Approximately 200 fans and media turned out to watch Marcos “El Chino” Maidana during his media day on Tuesday, April 15 at The Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard.
The Argentine Maidana (35-3, 31 KOs) is winding down final preparations as he gets set for the biggest fight of his career when he faces undefeated boxing superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather on Saturday, May 3. With Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions looking on, a fit and confident Maidana worked out for about 25 minutes Tuesday. After loosening up, he hit the mitts and the speed bag and smacked the heavy bag.
MARCOS MAIDANA
“I know I am fighting the best in the world and that this is the biggest opportunity there is, so I am very thankful to Mayweather for giving me the chance.
“I never let what anybody outside the ring says bother me. I’ve heard a little about what they’re saying, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve heard it before.
“I’ve been an underdog my whole life. I was the underdog against Adrien Broner and Victor Ortiz and you saw what happened. I won. I am the underdog again in this fight, but I earned the right to the fight.
“I will give Mayweather a much better fight than any of the other contenders will. I have trained very well, and I’m in great shape. The only pressure is to perform well. I am a fighter and I come to fight. I don’t respect any opponent when I’m in the ring. I’m in this fight to win.
“This is going to be a great fight that fans will not want to miss. They know my style is to come forward. They know I like to be the aggressor. They know I throw heavy punches that can seriously hurt my opponent. .
“My fans know I am going to give it my all, my absolute best. I am excited and very confident. I am ready for May 3 and I’m ready for Floyd Mayweather.”
ROBERT GARCIA
“This is my fifth fight with Marcos and, since day one, he has come to learn and listened to everything I say. I tell him something and he does it. He’s great to work with, so willing. For a trainer, that is quite a blessing.
“It’s been a great camp. Maidana knows the odds, but odds don’t mean a thing to him. He’s coming to fight and win. He won’t be intimidated. He won’t be scared. He knows what he is capable of doing.
“Mayweather is the best and has been on top for many years. He may be the best pound-for-pound boxer in history. He has done so many great things. But just because you’re the best doesn’t mean you can’t lose. Ali lost. Sugar Ray Leonard lost.
“Styles make fights. One punch can change everything. I don’t think Mayweather has been hit as hard as Maidana will hit him. But we aren’t looking for a knockout. We don’t want to just rely on maybe a lucky punch. Maidana is preparing to win all 12 rounds, and dominate.”
