Fighters took part in a workout at The Ring Boxing Club in Boston Wednesday to kick off fight week for this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card at Agganis Arena that is headlined by Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale with coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.
ANDRE DIRRELL
“I always knew my day would come. I put in the work, I love this sport so I give it what I owe.
“I’m happy to get a shot at another title. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to put in my work and perform to the best of my ability and that will make me a world champion.
“I’m glad to be getting in there with somebody who believes he can win. I want someone who will test me like I’ll test them. That’s a real championship fight.
“I’m much hungrier than I was early in my career and I’m more focused mentally. With age comes wisdom. Everything I went through is all a blessing.
“My goals are set and I’m going to accomplish every one.”
JAMES DEGALE
“Dirrell’s team is trying to get in my head. They must be scared. I’m wound up and I’m ready.
“I’m obsessed with making history. It’s what drives me to work so hard in the gym and succeed in the ring.
“It’s been a 16-week camp come fight night, so it’s been a long time. My body and mind feel ready to fight, I am so sharp and in a very good place.
“He’s a tricky, talented, confident fighter – he believes in his ability. He said that he would not get beaten again in his career, and I am sure he believes that 100 percent. So you have two very confident fighters going into the ring on Saturday.
“I’m going to show everybody who I am. I’m driven to become the first Olympic gold medalist from the U.K. to win a world title and I’m doing it for my country.”
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ
“It’s an extremely important fight because it’s so close to my home.
“I’m excited to be fighting on NBC. This is a great opportunity for me to be back at the elite level.
“It’s important for me to get this win and get into a big fight against the best. I know I have to look impressive and that’s what I plan on.”
DANNY O’CONNOR
“I was disappointed in my fight with Paulie Malignaggi dropping out but there are always positives and one of them is that I’m now fighting in my hometown of Boston.
“I do a lot of work in and out of the ring to prepare for a fight. I’m full focused now on fighting Chris Gilbert.
“I want to thank all the people who helped get me onto this card, including Murphys Boxing, I promise I’m going to put on a show come Saturday.”
CHRIS GILBERT
“This is a huge opportunity for me. I’ve known about Danny since I started boxing and I’ve even been on a few cards with him.
“Danny has been the top New England fighter in my division and you always want to compare your skills with somebody like him.
“I was in Vermont and I’m always in top shape prepared to get a call to fight and this here is that big opportunity.”
GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN
“This is absolutely awesome fighting here and it’s a very important fight for me to go win.
“When I knock out my opponent on Saturday, I want to be the number one contender in the division and fight all the big names.”
RYAN KIELCZWESKI
“It’s awesome fighting in Boston in front of my home crowd with all of my friends, family and friends in attendance.
“Fighting on the undercard of this huge event with so many great fights makes the experience even better and one I’ll never forget.”
