As we near the rematch between “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre “The Beast” Berto, fighters competing on this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX card participated in a final press conference before they enter the ring at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET and features an explosive battle between light heavyweight sluggers Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr. plus unbeaten featherweight Jorge Lara taking on former multiple division world champion Fernando “Cucholito” Montiel. Also in attendance Thursday were heavyweights Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington and “Fast” Eddie Chambers who will compete in a 10-round attraction on the undercard.
VICTOR ORTIZ
“I’m an easy-going guy but this is boxing. He might hate me. I respect him, but I’m coming to take him down and out.
“I know what I’m here for and that’s a victory. As much talking as he’s done, it was a different guy that showed up today.
“This is a totally different fight than five years ago. We’re different people. I’m a different guy and so is he.
“Saturday is right around the corner and I’m here. I see loss in his eyes. I’m ready. 100 percent.
“This is a whole new chapter in my saga. I feel like this is my time once again. I’ve only fought in my prime twice. I did a lot of damage at young age. I feel I’m in my prime now. The sky is the limit.
“I feel very at peace being back in Ventura to train. We’re going to capture another world title. We went to training camp for that purpose. My mind is set on being one of the greatest.”
ANDRE BERTO
“We had an amazing camp. The situation five years ago, there’s no reason to keep speaking on that. I’m a better man today. I put in the work for this one.
“I’m looking forward to this. Everybody knows me and knows how I get down. I’ll do my talking in the ring.
“Thanks to Victor for taking this fight. All the personal stuff aside, we have to get in the ring and do what we have to do. It’s been five years coming and now we’re here.
“The stuff Victor said on the stage and his body language. I believe he knows he is going to be in there with a different type of animal this time.
“I think he is already defeated. He sees how focused I am. If he has been hearing anything from camp, he knows I’m ready to go.
“He didn’t believe anything he said on the stage. Looking at him face to face, he was trying to tell jokes. I think that he knows that he is going to be in there with a different Andre Berto.”
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ
“My opponent seems to be really confident and it’s my job on Saturday to take that away. We’ve worked hard and we’re ready.
“I’m happy to be here and I’m really excited about this card. I remember watching this fight in Connecticut and I’m thrilled to be involved in part two.”
THOMAS WILLIAMS JR.
“I’m just ready to go. This fight was scheduled for March 12, but we always stayed in the gym. We worked smart, not just hard, but smart.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to fight on this platform. This is going to be a can’t miss fight. Get there and get there early. Don’t blink.”
JORGE LARA
“I’m proud to be here. We’re ready for a great fight on Saturday night. I want everyone to see how much hard work I’ve put into this fight.
“It means a lot to me to be able to collide with a great champion like Fernando Montiel.”
FERNANDO MONTIEL
“It means a lot to be a part of a dynamic card that his highlighted by this great rematch between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto.
“It’s going to be a great night of fights. I’ve had a lot of ups-and-downs throughout my life but I’ve always worked hard. I’m just excited to get in the ring on Saturday night.
“I am a five-time world champion and I’ve been fighting for 20 years but I know on Saturday night that I’m going to have one of the best nights of my career.”
GERALD WASHINGTON
“It’s an honor to be here and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to fight someone like Eddie Chambers. He has so much experience and class.
“It means a lot to me to come from a little town called Vallejo and to make it all way up here to fighting at StubHub Center.
“I’m looking to take advantage on Saturday night and step forward in my career. We’ve been working hard and putting things together
“I’m excited for everyone to see the new and improved Gerald Washington.”
EDDIE CHAMBERS
“I want to thank my team for getting behind me and bringing me out there. I’m thankful to Gerald for taking this fight. Not everyone would take this fight.
“This is my chance to get back in the good graces and get back to the top level of this sport.
“You should show up early so you can see this one, it’s going to be a great fight.”
