) wanted to mic me up for the bout [to commentate and fight simultaneously], but I know I have my hands full with Lateef.
“I guess Lateef took offense to how I critiqued his fighting – he was used to the compliments. It’s different to look in the mirror and say I need to do this and that. We need training camp to become better, well-rounded fighters. I was trying to help him and he thought I was disrespectful.
“It’s going to be an interesting fight. Trust me, I’m in good shape. I haven’t taken him lightly. I know he has potential, I know he has the power to end the fight in one punch and that’s why I went back and trained hard for this.”
KAYODE:
“I’m ready for this fight. This is the happiest I’ve ever been. I stay in the gym, I work hard and I listen to my trainer.
“I’ve never fought anyone like this. For me to fight this man I’ll need to dig deep into my soul.
“I will knock you down. I’m sorry to say this to my brother, but on June 2, you will have to go down.
“He said I was too aggressive when I was fighting, but I’m going to show him aggressive on Saturday.”
WRIGHT:
“I’m so excited to be back in the ring – it’s been three years. Boxing got real boring for me and and no one wanted to fight me.
“Now that I’m back, I needed a great challenge. I’m coming back because I want to be champion. Peter is a great fighter, he’s coming to fight and I’m coming to fight. You’re going to see on Saturday. I wouldn’t come back if I wasn’t ready. I’m back to be the champ.
“To be the best, you got to fight the best, and Peter is a step in that direction.”
QUILLIN:
“I know this is a tough fight and a great opportunity for me. I trained harder than ever for my time in the spotlight.
“There are a bunch of inspiring stories on this card and I’m glad to be part of it.
“Hard work means easy work. I believe that I’m a future superstar of this sport.
“My dad came here 32 years ago on Saturday to this country for opportunity and now I’m fighting here for opportunity. I came from the floor to the big stage.”
TROUT:
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to fight alongside these guys. All excitement aside, I have my eye on the prize. I’m ready to make a statement.
“I want to be the pound-for-pound champ and I feel like Delvin is the gatekeeper to bigger and better things. I’m excited to get in there and put my stamp on the game. Win or lose, I’m going to give it all.”
RODRIGUEZ:
“This fight speaks for itself. The fans know it’s going to be exciting.
“Austin must be doing something right to be in the position he is now as an undefeated fighter, so we have a lot of respect for him.
“I’ve been training hard for this opportunity and this shot at the world title. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs so to get this opportunity is a blessing. We trained for seven weeks and now the fight is finally here. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.”
MALINGA:
“I’m happy to stand next to these legends. I’m prepared and have been training very hard. I’m hoping to take the title to Africa and on Saturday. I’m going to win.”
SANTA CRUZ:
“This is my first time fighting for a title. This is what I’ve been training for. I know Malinga will come ready because he wants the title, but Mexicans are warriors, too.
“I trained harder than ever because I want this title and I want it to stay in California. I can’t wait to get in there and win it.”
DAVIS:
“There’s a lot of history here and I’m happy to be part of it. I’m ready and it’s my time to shine. I’ll let my fists do the talking.”
BIKA:
“I’ve trained very hard and I’m happy to be on the undercard of these legends. I’ll bring my best Saturday because I know everyone will be watching.”
BOGERE:
“We’re coming to fight. I’m the lion. I’m happy to be put on with these legends of boxing. This is like a dream come true and I can’t wait for my time to shine.”
