In an excellent matchup between fighters in the prime of their careers, Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) will take on undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs) this Saturday, Dec, 5 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn live on Showtime.
So who wins? The result of the 28 media who participated in a Showtime Jacobs vs. Quillin Prediction Poll favored Quillin by a 3-to-1 margin. Nineteen boxers, five of whom are world champions, gave their predictions and came up with a different conclusion than the writers. While some saw it as too close to call, those that did make predictions saw it for Jacobs, 8-5-2.
Jacobs vs. Quillin Predictions
Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press, (Jacobs): “I like Jacobs in a tough fight, winning by a close decision. With Quillin’s power he might go down at some point in the fight, but I like Jacobs’ boxing IQ and skills to pull him to a close win.”
Kevin Iole, Yahoo Sports, (Quillin): “Peter Quillin by decision: This is one of those fights I literally just flipped a coin to pick. I like Jacobs’ range and I think he has faced better competition from top to bottom, but Quillin is an accurate puncher with good power and I think he will win a dogfight.”
Bob Velin, USA Today, (Jacobs):”While Quillin is bigger and a bigger puncher, Jacobs will outbox him. I just feel with all that Jacobs has been through in his life, he wants this more than Quillin. That will be the difference. Jacobs wins unanimous decision.”
Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times, (Quillin) “Peter Quillin has been working toward a victory like this for years. It’s time to put up or shut up and this test against a cerebral Daniel Jacobs will let us know once and for all if Quillin is elite or is entitled. Quillin by unanimous decision.”
Mark Jacobsen, New York Magazine, (Quillin): “Quillin will win. Jacobs has good name (minus two letters) but he is light in the resume. Quillin beat Andy Lee (note: split draw) and is gritty.”
Robert Morales, Los Angeles News Group, (Quillin): “I’m taking Peter Quillin to take Daniel Jacobs’ title via decision. Simply, I think Quillin is a better fighter and that his superior skills will bring him his second world title in this division. My only concern is Quillin making weight. But if he hasn’t struggled so much to do so, he’ll win.”
Brian Campbell, ESPN, (Quillin): “What makes this middleweight title fight so intriguing is both fighters still have questions to answer regarding whether they are truly elite. Both are athletic and powerful, and each has shown a certain level of vulnerability. Ultimately, I think Quillin has the stronger chin and that will be the difference. Quillin by KO.”
Damian Calhoun, Orange County (Calif.) Register, (Jacobs): “They’ve been calling each other out for years and now they’re finally going to meet in the ring. I expect this fight to be close. I can see both fighters getting tested and touching the canvas in this fight. In the end, I think Jacobs, with his overall boxing skills, will be able to do enough to edge Quillin for a unanimous decision victory. Should be a great fight.”
Lyle Fitzsimmons, CBSSports.com, (Quillin): “A hard fight not to like, between two fighters whose styles are appealing. There’s admittedly little to separate between the two, so in a close one I’ll go with the guy who’s had more big-stage opportunities — Quillin. He can hold his own in a technical match, and he’s got enough dog in him to grind through a tough one, too. Quillin by close decision.”
Kelsey McCarson, BleacherReport.com, (Quillin): “Kid Chocolate proved his ability as a boxer in his draw with Andy Lee, and there’s never been any question about his power. The combination of those two things, alongside his experience, will lead him to victory in a close and entertaining bout. Quillin by decision.”
Ricardo Lopez, La Opinion, (Jacobs): “I think Jacobs wins this one to extend his impressive 10-fight KO streak. He’s proven to be really strong, but it will be a close one.”
Andreas Hale, Ring Magazine, (Jacobs): “Danny Jacobs has been primed for greatness the moment he started his pro career. Never mind his loss to Dmitry Pirog, he wasn’t mentally in the game. Aside from that hiccup, he’s showcased remarkable skill and a knack for the finish. Quillin has been sharp, but hasn’t quite passed the eye test for me. His fight with Andy Lee was perhaps indicative of what happens when Quillin steps up in competition. With Jacobs being the more skilled of the two and on a mission to keep the judges out of the decision, I see him taking over late in a competitive fight where Jacobs slowly wears down Quillin en route to a late stoppage.”
Jake Donovan, BoxingScene.com, (Quillin):”Quillin can crack, but his finishing skills leave a lot to be desired. That said, Jacobs has yet to prove he can overcome in-ring adversity. Conquering cancer is braver than any battle he’ll ever experience in the ring … but as far as this fight goes, depending on him to box that cleanly for 12 rounds without getting caught clean is asking a lot. The ultimate wild card is whether or not Quillin can effectively make weight. Providing that he doesn’t struggle in that regard, my hunch is that he ends the fight at some point with one big punch to become a two-time middleweight titlist. Quillin wins by KO.”
Doug Fischer, RingTV.com/The Ring magazine, (Quillin), “I think Daniel Jacobs, the more polished boxer of the two middleweights, will outclass Peter Quillin over the first half of an intense boxing match. I believe Jacobs will use his sharper technique to catch Quillin between wide power volleys. He might drop Kid Chocolate early. But I think Quillin will gradually impose his greater size and strength on Jacobs. I think Quillin will catch and overwhelm Jacobs late in the fight to win by TKO”.
Mike Sloan, Sherdog.com, (Quillin): “This is such a terrific fight, one that can go either way. With so many variables being taken into account, with both Quillin’s and Jacobs’ skill sets, it’s actually a toss-up. Both men have terrific power, they both have great hand speed and they have taken on quality opposition. My gut initially told me that Quillin would come out on top but I’ve been flip-flopping ever since this fight was announced. With that said, I have to stick with my gut and go with Kid Chocolate via majority decision.”
Anson Wainwright, RingTV.com/RING magazine, (Quillin):”An excellent matchup for the middleweight championship of Brooklyn. I see this as 50-50. Both guys have very good power and are capable of hurting the other. I can see both on the canvas with Quillin doing enough to win a very good fight on points, with talks of a rematch afterwards.”
Joe Santoliquito, RingTV.com/Sherdog, (Quillin): “I like Quillin’s hand speed and punching power. I also feel he’s recently been in with better opposition, preparing him for fights like this. Quillin wins a decision.”
Miguel Maravilla, FightNews.com, (Quillin): “It will be a close fight but I give the edge to Quillin to win a decision.”
Percy Crawford, FightHype.com, (Quillin): “Quillin showed a lot of growth suffering his first blemish (draw against Andy Lee). He also handled being floored for the first time very well against a very dangerous Lee during that fight. I just don’t see Daniel Jacobs being able to put him in situations he can’t handle. Quillin comes on in the mid rounds and stops Jacobs by eighth-round TKO!”
Diego M. Morilla (XN Sports, RingTV.com), (Quillin): “It is a very close fight on paper, and it will live up to the expectations. Both fighters are equally skilled and both are proven at this weight, but in terms of resilience and power, the advantage goes to Quillin by a small but meaningful margin. Kid Chocolate is the one who has faced the strongest, most powerful opponents so far, and his results have been impressive for the most part. If Jacobs can establish his distance and his speed, he has a chance. But if Quillin is able to turn this into a fight he’ll score a decisive win by decision or late stoppage.”
Steve Lillis, Box Nation, (Quillin): “Great match and local bragging rights make it even sexier. I am edging towards Quillin who is more battle-hardened. Quillin by TKO 8.”
Eric Raskin, Boxing Writer/PBC Ringside Scorer (Quillin): “Jacobs has been one of the best feel-good stories in boxing over the last few years, but feel-good stories don’t win you tough fights. Quillin is the highest caliber opponent he’s faced since his upset loss to Dmitry Pirog, and I expect Kid Chocolate’s length and strength to separate him from Jacobs. Look for a fan-friendly, competitive fight, with Quillin winning by decision, roughly eight rounds to four.”
Brad Berkwitt, RingsiderReport.com, (Jacobs): “On paper, this is a great matchup and New York City, which has some of the greatest boxing fans in the world will love it! It’s really a tough fight in my book to call, but I’m going with Danny Jacobs by a tough close decision in the 115-113 range.”
John J. Raspanti, MaxBoxing.com, (Quillin); “I’m going with Quillin for two reasons: Talent and whiskers. Quillin has also been in with the better fighters during his time in the ring. He showed a strong chin against Andy Lee seven months ago. Cancer survivor Jacobs is a great guy, but looked vulnerable against Sergio Mora in his last fight. If the feather-fisted ‘Latin Snake’ can knock him down, Quillin, with 23 career KOs, can stop him. Quillin by TKO 9.”
James Slater, FightNews.com, (Quillin): “I like Quillin in a great fight. Jacobs is a class act, as is Quillin; I just think Quillin wants it more. Both can be hit, hurt and knocked down, and we will very possibly see a couple of knockdowns. I take Quillin to either get a points or a late stoppage win.”
Jason Gonzalez, Examiner.com, (Quillin): “I think Jacobs will eventually succumb to the pressure that Quillin will apply. Jacobs was knocked down early by and very light-hitting Sergio Mora. You would be remiss to not question the sturdiness of Jacob’s chin. Expect Quillin to test the chin of Jacobs early and win by TKO 7.”
Erika Fernandez, BlackSportsOnline.com, (Jacobs): “I think this will be a very close fight, but I feel that Jacobs has the better skill set and is hungrier for the victory. When you combine skill with hunger that is a deadly combination. I think it could go either way, but I am predicting Jacobs by eighth-round KO.”
Phil D. Jay, WorldBoxingNews.com, (Quillin): “I believe Jacobs v Quillin is a well-matched fight. Both can punch or box as and when needed so I see the fight being a close run thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a split decision, but saying that, either fighter could also end the contest at a moment’s notice. Pushed on it, I’d have to give a slight edge to Quillin – but not without a scare or two. Quillin wins by split decision.”
(Boxers)
Chris Algieri, Former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, (Quillin): “Tough fight to call. I believe whoever can assert their fight will ultimately take the victory. Danny needs to set a fast pace and box smart. Quillin will look to be explosive and bring the pressure. Too close to predict for me but will go with the more experienced man in Quillin to take it.”
Chris Arreola, Former Heavyweight Title Challenger, (Jacobs): “I think it’s a very good fight. I’m taking Jacobs in a very close fight. I just think Jacobs has more to prove and has had to overcome so much. I can’t wait to watch this fight!”
Andre Berto, Former WBC Welterweight World Champion, (No Pick): “Tough fight, it’s really a toss up. If it goes the distance I have Jacobs winning. If it doesn’t I have Quillin by knockout.”
Gabriel Bracero, Welterweight Contender from Brooklyn (Jacobs) – “I think they’re both good fighters and both strong. I think it’s going to come down to who’s smarter and whose sharper the night of the fight almost like an aggressive chess match the first person to make a mistake is going to pay.. I doubt that the fight goes the distance and they’re both going in there like they both have something to prove. I think Jacobs has more of an arsenal and will pull it off.”
Dominic Breazeale, 2012 U.S. Olympian & Undefeated Heavyweight, (Jacobs) – “My prediction is Danny Jacobs wins by way of KO in the 6 round. He’s a very humble, hard working man that deserves a great victory.”
Jermall Charlo, IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion, (Draw): “I hope the fight ends in a draw. I think it’s going to be a draw. Both guys are real strong and they both have good days and they both have bad days. But if someone wins, it will be whoever is in better shape.”
Anthony Dirrell, Former WBC Super Middleweight World Champion (Draw): “I hope it’s a draw, and I think it may be. Both fighters are my guys. Daniel and I went through similar health concerns that brought us closer, but Peter grew up in Grand Rapids. So I really just want to see a great fight and may the best man win. I know both guys respect each other and I hope that’ll always be the case.”
B.J. Flores, Cruiserweight Contender & NBC Boxing Analyst (No Pick): “This is a rough one. I really like Danny Jacobs’ boxing ability and his offensive tools and weapons. He has speed and power. The question is, if Danny is going to be able to stand there and take the hits from Pete when he lands. Whenever he does land, it will be interesting to see if Danny will come in with a game plan to neutralize Peter or if there is really going to be a battle of brooklyn head to head and fight thats the right fight for peter quillin not for danny jacobs. danny needs to take his opponent’s attributes and pete’s main thing he can do is punch, so the question is will Danny be able to take that away from Pete. It is a great opportunity for both and there can only be one king of the city.”
Tony Harrison, Super Welterweight Contender, (Jacobs): “I’m up in the air on this one, but I’m leaning towards Jacobs because he knows what adversity is and how to overcome it. He’s got nothing to los and he’s fighting in his hometown. He should have a chip on his shoulder.”
Amir Khan, Former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion, (Quillin): “I think Peter Quillin wins the fight. It’s a really exciting matchup between two guys fighting in their own backyard in Brooklyn. There is very little to choose between both fighters but if I had to opt for one guy it would be Quillin. I really respect Danny Jacob’s background and the way he has fought to become champion. He’s shown that he has the resilience, skill and punching power to go in and beat the best middleweights around but I think that Quillin is going to look to outwork him and use his movement to win a close points decision. Jacobs has the advantage in reach and height so that could cause Quillin problems especially if he gets his jab going and boxes from the outside. Nevertheless, it’s a really hard fight to call and there are arguments either way but there’s no doubt it’s going to be a great fight because neither guy will want to take a back step in their hometown.”
Erislandy Lara, WBA 154-Pound World Champion, (Quillin): “This is a great matchup between two young hungry fighters and I think it’s going to be a very close fight. With that being said, I’m picking ‘Kid Chocolate’ to win. He’s got Cuban blood running through his veins and has fought better competition. I’ll also be watching very closely because the winner could be one of my future opponents.”
Andy Lee, WBO Middleweight World Champion (No Pick): “I think it’s a close fight. Danny probably has the better boxing fundamentals and will look to outbox Peter. But Peter is certainly the bigger puncher and will look to land heavy punches while boxing with Danny. It’s an exciting fight hard and a hard one to call.”
Aron Martinez, Welterweight Contender, (Jacobs) – “I’ll go with Jacobs by decision. It will be a great fight though I could really see it going either way.”
Sergio Mora, Former WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, (Quillin) – “Both Jacobs & Quillin are big punchers with flawed technique. In the battle of power punching, Quillin’s size & better chin will hold up better, but If Jacobs decides to box & move I can see him outpointing Quillin. It’ll be a close fight either way. I’m picking Quillin by late stoppage.”
Victor Ortiz, Former WBC Welterweight World Champion, (No Pick): “May the best man win. It’s a great fight. Blue corner and red corner. My prediction is that one of those corners is going to win.”
Edwin Rodriguez, IBF No. 10 Light Heavyweight Contender, (Jacobs): “”Jacobs is a better boxer and just as good of a puncher as Quillin with sharper technical skills. It should be an entertaining fight but Jacobs will win by unanimous decision.”
Leo Santa Cruz, WBA Super World Featherweight Champion, (Quillin): “It’s going to be a hard fight for both of them, but Peter Quillin is stronger and he’s never been hurt, so I think he might take it. Quillin by seventh-round KO.”
Keith Thurman, WBA Welterweight World Champion, (Jacobs): “Knowing Jacobs and his amateur background I believe that he has the skills and the knowledge to pull away the victory, but Quillin is no slouch. He has tremendous strength and the ability to stop or hurt Danny at any moment. I’m truly looking forward to this fight. This is another great matchup for the fight fans this year.”
Sammy Vasquez, Undefeated Welterweight Contender, (Jacobs) – “This can go either way. Both have power and are good fighters with two different styles as Peter just comes forward but yet stays mid range and is good at it, Danny moves a lot and has good angles, I would give Danny the edge for his movement but he needs to stay busy and hopefully he doesn’t run into any punches but it’s a toss up to me.”
Fighter Workout Photos & Quotes
DANIEL JACOBS
“Not only are we fighting for the bragging rights in Brooklyn, but we both want to be at the top of the middleweight division. All the top middleweights are fighting each other and we’re right in that realm.
“I believe my speed is my greatest advantage. My skill, my ring generalship … I could go on and on. Ultimately it’s about going in there and proving it.
“I think taking a loss before benefits me. I know exactly how to prepare and how to prepare to make sure I never have that feeling again.
“He’s gonna have to hit me to test my chin. This sport is about hitting and not getting hit. Anybody can be knocked down, but you have to land shots. Every time I’ve gotten knocked down, I’ve gotten up.
“My prediction is that I’m going to have my hand raised in victory. Whether it’s by knockout or decision, we’ll have to see.
“This camp has been different because I’ve had a pre-camp. We had three weeks of just strength and conditioning. I got in shape to get ready for camp. When it’s all done, it’s going to be a 10-week camp.
“Mentally I feel like I’m strong and I like where I’m at physically. My weight is good and I feel healthy. We’re going to give the best of everything.
“A lot of people are excited about the fights. I’m just excited it is finally here and I’m hoping to come out with a victory in impressive fashion.
“This is a boxer vs. a boxer-puncher. If I get a guy hurt. I can get a guy out of there as well. My punching power is there. I have more knockouts than Quillin and I’m going to be at my best on Saturday.
“I’m thankful for all my fans. I want everyone to know that I’m coming to represent Brooklyn and this show will not disappoint on Saturday night.”
PETER QUILLIN
“Distractions are in your head, but they can be a bit more here in New York. It’s nice to get away to Miami and be able to concentrate on training and have everything right there.
“The buzz around Brooklyn is I am the new champ. I came to New York with a small city mindset but big city dreams and now they are all coming true.
On chatting with Floyd Mayweather Tuesday night at Barclays Center: “It’s funny because I was speaking to a school today, but when I first met Floyd Mayweather, it was at my school and I was like ‘man I could be like that too one day’ and I told him about it. He didn’t understand why I said that, ‘it all started because of you’ and he said ‘what do you mean’ and I told him what happened. We laughed about it and that’s all I needed right there. I didn’t need him to do anything for me just to know that it all started back with him coming to my school and speaking to kids like me and look where I am now. I was only 14-years-old.
“You can expect fireworks in the month of December. We’re going to be throwing everything we can possibly throw.
“Being in Miami with all the Cuban history there was great. Boxing was like a fighter lifestyle. I was around many people who were inspirational beyond words.
“When I went to the (Erislandy) Lara fight we were looking for parking and I went up to a guy and I asked if we could park there. He goes ‘tu eres chocolate?’ (you are chocolate) and I said yes, and he said ‘do you know how much Cuban people love you?’ I had never realized that before and it made me more inspired, to speak more Spanish, to understand my people. Cuban people are my people, I never would deny that and I am very blessed. I am also a black American as well so I want to set a good example, especially where the time in the world is in right now for black people. I want to be an inspiration for both.
“We’ve got a plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D, plan E, plan F. We are going to go to beyond, but most importantly I am very happy. I am spiritually happy and thankful. You fall out of fear and fall into faith and you can never deny yourself, so that’s where I am right now.
“By being Cuban automatically you fight from a different point of perspective of the globe when it comes to fighting. For me, I’m thankful and more inspired to work even harder because I do have fans that I would never expect would be my fans.
“I haven’t seen ‘Creed’ yet; I am only focused on this fight. I want to create my own ‘Creed’ moments in this fight.
“Altogether I think it’s probably about an equally matched fight. You have two determined guys fighting for their own personal reasons; he’s fighting with a cancer story, I’m also fighting with that. My uncle passed away of cancer so I fight with a piece of him as well.
“I’m just Peter Quillin. All I know is just go in that ring, train against whoever it is, no matter who it is and do my best.
“My mom always said, ‘sometimes it takes getting put on your ass to know where you’re at’ so it could be helpful to him that he’s tasted defeat. He’s been there before, you fight with the reason that you don’t ever want to be there again or he could’ve even gotten better after that sitting on his butt, now he wants to fight harder.
“My prediction for Saturday? A new champion of the world.
“I’ve never been in this kind of moment before where I had to fight one of my friends. You never want to hurt your friend, but in this fight, I want to hurt Danny so what does that tell you about our friendship right there? Sometimes you don’t want to be friends with the guy that beat you up.
“It’s going to be sort of like July 4th but on Dec. 5th. You are going to expect fireworks, two determined guys throwing punches trying to win for two different reasons and you’re going to get an entertaining fight.
“I just have to let my hands go and not have a worry in the world because when you’re in there, you’re in there and there’s no way you can leave unless you leave in a stretcher, hand up or with a draw like we did in that fight.”
JESUS CUELLAR
“I’m coming here very prepared. I know Oquendo is a tough fighter and we are not taking him lightly. We’re ready for a 12-round championship fight.
“We know there will be a lot of Puerto Ricans supporting him, but they won’t change anything. They can’t get in the ring.
“You’re going to see a great fight on Saturday and you’re going to see Jesus Cuellar walk out of the ring a world champion.
“I want to fight the best in the division. There are many good fighters and I want all of them. I have no fear and I am extremely confident in my abilities.”
JONATHAN OQUENDO
“I come ready to fight. I didn’t want to take off a lot of time after I beat Jhonny Gonzalez. The opportunity for a world title shot came and I had to take it.
“I know he is a very strong fighter, but we are coming to win. I’m happy to be here in New York with the Puerto Rican fan base behind me. I never thought I’d be fighting for a world title here in New York on the biggest stage.
“It’s going to be a war. I like to stay there in the pocket. It’s going to be blood in the ring and you can expect that on Saturday.
“I had a great training camp up in Palm Beach, Florida for the first time leaving Puerto Rico, my hometown for training but on Saturday you’ll see a great Jonathan Oquendo and I’ll come out victorious.
“I have been training since after the fight with Jhonny Gonzalez. I went to Mexico to visit the virgin of Guadalupe and that Monday I was training and for me it was excellent.
“My last victory gave me a lot more energy, a lot more hunger and I know on Saturday we’ll come through victorious.
“Cuellar is a very strong boxer who exerts lots of pressure and we’re ready for that. We know of his record and the great success that he’s had. He’s the current champion and will be until the 5th.
“I’ve always wanted to fight here in New York and I never thought that it would be for a world title.
“It doesn’t matter which way, whether it’s a KO or decision, on Saturday I’m going to win.”
CHRIS ALGIERI
“I feel a lot more comfortable now with (trainer) John David Jackson and having a second camp. We got more weeks with him and haven’t really stopped training. Now I think we can settle in a little more, make some adjustments that were not able to make prior but now I feel a lot more comfortable.
“Being a favorite or not doesn’t change how I prepare for a fight but absolutely, this is the fight of his life. I’ve been here before fighting bigger names than myself but that’s just kind of the life cycle of boxing.
“Barclays Center is my favorite place to fight. I’ve had my best performances here and the fan support has always been fantastic. So I am looking forward to putting on another great show.
“Barclays Center is a premiere venue and it’s great and easy for my Long Island friends to come out and get right in there.
“I’ve learned and gotten more comfortable in the ring now but this is going to be a tough fight to fight. Everybody at this level is good so I’ve got to go out there and perform.
“I feel fantastic, I feel stronger, everybody says I look better. My power has definitely increased now that I am in a higher class and I am making weight very easy.”
ERICK BONE
“Camp has been strong, it’s been great, it has been one of the best camps that I’ve had so far.
“I feel good because Algieri has a big name. It’s going to be a challenge but in boxing once you get in the ring it doesn’t matter who comes in first or who comes in last in these fights. There’s no A and B, they’re so close.
“It has been very positive being here in Brooklyn to do my camp and training here. Being able to spar with the many great boxers who are here, it’s all a positive experience.
“For the fans that will see me on Saturday, I believe that I am a great boxer and they will see a great fight. They should keep an eye out for me because they will remember my name.
“We’re going to box and I trained to win and we are prepared for just that.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“You can expect fireworks, speed, good boxing ability, but, most importantly, a W. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to put on a good show
“Staten Island will come out to support, but I’m a New York fighter through and through. The whole city will be there supporting me.
“He’s tall, throws a lot of punches. We’re going to be ready for whatever he brings. He can get right-hand happy and we’ll be ready to counter that.
“Everyone who fights me, they’re all coming for my 0.
“In boxing at the end of the day, when you’re a young undefeated fighter, everybody wants to take that ‘0’ so that’s what makes guys hungry but for me personally I’m not worried about that. I’m just worried about what I’m going to do and what we’ve been working on in the gym to apply that on fight night come Saturday.”
HEATHER HARDY
“I had no break during Thanksgiving, we went straight through; matter of fact my mom is having our whole family over on Sunday for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s going to be a celebration and I’m going to eat my mashed potatoes like a good Irish girl is supposed to.”
“One thing I can say about my opponent is that she fights like a champion fights. There’s a different caliber of fighter that you go in there with and she’s not a quitter, she doesn’t give up. I couldn’t intimidate her, I couldn’t push her around and that’s something I’ve prepared for. She knows what I have and she’s not afraid to stand toe to toe with me so it’s going to be a battle.
“Her talent does motivate me. It brings something out of me and it puts on a better show for the fans and it gives a better show for female boxing. Holly Holm did not prove that Ronda Rousey couldn’t fight, it proved that more than one woman could fight at the same time. So, when two women can go in there and really go at it and give the people a show, it’s not just one girl doing a great job, it’s two women.
“I’m looking to prove that I am the champion, that I am the “First Lady” of Barclays Center.
“I’ve kept on this winning streak and I think I’m ready for the more elite fighters. I consider myself to really be a contender at this point so I’m looking forward to this. I’d like to start matching up for the world titles and all the girls who’ve got them.
“My trainer always says that there are only four punches in boxing, you better learn how to do them perfect every time you throw them and they’re getting there. So, I feel good, experienced, just being around certain things, not being surprised by anything because I’ve seen it before. All of those things play in to it.
“It’s surreal to be in this position. I still can’t believe sometimes people say ‘hey champ’ and I say ‘what? yea that is me.’ Just to be associated with this and how people think of me, to see me, to be mentioned on this card is an honor.”
YURI FOREMAN
“I don’t do predictions but I can predict that I am going to win.
“I feel good, with this comeback I am feeling these little butterflies here and there. I am happy that it is right here. The training is all done.
“The preparation has been great, I love the routine, I like to challenge myself and push myself to the limit extra hard but it’s a new feeling. I’m also trying to maintain my cool and not get into my head.
“There is extra motivation because there are so many great fighters on this card and everyone wants to showcase their talent, including me.
“My goal is to go up the ladder, be successful and challenge the world champion, whoever it may be at the time.”
WILL ROSINSKY
“I know him because we sparred a lot. I know the adjustments I had to make we’re ready for because we were in front of each other but sometimes you just keep the same game plan.”
“On a week to week basis, I train in the day and work night or work in the day and train at night, depends. On a night tour I train in the morning then work the night tour, get off and go back to training. So, I might not be home for about a day and half. My commitment is 100 percent, it’s no problems at all.
“My goal is to fight for a world title. It’s a common goal in boxing. I want to make money and enjoy the fruits of my labor.
“This is an easy week, my weight is good. Being at 174 is not too heavy for me so I’m not really sucking to make weight last minute. I weighed out in the gym at 173½ yesterday so I am rehydrating up to 175/176 pretty easily.
“There are actually some similarities between fighting and being a firefighter because it’s a controlled chaos as they say. Same idea with the fight, you’re going crazy in your head but you’ve got to stay controlled and stay on your game plan. If your corner tells you something you’ve got to take that in and use it for the next round.”
JOE SMITH JR.
“Training camp has been going real great, done a lot of sparring and a lot of running. I feel great going into the fight, I feel in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to put on a good show.
“I don’t think there’s problems really that my opponent is going to present me with but I’m in the best shape of my life, so as long as I let my hands go there’s nothing that he can do.
“I’m a big puncher and I’m looking to throw a lot of hard punches and put on a good show.
“It’s a great opportunity, it feels good to be a part of something like this.
“I predict that there’s going to be a lot of punches thrown and most likely at some point in the fight I’m probably going to hurt Will and get him out of there.”
