The Shane Mosley vs. Sergio Mora bout has been made official, “200: Celebrate and Dominate”. The fighters and their teams held a press conference to discuss the bout. Here are quotes from all of the big names, including Mosley, Mora, undercard fighters Saul Alvarez and Victor Ortiz, and the Golden Boy team Richard Schaefer and Oscar De La Hoya.
Sugar Shane Mosley
“This is going to be a great night of fighting at the Staples Center.
“Mexican Independence Day is September 15. My birthday is September 7. I am transforming into a Mexican on that day.
“I’m very proud of my son. He has taken up the sport that I love. He’s been up there [Big Bear, CA] training with me every day and he’s actually helping me out.
“I’m happy to be able to get back into the ring. Sergio Mora is very fast and has a lot of ability. Both of us are very competitive. Regardless of friendship I know I want to win and he wants to win.
“It’s going to be a great night of fighting. The undercard is gong to be terrific.”
Naazim Richardson, Mosley’s Trainer
“I’ve watched Sergio Mora since he was a young amateur. He’s a great talent and I never thought he got the credit he deserved. Those guys on the Contender got a break; they didn’t even get the best of him.
“Shane has a huge following in Mexico also, that’s why he has the title the ‘King of California.’ I have always said that he is a great fighter because he’s had to face that Latino opposition.
“There’s no way you can underestimate Sergio Mora, but we have to put a game plan together to deal with this young man and we will.
“I don’t care if you’ve seen him recently or have not seen him for a while, if you went to a Shane Mosley fight you got up off your seat. He can take his worst night and still get you off your seat. You’re going to see an outstanding performance.”
Sergio Mora
“I had my own fight here five years ago and now I’m back.
“Only two fighters at this table have earned the word great and that is Oscar and Mosley, but there’s another fighter who will be known as great and that’s me.
“I’ve known Naazim since I was 16. Brother Naazim has always showed up all business. With him, Philadelphia is always in the house.
“The Contender was a huge part of my success, but with every blessing there’s a curse. I didn’t gain a lot of respect from people, but I deserve it.
“I want to be the first Mexican that beats Shane. I want all the support of the Latino community.
“We both went 24 rounds with the late great Vernon Forrest, that shows that styles make fights.
“I got my cuts, and struggled and came back from behind. I know what it’s like to fight in the lime light. This is for everyone in LA. To fight in the arena that the LA Lakers won [the championship] in is an honor.”
Dean Campos, Mora’s Trainer
“I’ve been with Sergio for six years. Fernando Vargas brought him in when he auditioned for the Contender; we knew he was the winner.
“He fights with a lot of heart. He fights in the tradition of champions who represent their people and their neighborhood.”
Saul Canelo Alvarez
“I’m glad to be on such an important card with such good fighters.
“It’s business as usual when I step into the ring…I fight with desire.
“I hope everyone comes out that night to watch because this is a really exciting night of boxing.”
Jose Chepo Reynoso, Alvarez’s Manager/Trainer
“This is a very important date. As Mexicans, we are celebrating the Bicentennial of Mexican Independence.
“He [Alvarez] is number one in Mexico and now we want to conquer the world. A big part of that is being successful here in LA.”
Victor Ortiz
“I am honored to be up here with the great Sugar Shane, Mora and Canelo. It’s a great stage to be a part of.”
“I want to recognize the fact that I started this new thing with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. I can definitely relate to these kids who have grown up the way I have.”
“David Rodela will be fighting on September 18 too and he’s like my big brother so everyone should come out and cheer him on as well.”
Danny Garcia, Ortiz’s Trainer
“We’ve had three good weeks [in camp] and we have six more weeks before the big fight and I think we’ll be ready.
“Victor has been training hard and he’s a hard worker. We’re doing hard work and we’re trying to get him ready. He is going to be 100 percent come fight night.
“The fans should expect a nice show. I think all of the fights are going to be the best.”
Juan Marcos Gutierrez Gonzales, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles
“The Mexican Consulate General and Mexican Government are very proud to join this effort. We are celebrating 200 years of Mexico and the Centennial of the revolution.
“This is not only the official event of the Bicentennial, but THE official sporting event of the month of September.
“For the first time we are taking the ceremony off the steps of the City Hall and bringing it here to LA Live.”
Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions
“It’s a great pleasure to bring such a wonderful card to Los Angeles. We can now call it the Mecca of boxing as it’s becoming the home of many great fighters and champions.
“The people who have family in Mexico can really embrace the Mexican celebration that will happen throughout the month of September.”
“Mosley has done it all, and he’s not finished yet. He’s one of those fighters we like to call a throwback fighter. Back from the day when fighters would get in the ring and put on a show. Fighters who would breathe, eat and live boxing. That’s why Mosley is so great.
“We are making Sugar Shane Mosley an official Mexican…he will be known as ‘Azucar’ Mosley.
“If anyone is counting out Sergio Mora, I believe you have another thing coming.
“You can’t forget that Mora beat a fighter who beat Mosley, Vernon Forrest. He beat Ishe Smith. He won the Contender and has moved on from that. He has become a force to be reckoned with at 154 pounds.
“Saul Canelo Alvarez is making his debut here in LA and a lot of people are looking forward to that. Saul is a Mexican sensation, filling up arenas and selling out fights. It’s a special treat to have a young and up and coming fighter among the greats like Shane, Sergio and Victor.
“I walked the streets myself the other day in Mexico where I watched Alvarez fight. I was asking people from all walks of life, ‘Have you heard of Canelo Alvarez?’ and everyone answers with a glowing face ‘He’s our next promise. He’s our next guy.’
“Victor Ortiz is a young man who hasn’t even scratched the surface when it comes to his potential.”
Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions
“Breaking news! This event is now going to be fully supported by HBO Pay-Per-View including having their production and broadcast team. This reinforces the strength of this event.
“When Alvarez recently fought in Mexico, there was an average between six and eight people per home were watching this fight. The fight got a 17.8 rating which is equivalent to 600,000 homes watched by 60 million people.
“We’re very proud to be the official Mexican Bicentennial event for the festivities here in Los Angeles.
“For 20 dollars, which is the lowest priced ticket, I’m convinced the event will be a quick sell-out.
“Come be a part of a great celebration here at the STAPLES Center.”
Dan Beckerman, COO of AEG and Staples Center
“I can’t remember when we’ve had such a great card top to bottom, from when the doors open to the main event.
“Whenever Shane fights at Los Angeles STAPLES Center something exciting always happens.
“I’ve watched Saul [Alvarez] on Youtube many times and I can’t wait to see him in person.
“The ticket prices are fantastic, a price for every fan.”
