DAVID BENAVÍDEZ VS. DEMETRIUS ANDRADE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS
Also Featuring Jermall Charlo vs. José Benavídez Jr.
Super Middleweight Superstar Benavídez Battles Unbeaten Two-Division Champion Andrade in SHOWTIME PPV® Headliner Saturday, November 25
in Premier Boxing Champions Event from
Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort
and Casino in Las Vegas
Click HERE for Photos
from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos
from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
LOS ANGELES – November 21, 2023 – Undefeated super middleweight superstar David “El Monstruo” Benavídez and unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade went face-to-face Tuesday in Los Angeles at the final press conference before they headline SHOWTIME PPV (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) this Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The press conference also featured WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and exciting contender José Benavídez Jr., who will meet in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and available at AXS.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from The Conga Room at L.A. Live:
DAVID BENAVÍDEZ
“This is a great way to close out the year. I feel like this is going to be the best card of the year because everybody has so much to prove on this card. This is going to be an amazing card and we’re definitely not going to disappoint the fans. These two fights, the co-main event and the main event, can be the fights of the year. We’re just looking forward to giving the fans what they want to see.
“This is the best fight that can be made because he’s at the top of the division. He showed the world that he’s a really good fighter. He’s an Olympian and a two-division world champion. It’s the only direction that I thought I could go to prove that I’m the best. He’s not an easy opponent. He’s very technical. He has very good defense. But I always find a way to win and Saturday night is not going to be any different. I’m going to find a way to beat him.
“It’s all fun and games but when I get in the ring, it’s not funny. I send all my opponents to the hospital. Look up my track record.
“I’m going to try to strike as soon as I get the opportunity to strike. I’m going to try to end it as soon as I can because I want to show the people that I am the best fighter and I will find a knockout against anybody. This is what the fans want to see. They want to see knockouts and they want to see people go to war. We can go heart for heart but I’m going to end up victorious on Saturday.
“My last fight, I had even more motivation because it was my first pay-per-view fight. Now that I’m here at the pay-per-view stage, I just want to stay here and keep giving the fans the fights they want to see and keep fighting the best in the world.
“I just want to shut all my critics up. I want to show to myself that I’m the best. I want to fight the best and I want to beat the best.
“All I know is that I worked extremely hard during this training camp. I’ve been training for three-and-a-half months and I put everything into this training camp. I know what’s in front of me. I know he’s a great fighter but I’m going to strike when I see the openings. I’m going to try to knock him out. I’m going to give the fans what they want to see. They want to see a war, so let’s go to war.”
“Get your popcorn ready. I’m excited for this bout. I’ve been patiently waiting and this is the greatest fight that can be made at 168 pounds right now. We’re two fighters who are willing to make it happen. No fuss, no fight. I’m just ready to go. It’s war time.
“We’re going to beat up Lord Farquaad over there. If you know what that is, you know and if you don’t, you don’t. Look it up. It’s going to be a great night. And the new! And still!
“It’s war time baby. It’s time to fight. David and I agreed to make this happen and now we’re here. At the end of the day, I have nowhere to go and he has nowhere to go. May the best fighters fight each other. That’s what we’re proving and that’s what we’re doing.
“There’s definitely an opportunity where David can walk into a lot of things to end the fight early. It’s all good with me. We get paid. We go home, celebrate and have a good time.
“Vegas is the mecca. It’s the marquee spot in the sport of boxing. We’re about to make history on November 25. Everybody on this card is going to make history someway, somehow.
“I just want to thank the Benavídez family for giving me the opportunity to become a three-division world champion. It’s going to happen because of my energy and me getting groovy, having fun and staying loose.”
JERMALL CHARLO
“I’m ready to step in the ring with a tough opponent in José. His energy is a lot different now than it was in the first press conference. I can’t wait to get in there on November 25 and show the world that I’m back. I’ll be at 168 pounds real soon. Good luck to both guys in the main event. I’m here baby and I’m back.
“He’s shook now that we’re in person. Look how immature he is. He’s not going to do anything on Saturday. I’m not fazed by anything he’s doing.
“I’m going to fight at the top of my level no matter if my opponent is talking trash or not. There’s something wrong with this dude obviously. He’s got a few screws missing. He must not know what he’s getting himself into. 32 have tried and they’ve all failed. He’s just a stepping stone. I’m going to step on him super hard. I’m going to crush him.
“The boxing public is going to be reminded that I fight hard, each and every round. I’m coming to knock him out. And when I say I’m going to do it, I do it.
“I’m going to go out and do my thing. I’m going to listen to my trainers. We came up with perfection on the game plan. I’m really not worried about him. I don’t think he’s small, I know he’s small. Small-minded, small everything. Everything about him is too little for me. Big Charlo is back.”
JOSÉ BENAVÍDEZ JR.
“I feel like I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to take on anybody, anywhere, any place. I don’t have much to say, so may the best man win.
“The only reason why the energy is different from the first press conference is because I’m not trying to get this fight cancelled. I told him if he tries to get in my face or act tough, I’m going to whoop his ass. That’s exactly what I’m going to do on Saturday night. I’m just waiting until fight night.
“This is a dream come true. Ever since David and I were kids, it’s something we dreamed about. It took a long time and a lot of hard work, but we’re here as a team and I wouldn’t want to be here with anybody else. It’s going to be a good night for the whole Benavídez family.
“If I was just a stepping stone, why didn’t he put the belt on the line? He should be ready to fight for the belt. He’s the champion, right? He looks like a bum.
“I’ve been in the gym and I was training when David was getting ready for Caleb Plant. I feel like I’m ready to go. I feel good. I’m ready to fight.
“I’m going to stop him. Charlo thinks I’m small for some reason. He thinks this is going to be a walk in the park. We’ll see. I’m going to beat him. He’s going to see what he’s really up against.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“We have a fantastic card from top to bottom. We have champions, former champions, rising stars and top contenders all in matchups that will deliver everything boxing fans can hope for in a pay-per-view event. Every fighter stepping into the ring on Saturday night has the opportunity to catapult their careers to the top of their respective division.
“Benavídez vs. Andrade is a tremendous fight between two undefeated fighters in one of boxing’s hottest divisions. Demetrius Andrade said last week that both guys are going to get hit hard. He’s right. That’s what is going to make this such a great, crowd-pleasing fight.
“I’m very happy to have Jermall Charlo back in action. He’s held world titles in two weight classes. He’s handled his personal business the right way out of the spot light and did what’s right for he and his family. Now, he’s back and he’s excited to be back. He’s a man on a mission.
“In José Benavídez Jr., Jermall Charlo has one tough opponent in front of him. He’s focused, he’s motivated and he’s coming with everything he’s got to get that win on Saturday night. Both of these fights have the potential to be all out barnburners.”
DAVID BENAVÍDEZ VS. DEMETRIUS ANDRADE
MEDIA WORKOUT AHEAD OF SHOWTIME PPV® SHOWDOWN AT MANDALAY BAY
Also Featuring Jermall Charlo, José Benavídez Jr., Shohjahon Ergashev, Héctor García,
Lamont Roach, Sergey Lipinets and Vito Mielnicki Jr.
Super Middleweight Superstar Benavídez Battles Unbeaten Two-Division Champion Andrade in SHOWTIME PPV® Headliner Saturday, November 25 in Premier Boxing Champions Event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas
Click HERE for Photos
from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos
from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
LOS ANGELES – November 22, 2023 – Undefeated super middleweight superstar David “El Monstruo” Benavídez and unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade kicked off fight week events in Las Vegas on Wednesday, as they participated in an open media workout ahead of their SHOWTIME PPV headliner this Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Wednesday’s event also featured fighters competing on the stacked pay-per-view undercard, including WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and exciting contender José Benavídez Jr., who will meet in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event.
Plus, unbeaten mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev worked out ahead of his world title showdown with IBF 140-pound world champion Subriel Matías, and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Héctor García and top-rated mandatory challenger Lamont Roach, who battle in the telecast opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, showed off their skills.
Also participating was former world champion Sergey Lipinets, who will be taking on exciting contender Michel Rivera in a 10-round super lightweight fight in live streaming action on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing® Facebook page beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Plus, sensational prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr., who takes on Mexico’s Alexis Salazar in a 10-round super welterweight attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and available at AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Las Vegas:
DAVID BENAVÍDEZ
“Junior and I pushed each other to the limit. This is something we’ve dreamed about since we were little kids. He’s co-main event, I’m main event for a pay-per-view fight. It doesn’t get better than this. We’re just really excited to be here.
“I’m just grateful and happy to be in this position. I’m also happy to be able to give the fans this type of entertainment while everybody’s at their families’ houses on Saturday. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.
“I think the intensity comes from experience. With everything I’ve been through in my life, I’m probably the most motivated I’ve ever been in my life. I have my son, my wife and my baby Khloe on the way. She’s going to be born in three weeks. I’m motivated on a different level right now, and I really do want to prove to you guys that I’m the best in the world.
“I agreed to this fight with Andrade because he’s the hardest. Other than myself, he’s the best in the division. He’s the hardest task besides Canelo, so I want to challenge myself. I really do want to be the best, and I’m telling you guys that I don’t want there to be a doubt in anyone’s head that I’m the best at the super middleweight division. That’s exactly what I’m going to do.
“To be honest with you, I’m not worried about Canelo. I’m not worried about anybody. My job is to clear out the division, and that’s exactly what I intend on doing. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be the best in the division. This is the start of the Benavídez era.
“I’m going for a knockout Saturday night. I really want to give the people what they want to see. It’s not going to be an easy task, but I always find a way to secure the victory.
“All of this is surreal to me. When I was younger, I dedicated myself. I knew I wanted to accomplish this dream, and I accomplished it. There’s still a lot of work to do, and by the time I’m done I’m going to be the greatest of my era.”
“I’m ready to rumble. I feel great. We’re going to put on a great show. It’s me again, baby. It’s showtime!
“I’m making my legacy. It’s history, and I get to be part of that. I’m going to show out and do what I do, and that’s win. As I’ve been telling everybody, I’m the signature chef. I have everything it takes — the skills, the ability, the coverage, and the boxing IQ – to beat anybody.
“I did everything I needed to do to get to the 168 division like I wanted to. I’ve been working with my team and my strength and conditioning coach to build up my body. I’m in tip-top shape, ready to go. I’m tall, black and handsome, in the best shape of my life. Thirty-five is just the age, and we’re going to show that I’m one of the best out there. That’s it.
“I’m going to frustrate him. You’ll see on Saturday night. When he’s not able to do what he wants to do, it’s going to play into my advantage.
“To fans who don’t know me, maybe they will be surprised by my performance on Saturday. But those who know me and have followed my career and know how I fight won’t be surprised by how I fight. They know what I’m capable of.”
JERMALL CHARLO
“I took a break from social media and got a chance to regroup and make myself better. I’m back. I now have a chance to show everybody the new me.
“I missed my fans. But now I get to go back out there and I have a tough opponent in front of me. He’s real confident. It’s my duty to break him down.
“José is different when the cameras come on. Maybe he’s not used to the lights. I don’t know. When I saw him in the elevator earlier, he didn’t say anything. But when he gets in front of the media, he acts different. That’s not me. I keep it solid the whole time. I’ve got him shook. He’s shook right now. He doesn’t know what to expect. He can’t size me up. He doesn’t know where I’m at in my mind. He doesn’t know where I’m at physically. It’s going to be a fight. It’s going to be a war.
“I smell blood. It’s been a while since I got a chance to really hunt and go eat and take my opponent down. I’m going to break him down inside the ring and outside the ring. I’m going to make sure I keep doing what I’m doing. In 2024, I’m going to give you all a lot more action and a lot more Jermall Charlo. I’m the new Jermall.
“I’m going to give the fans what they want. For the rest of my career, it’s going to be about my fans. With how much love they showed me over the years, I’m going to give the fans what they want. If they want to see me fight at 160 pounds and defend the title, I’ll do what I have to do to make the weight and do everything to be at the top of my level. Then I can go to 168 and fight there. I’ll probably move up to light heavy. Whatever the fans want to see me do, I’ll try it.
“Money doesn’t have anything to do with my motivations. I fight for my legacy. This is about me getting back to the best me. I want to be able to give the fans and everyone who supports me the best of me. I get a chance to go in there and I’m ready for war. Just know that. I’m motivated and I’m ready to show everybody.”
JOSÉ BENAVÍDEZ JR.
“This is something very special. It’s something we dreamed about as kids. Being in a big arena for this type of event is crazy. To know that we made it and we’re here, proves that all that hard work is paying off. The goal now is just to take on the world. I’m thankful to have my brother and my dad next to me.
“It was great training with my brother. I didn’t have to lose that much weight either. Doing 147 and 154 was just killing me, so now I’m at my natural weight. I feel strong, ready, and me and my brother had a hell of a time sparring. When we’re in the ring, there’s no brothers.
“I feel confident. I’m ready. I’ve never felt like this before. I’m hungry, and I’m going to come to eat. I’ll leave all of the talking in the ring. I don’t really care what Charlo is doing, what people think, I’m ready. I’m going to show him who the real champion is at 160. I’m going to show the world what I’m made of.
“I’ve been in the game since I was six years old. I’ve fought on Manny Pacquiao cards. I’ve fought on Cotto cards. I feel like I’m a vet in the game. At this weight I feel strong. I feel like I finally got my man strength, and I’m ready.
“I’m going to take Charlo out. I’m going to stop him. One hundred percent guaranteed. I’ll put money on it.”
SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV
“I’m very grateful to be here. This is a big stage and I’ve been training for this fight for six months. I’m not a big talker and I don’t want to talk much before the fight. On Saturday night, I’m going to show what I’m all about.
“Yes, Subriel is a knockout artist, but I am also a knockout artist. Let’s see how bad he really is. I think I can make it a short night.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I’ve been training here in the U.S. for many years. I’ve been dreaming and working towards this moment my whole life.
“I want to thank SugarHill and all of my trainers who have worked with me to get me ready for this fight. This is the best training that I’ve ever had. When I first came to the U.S. in 2017, it was very difficult to get acclimated. But with each camp and each training session, I’ve gotten better and smarter. I have the best corner in boxing and I’m looking forward to showing everybody what I’m all about on Saturday night.”
HÉCTOR GARCÍA
“All I have to say to Roach is you can keep dreaming but be careful because by the end of Saturday night you might just be going to sleep. Obviously, nothing is guaranteed, but my goal is to knock him out.
“I’m a world champ at 130, but I learned a hell of a lot at 135. From fighting at a bigger weight class to learning from Gervonta Davis, himself, I learned valuable lessons, and you’ll see them applied on Saturday night.
“I feel equally well at 130 and 135, but I’m the world champion at 130. It’s where I belong. It’s where I feel right at home.
“I am ready to show that I am the best at 130, that there is nobody better than me. I’m going to prove to everybody on Saturday night that I’m here to stay and that I can beat absolutely anybody that’s in my way.
“I can’t thank Bob Santos enough. He has changed my career and my life and given me a new perspective on what it means to be a world champion. I can’t put into words how much that means to me. And not only Bob, but my entire team. The way they support me all the way through is something that I’ve always appreciated.
“You know what’s going to happen? Whatever Roach wants to happen. It’s going to be up to him to decide his destiny.
“My goal is to go out there and dominate. I feel equally good at 130 and 135, but I think that ultimately, I’ll end up at 140 and fight there.”
LAMONT ROACH
“This means everything to me. I put my whole life into this sport. It’s been blood, sweat and tears during this four-year journey since my last title shot. I worked my way back up to the No. 1 spot like I rightfully deserve.
“The key to my recent success has been putting my foot on the gas and taking control of everything. Just knowing that nobody is going to give anything to me so I have to go take it. You’ve got to beat the champ and I’m going to take the belt from Héctor and show why I deserve to be champion.
“It never gets old fighting on big cards like this. I love the lights. I like to showcase my skills. I’m made for this. I’ll be a superstar soon.
“I hope that the fans take away from this fight that I’m going to be the best in this division. Hopefully I can be a unified world champion and maybe even undisputed.
“García is a great fighter, but that’s when I perform my best. When people bring the best out of me. I think Héctor is a perfect dance partner for me to shine very bright on Saturday night.
“I’m not looking for this fight to be Fight of the Year or anything like that, but if plays out like that, of course I’m going to deliver on my end. But I’m looking to punish him and make this one-sided. If I can knock him out early, I’ll do it. If I can knock him out late, I’ll do it. If I can knock him out at any point, I’m going to try. I want to make this short and sweet.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“It’s great to be back in Las Vegas and I’m excited to be back under the lights again. I was waiting for this opportunity for a long time and it finally came through.
“This is going to be a fight that will please all the boxing fans out there. Whoever likes to watch real boxing will enjoy this fight. It’s going to be a great scrap. If he stays in the pocket and bangs with me, it’s going to be even more watchable.
“This is like a make-it-or-break-it fight for me. No matter what, I still want to be a champion of the world. I believe I still have the skills. I still have the power in my hands. Winning this fight is going to put me on a rocket to the top.
“I’m just focused on the fight this Saturday night. I am 100 percent focused on winning and then we can look at the options we have going forward. All I know is that I want to be champion of the world again.
“I definitely like the fact that I’ve had a little bit of a layoff. It gave me a mental and physical break. We’ve been training with Justin Fortune for a long time, and he’s one of the best strength and conditioning coaches there is. He’s added a lot to my physical abilities. I’ve increased my punching power and improved my balance. Everything has come together and I can definitely have another run for the title.”
VITO MIELNICKI JR.
“Being a part of events like this is a blessing and I’m truly grateful. I’m just blessed to be a part of these big events and having a chance to keep growing as a fighter. I’ve been down in Houston, Texas working hard with Ronnie Shields away from my family for the past three months, so we’re just ready to put on a show come Saturday night.
“Ronnie Shields is a Hall of Fame trainer and I think he’s the best trainer in the game right now. To be able to work with a guy with his experience and the greatness he’s been a part of, who wouldn’t want to be around a guy like that? Plus, we got great work with Jermall Charlo throughout the whole camp. At 21 years old, who would turn down that opportunity?
“Alexis Salazar is a great opponent and I’m excited. It’s a step-up fight for me and it’s only going to raise my game. I’m excited to show everyone how I’ve grown in the gym and how I’ve grown as a fighter. We’re going to keep leveling up and getting better and better each time we get in the ring.
“The fans should just expect fireworks and an exciting fight. You don’t want to miss it so get there early. Expect a dominant performance come Saturday night.”
ABOUT BENAVÍDEZ VS. ANDRADE
Benavídez vs. Andrade will see undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstruo” Benavídez defend his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title against unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade headlining a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo against exciting contender José Benavídez Jr. in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting IBF 140-pound world champion Subriel Matías faces unbeaten mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Héctor García duels top-rated mandatory challenger Lamont Roach in the telecast opener.
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