Fighters competing on the debut of PBC: The Next Round On Bounce TV held a roundtable before their Sunday bouts at a sold out Full Sail Live at Full Sail University. The main event will showcase Juan Carlos “Baby Pacquiao” Payano (16-0, 8 KOs) taking on Rau’shee “Nuke” Warren (13-0, 4 KOs). The televised portion of the card will open with John Jackson (19-2, 15 KOs) facing Dennis Laurente (49-5, 30 KOs). The second televised bout will feature Yudel Jhonson (17-1, 9 KOs) squaring off against Jorge Cota Lugo (24-1, 22 KOs).
Below is what the fighters had to say Friday:
JUAN CARLOS PAYANO
“I am very prepared for this fight and have no injuries. I’m 100 percent ready. Training went very well. I am a warrior with the hunger to prevail and win. I’m ready to leave everything in the ring Sunday night.
“Warren merits a title shot. He’s one of the best fighters in the division. It’ll be a great fight. He won’t win, but it’ll be a great fight.
“I see a lot of errors in Warren’s style. That particular style of his has a lot of errors in it and I’ll attack them as I see them. He’s perfect for me.
“I am very grateful to be getting this opportunity. I am looking forward to the exposure for the weight class and for myself. It doesn’t make a difference if I’m on TV or not though. I will be coming out to rip his head off, as I always do against anyone.
“The Dominican Vice President contacted me yesterday and wished me luck. I have great support from the people of my country.”
RAU’SHEE WARREN
“Launching the PBC on Bounce TV series is a huge step for me. I feel like I have to put on a show for my fans and everybody out there that’s watching. I’m looking to win every round.
“It was an honor fighting for the US three times in the Olympics as an amateur. I fought a lot of different fighters from all over the world, and I got to see lots of different styles. These days I feel like anyone new who steps in front of me is similar to something I’ve already seen.
“We put everything on the table in training camp. I just can’t wait for August 2. I hope that when the bell rings he’s as ready as I am because I’m putting everything into this one.
“I see a lot of things in Payano that I think I can take advantage of. I expect him to be aggressive, but his problem is that he’s going to be so worried about my speed he won’t even know what else I’m brining at him.
“This is free boxing for all. I feel like PBC is making the sport more accessible for the fans. People have been hearing about the pay-per-view (PPV) fighters, but they haven’t really been seeing the undercard fighters or the lesser-known fighters.
“If some people out there don’t know me yet then they will for sure after they tune into Bounce TV this Sunday. My job is to show them who Rau’shee Warren is and force them to pay attention.”
YUDEL JHONSON
“Training went very well. There’s no excuses. I am ready to go. I am already on weight and my camp was perfect.
“Cota is a very typical Mexican fighter. He’s aggressive. He’s awkward sometimes, but he comes forward. He’s a tough warrior and I respect him. He’s ready to fight and so am I. It’s going to be a great fight.
“I am very grateful to be here and plan on maximizing this opportunity on Bounce TV. I want to show the fans that I’m the real deal.
“After I win this fight, I would like a chance for revenge against Willie Nelson. Tony Harrison underestimated him, but I won’t. That’s who I want to fight.
“The fans that haven’t seen me will see someone who truly loves a war. I never run from a tough fight.”
JORGE COTA LUGO
“Normally I don’t do that much sparring, but for this fight we did a lot because I feel like (Jhonson) is a smart fighter with a lot of movement. So we sparred more to make sure we’re prepared for this fight.
“I want to guarantee everyone a great show on Sunday night. Anyone who bought a ticket will see a great fight when I step into the ring.
“A world title shot is different. This was a very difficult training camp. We worked extremely hard to get ready for this fight, but it was a really tough camp.
“I’m very motivated for this fight. Based on the way I’ve been treated it seems like people are counting me out, but I’m hear to give it my best.”
JOHN JACKSON
“I feel good and confident. I’m sure he’s going to be tough and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready.
“We did a couple things different for him because he’s a southpaw. I’ve been working personally on my style to adjust to his style.
“I think it’s a great matchup of our styles. He comes forwards and I come forward too. I think it’s a great matchup for the fans.
“I am honored by this opportunity to be here and televised for the world to see us. It’s a blessing and I thank God for it. This is a huge fight for me.
“I’m treating this fight like it’s a world title fight. Hopefully this fight will open doors for me. I’m very privileged to be here. This is also my first time fighting in Florida. A lot of fans from the Virgin Islands are coming out to see me.
“I have no problem making this weight. I’m’ normally two pounds over.
“I have no prediction for the fight. If I see an opportunity for the knockout I’ll go for it, but I’m ready to go 10 rounds. I will get that ‘W.’ That’s all I know.”
DENNIS LAURENTE
“My training was great. I was in camp for two months and I’m completely ready for this fight.
“John Jackson is a powerful puncher, but I have more experience. I watched the Andy Lee fight and I know how to beat him. I’m expecting a war with him, but I will stop him in eight rounds. That is my plan.
“I am excited for this opportunity. It’s a great opportunity. I have been on four Manny Pacquiao undercards, so I’ve been in big fights before, but this one is very important for me.
“I have received tremendous support from fans in the Philippines. The messages are coming in steady and I appreciate it very much. It makes me stronger.”
