Two days before they enter the ring for “Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and undercard fighters took part in the final press conference at the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand.
Check out all of the photos and quotes from the final Canelo vs. Lara pre-fight press conference right here.
Canelo Alvarez Quotes
“This fight is important because Lara are and I are the best two fighters in our weight class.
“He might not have the most recognizable name, but in the boxing world, everybody knows he is the most dangerous opponent. This will be a very important victory.
“How will I beat him? With speed, movement and combinations.
“You can’t predict a knockout; a knockout comes on its own. Sometimes, as much as you want it, it doesn’t come. If it comes, I will take advantage of it. But if it doesn’t, I will be ready for 12 rounds.
“I’m just waiting anxiously for the weigh-in. For many fighters this is the tensest part of training. We’re just waiting to weigh-in and fight.
“Without a doubt this is one of the best opponents that I’ll ever have. But I’m always going to look for tough opponents, tough rivals. I want to fight the best.
“A title doesn’t matter to me for this fight. This fight is for honor, for glory. We’ll go for a world title next year.
“He’s a fighter that moves very well. He has very tight defense, but the thing that doesn’t move well is his feet, his legs.
“I haven’t been watching or studying tapes. We know his style; he has a very difficult style. But we’ve prepared to break down that style. We worked for a difficult style, for a southpaw. Without a doubt we had the right sparring partners. It’s not an easy fight but we’ve prepared for everything.”
Erislandy Lara Quotes
“We’re ready I don’t think there’s much more to say. I’m ready for this fight and we’ll see you all July 12.
“Every fighter that I’ve fought has been heavier than me and I’ve been able to deal with them, so we’re not worried about Canelo’s size. Everyone goes into the ring how they feel comfortable. I’m not worried about his weight on fight day.
“We’re going to wait for him. We’re going to see what he can show.
“The Cuban style is the best style in boxing. Everybody knows that we win the most medals at the Olympics, at international tournaments. And that’s shown throughout our history.
“I just keep working, working hard. Anybody who comes to this country is dreaming of this opportunity. I need to take advantage of it.”
Abner Mares Quotes
“I’m very excited to be back. It’s been 11 months [away] in a sport I love that’s given me everything.
“I’m very hungry to return, I’m a three-time world champion and I want more.
“I’m only 28 years old and I’m very determined. I want to dedicate this fight to Mexico.
“Oquendo is a young determined fighter, but if he’s been hungry for a week, I’ve been hungry for almost a year.”
Jonathan Oquendo Quotes
“I won’t say too many things but I’m very well prepared to give everyone a good fight.
“I know the great fighter that Abner Mares can be and I prepared well for him. I know that Puerto Rico vs. Mexico always puts up good fights and this won’t be an exception.
“All I’m doing now is waiting for fight time so you can see the best Jonathan Oquendo possible.
“I’ve trained hard to give my maximum effort and I’m ready.”
Juan Manuel Lopez Quotes
“This is the fourth time I’ve come to Las Vegas to fight. The first three I won by knockout and I hope to continue that.
“This is a great opportunity for me to take full advantage of and I’m going to give it my all.
“I’m on a great card with so many great fighters and I’m going to give you a great victory.”
Francisco Vargas Quotes
“I’m very happy to be on this great card with so many great fighters. Being on this card motivates me to put on a great fight and make everyone happy.
“I had a great training camp in Mexico City and I’m prepared to give everyone a great fight.
“I’m going to give it my all and lay it on the line Saturday night.”
Johan Perez Quotes
“I’m well prepared, I’ve trained hard and I’m ready to give the public what they want to see – a great fight.”
Mauricio Herrera Quotes
“I’m real happy to be fighting on a big card like this under Canelo. I had a big fight with Danny Garcia and that’s what got me here.
“They put me with another tough guy in Johan Perez. I come well prepared and I want to show everyone who Mauricio Herrera is. What better way than on this great card.
“I’m going to give you guys a great show Saturday night.”
