The fighters taking part in the Premier Boxing Champions NBC fight card on Saturday, March 7 shared their progress today on how training camp is going and the importance of the return of boxing to primetime network television.
KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN
Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the fourth time?
A: I love MGM Grand. The last time when I fought there as the co-main event was an honor. This is an even greater honor to be the main event. Many world-class fighters have performed there and Floyd Mayweather has made it his home. This is a dream come true.
Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?
A: It’s a blessing and I’ve been working towards this for 19 years. Al Haymon could have picked any of his great fighters for this moment and I’m honored be part of this night and kick things off right.
Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?
A: With NBC coming back to primetime boxing it gives us boxers a chance to shine again on the biggest stage. We’ve been continuing to fill up arenas for years, but boxing is returning to the mainstream spotlight with an even bigger punch on March 7.
Q: What do you think of your opponent?
A: His father had a few comments, and some things were said, but I’m expecting him to come out throwing punches and looking to execute his game plan when we enter the ring. We’re going to show him that he never should have signed this contract. There’s a different side of Keith Thurman inside that ring and he’s going to learn the hard way.
Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?
A: He hasn’t fought anyone with extreme power like me.
Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?
A: He’s been in the ring with some great fighters, but every fight is its’ own learning experience. We work hard in training every time to outbox boxers, outpunch punchers, and I’m expecting to be ready to do everything better than him.
Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?
A: It’s actually a very mundane lifestyle. I’m resting, getting acupuncture or massage therapy. I like to go out and find good hip-hop. I’ve been eating some good sushi and seaweed salad, but just staying on my diet and resting and recovering before my late night run and maybe a session in my hyperbaric chamber.
Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?
A: I’ll be honest, I’m going to stand there and exchange with him for six rounds, and if he’s still standing there we’ll see. With my punching power the KO can come at any time with that one punch. If he walks into it or I lunge at him…it can even be a body shot. I’m just looking to get him out of there. I’m going to do what I need to do to stay a champion and we’re looking to move on past March 7 with a victory.
ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO
Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?
A: MGM Grand is the Mecca of boxing venues and I’m very excited to be performing in the main event against an undefeated young lion like Keith Thurman.
Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?
A: Oh yeah, I’m extremely motivated to be the first fighter to bring boxing back to NBC on primetime. Al Haymon is doing a fantastic job with the PBC. I want to show the world I’m an elite fighter and what better way to do it then against an undefeated world champion.
Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?
A: It’s so great in so many ways. First, anyone with a TV can watch this fight, so millions of more people can tune in. The number of new fans that will be gained will be unbelievable. For those hardcore fans who can’t afford cable, this will be a breathe of fresh air to see a top notch fight on regular network TV. Fans who are just hanging at a restaurant or sports bar, who don’t even like boxing will be tuning in, and they will all become new fans with the action they’ll be seeing. It’s going to be great for everyone.
Q: What do you think of your opponent?
A: Thurman has a lot of power and that’s something I must be aware of.
Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?
A: He’s a good fighter, but I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings into the ring on Saturday.
Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?
A: I’m doing a few different things but nothing I can talk about at the moment.
Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?
A: Spending time with my family. They’re my motivation.
Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?
A: In Spanish we say “Chingasos.” That’s what the fans can expect from me on March 7th. My hands will be raised at the end of the fight and you’ll hear the referee say “And the new…”
ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER
Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?
A: You know I love the big moment with the spotlight. March 7 is going to be my time to shine and MGM Grand is the place to do it.
Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?
A: Of course, Al Haymon has lots of guys who could have fought on this first card and I’m honored to have been chosen.
Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?
A: This is a huge deal. This is our chance to get the attention of a whole new crowd of people. This is going to make boxing bigger than ever.
Q: What do you think of your opponent?
A: John Molina Jr. is a true warrior. His nickname suits him. He’s like a punching bag that can hit back with power. He’s a deadly fighter. It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.
Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?
A: It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.
Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?
A: We’re just doing what we always do, putting in hard work. It’s been great having this experience with my newborn son, but I’m very focused on March 7.
Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?
A: Well actually I just had a son born, Adrieon, a couple weeks ago. I was supposed to go out to Washington D.C. towards the end of my training camp, but I ended up staying in Cincinnati to be with his mother and to see him be born. It was a great experience.
Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?
A: There’s going to be lots of heavy hitting. I’m looking forward to stopping John Molina Jr., and if I don’t stop him it will be a bloody massacre.
JOHN “THE GLADIATOR” MOLINA JR.
Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?
A: I’m very excited to be back there again. This is going to be a great night of boxing for the world to see.
Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?
A: I’m always motivated, but I don’t want to dig too much into the hype and risk getting distracted. Being on this platform on NBC is great for the sport. I just don’t want to psych myself out.
Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?
A: It doesn’t get any bigger. We’re back in the mainstream section of sports. Being back on NBC and in 120 million homes is huge. For us fighters who put our lives on the line this is very exciting.
Q: What do you think of your opponent?
A: He’s a very talented three-time world champion, but he’s just another fighter like me.
Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?
A: Not really, I’ll be looking to come out victorious like any other time that I step into the ring.
Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?
A: I’m not doing anything special, but this is the best camp I’ve ever had. There are no excuses going into this one. We obviously have a game plan because we know every fight is different, but there’s nothing necessarily special aside from preparing 110 percent.
Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?
A: I like to spend time with my family. It’s important to remember why and who I’m doing this for. So on days off I like to be with my wife and child. There have been lots of emotional hiccups during this camp with the passing of my grandfather, and then my best friend lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. So it’s been tough finding the time to mourn those important people properly, but it’s just further motivation for me to perform well.
Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?
A: It’s going to be an amazing match. Every time I enter the ring it’s a fight of the year candidate and I’m going to win.
ABNER MARES
Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?
A: I’ve fought at MGM Grand over 10 times – it feels like home – and I’ve won there every time, thank God. I’m looking forward to winning there again on March 7.
Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card?
A: Yes, of course! I’m looking forward to fighting on the PBC inaugural card on NBC and on national TV. It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase my talent to new viewers as well as boxing fans.
Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?
A: It’s huge for the sport. If you go back to the Sugar Ray Leonard days, all these fights were televised on broadcast TV, and on NBC, so the history is there. To have it kick off on Saturday, March 7 in primetime is a real boost for the sport and the fans. People are going to appreciate the sweet science of boxing through this fight and series.
Q: What do you think of your opponent?
A: For me, I’m ready for the fight. I don’t underestimate him; he’s a dangerous fighter in that he is an ex-Olympian so he has that amateur background.
Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?
A: He’s had a good record and has fought some tough opposition. He brings lots of experience into the ring. I’m ready for him though.
Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?
A: This is not about one fight but about a career. We approach this fight – and every fight – with dedication and commitment. Not only to the sport and its history, but our training program. My team and I are focused on winning and earning my fourth belt.
Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?
A: I think everyone knows that I’m a family man. When I’m not in the gym or training I’m spending time with my wife and two daughters.
Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?
A: Fireworks. I’m not just fighting my opponent that night; I’m fighting towards my fourth belt.
