WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs, former world champion Yuri Foreman and undefeated super bantamweight contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy hosted a media workout Tuesday at Gleason’s Gym in their hometown of Brooklyn as they prepare for their respective battles on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Barclays Center.
Jacobs will defend his title against undefeated former champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin in the main event. In the co-feature, WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) will face exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs).
As part of an undercard stacked with top NYC talent, Hardy will take on Noemi Bosques in an eight-round super bantamweight rematch of Hardy’s split decision victory over Bosques in May. Foreman returns to the ring after taking time off from boxing to become an ordained rabbi and will compete in an eight-round super welterweight contest.
“ALL ACCESS: Jacobs vs. Quillin,” which chronicles the buildup to the all-Brooklyn showdown, premiered last night on Showtime. You can watch the full episode here:
DANIEL JACOBS
“I think my skills are an advantage. Skills pay the bills. At the end of the day I have a lot of skills over ‘Kid Chocolate.’ Speed is one. He’s probably a bigger puncher and naturally heavier. With all that power, he has to get to me. He has to be able to land those shots.
“I’m going to adjust. I love knockouts. If I can end it with a knockout that’s what I’ll do. But I have to use my skills and my advantages.
“Quillin made weight in his last fight and he has a new strength coach so hopefully he makes weight for this one. I want him to be 110 percent so there are no excuses and we can give the fans a great fight.
“I’m at about 170 pounds right now, so I have 10 pounds to go. It’s mostly water so it’ll go quickly and we’ll be good by fight night.
“Time is the biggest experience you can have. It was almost all taken away from me. Mentally, I’m there. Physically, I’m there. It’s my time and I just have to be ready Dec. 5.
“I’ve been based out in Long Island and Brooklyn for training camp. I get to see Brooklyn every day. I’m in the streets and in-tuned with the people. Being from here means even more to me.
“It’s going to be an excellent, fan-friendly fight. I’ve heard lots of different opinions about who is going to win, and I like that. At the end of the day, it’s about us proving who will be the victor.
“I’ve been campaigning for this fight for a long time. I haven’t thought about who I want to go after if I win but I’m going to fight the best and work my way to being the best in the division.”
YURI FOREMAN
“Boxing is a very spiritual sport. We all have different paths. My faith keeps me centered and focused. You can be anyone. You can be a rabbi and still be fighting on the big stage at Barclays Center.
“It’s the same routine, (I’ve been) working hard since June and putting in a lot of hours in the gym. In terms of preparation, I’m always trying to push myself. When I get tired, I want to push myself even harder.
“As soon as you take it easy on yourself, that’s when you have a problem. Especially in boxing. I’ve never taken any shortcuts. If you take shortcuts in this sport you’re going to get hurt.
“Every single boxer is different as they progress, so I don’t focus on one look that a guy could give me. I focus on myself and work to be the best Yuri Foreman I can be.
“It’s very special to be fighting at Barclays Center because this is my home and I actually live just blocks away from the arena. I’m honored to be around so many great fighters who are on this card. Everyone can come together under one roof to watch a great sport.
“I’m staying positive about Dec. 5. I can’t predict because it’s boxing and anything can happen. It only takes one shot. I’m envisioning a successful night and an impressive victory for myself.”
HEATHER HARDY
“Holly Holm didn’t prove that Ronda Rousey couldn’t fight, because Ronda is a good fighter. She just proved that there are lots of good female fighters. There are good female fighters everywhere and hopefully we’ll get the recognition that there is a large pool of female athletes that are not recognized.
“It was a great fight last time. We have fan friendly styles and we gave them a show. She has a great presence in the ring so I’m happy to give her a rematch.
“I feel like I have to make a statement every time I go out there just to prove that women belong in the ring. It’s always a fight to prove that we belong. There are so many good female fighters out there.
“Brooklyn boxing has been so good to me and I’m so honored to be able to fight at Barclays Center. As soon as Quillin won that fight in December I started asking Lou DiBella to put me on the card and now we’re here.
“I think the main event is going to be a great fight. I can’t pick a winner. You can never count out a champion. A champion has a great heart and the fight can turn at any moment.”
