WBC lightweight champion Mikey Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs) and IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. (21-0, 14 KOs) met Thursday afternoon at Conga Room at LA Live in Los Angeles for the final press conference as they will square off in a unification bout taking place this Saturday, July 28 at the Staples Center live on Showtime Championship Boxing.
Here is what the fighters from the main event and co features and their team had to say
Mikey Garcia:
"I'm happy to be fighting here at Staples Im coming back as a champion in front of my home. I will do whatever it takes to win and unify the titles on Saturday night,"
"This is the first time I have a unification bout facing another undefeated champion in the same weight class will definitely help my career and legacy. I feel that this is the best fight for me right now. There isn't another fight other than the Robert Easter fight. Right now I'm about taking the biggest challenges and that's why I wanted this fight and that's why I'm taking this fight,"
Robert Garcia:
"This fight is a tough challenge for Mikey and will be interesting to watch. We are ready for the best Robert Easter Jr."
Robert Easter Jr.:
"We did what we did in camp. Prepare for this fight and July 28 we will see. Its been a long time, you will get a lot of action and excitement July 28. Expect the unexpected,"
Kevin Cunningham:
"The last couple of weeks they have been talking more about Errol Spence or Lomachenko than Saturday night. I look at that as disrespect and overlooking. Mikey is a seasoned fighter and has a great trainer. I don't think they are totally overlooking but totally disrespect when you are overlooking the fighter when you haven't dealt with Robert Easter Jr. yet,"
Richard Schaefer:
"This fight is the cherry on top. A unification bout is always special. From top to bottom this is an amazing card,"
The co feature fighters were on hand as Cuban heavyweight Luis "The Real King Kong" Ortiz (28-1, 21 KOs) returns to the ring to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) of Romania in a 10-round bout.
Luis Ortiz:
"I'm coming to fight Saturday night. There is only one plate of food on the table and I'm hungry. A victory Saturday puts me back in line for a world title.
Razvan Cojanu:
"I am ready. When I got this call to fight, I was already in shape. I am ready for Saturday night,"
Also at the press conference were unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario "El Azteca" Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) of San Antonio as he will take on Jose Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) of Garden Grove, California.
Mario Barrios:
"I'm very happy for this step up. I know this is my toughest fight. This will be one of those breakout performances. I'm looking forward to a really exciting fight,"
Jose Roman:
"Mario Barrios is a talented young boxer. A win over him opens lots of doors for me. Expect a war between two Mexican fighters,"
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