ANDY RUIZ JR. VS. CHRIS ARREOLA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Andy Ruiz Dandy, Cornflake vs. Cuban: First Weekend May 2021 Preview Big Bouts

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Carson, CA (April 3oth, 2021)– A number of prominent boxing matchups will take place, spectators, or not, going into the first weekend of May 2021. While predictions are necessary, the outcomes of some of the matchups are a Fait accompli, in terms of where the “B” side opponent careers are going to wind up.

On Saturday May 1, 2021, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, former World heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. will attempt a comeback after 17 months of inactivity following his rematch loss to Anthony Joshua. Ruiz, 33-2 with 22 knockouts, Imperial, California, is favored to win by decision over old warhorse Chris Arreola, 38-6-1 with 33 knockouts, Escondido, California. Arreola and Adam Kownacki set punches thrown records in his last outing, so expect Ruiz to win by 12 round decision in a lengthy war. Ruiz could get knocked down if he is careless. Arreola has power, but his ego can be cracked is Ruiz drops him several times.

On the same card, former World Super Welterweight champion Erislandy Lara, 27-3-3 with 15 knockouts, Houston Texas, by way Guantanamo, Cuba, will fight for the vacant World Boxing Association World Middleweight title against Thomas ‘Cornflake’ LaManna, 30-4-1 with 12 knockouts, Millville, New Jersey. LaManna holds the vacant WBA Fedecentro Middleweight title. If LaManna wars past the fifth round, that in itself would be an achievement against Lara. However, Lara is 38 years old, and his age might give LaManna an opportunity depending on which version of LaManna and which version of Lara shows up., Lara favored by stoppage within eight or nine rounds. If LaManna goes the distance, it would be a huge surprise. LaManna always had potential, however he seems a bit too heavy to be fighting above welterweight or super welterweight.

 

Other Weekend Predictions

 Abel Ramos Win 12 Omar Figueroa Jr., Welterweights

Chris Eubank Win 10 Marcus Morrison, Middleweights

Adrian Granados Win 8 Jose Luis Sanchez, Welterweights

Jesus Alejandro Ramos Win 10 Javier Molina, Welterweights

Jose Miguel Borrego Win 8 Alan Sanchez, Welterweights

Sebastian Fundora TKO 9 Jorge Cota, Welterweights

 Joseph Parker Win1 2 Dereck Chisora, Heavyweights

Vacant World Boxing Organization Inter-Continental Heavyweight title

 Dmitry Bivol Win 12 Craig Richards, Light Heavyweights

World Boxing Association Super World Light Heavyweight title

 James Tennyson TKO 22 Jovanni Straffon, Lightweights

Vacant International Boxing Organization World Lightweight title

 Katie Taylor Win 10 Natasha Jones, Lightweights

Unified World Female Lightweight title

 Shadasia Green TKO4 Angie Baracas, Female Super Middleweights

 Scott Fitzgerald KO 7 Gregory Trenel, Super Middleweights

“We finally have the chance to give the fans what they want to see Saturday night. It’s going to be a privilege,” – Ruiz
“Just seeing Andy today gets my blood going, because I’m ready to fight right now,” – Arreola
Former Unified Heavyweight Champion Andy Ruiz Jr. & All-Action Heavyweight Chris Arreola Preview FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View
 Main Event Taking Place This Saturday, May 1 from
Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
Click HERE for Photos from Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
CARSON, CALIF. (April 28, 2021) – Former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before they meet in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
In addition to airing on FS1, the press conference was streamed live on the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube page, and can be watched HERE.
The all-Mexican pay-per-view boxing extravaganza begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with three fan-friendly undercard bouts leading up to the heavyweight main event. The showdown between the two most accomplished Mexican heavyweights in boxing history will leave the winner one step closer to a heavyweight title.
The May 1 event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
ANDY RUIZ JR.
“I was at 310 pounds when I started this camp. We started losing weight slowly but surely. People are wondering if I’m still going to have the same power after losing weight, but I’ve been working hard for this moment and the power is definitely staying with me.
“It’s motivating to be looking at Chris right now. I haven’t seen him in a long time. Now we finally have the chance to give the fans what they want to see Saturday night. It’s going to be a privilege.
“Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the face. We both have to do our business in there. I’m praying to be victorious and for both of us to come out healthy. The better man will win on Saturday night.
“I believe I have the fastest hands at heavyweight. I’m not where I want to be at right now, but I’m a lot better than where I was. I have so much to prove starting Saturday night.
“The lack of discipline that I had before training with Eddy Reynoso has been the biggest difference heading into this fight. You can’t play boxing. You have to stay ready always. That’s one of the main things that I’ve focused on, in addition to perfecting every movement I make in the ring.
“The game plan is always to be victorious. We have little strategies and combinations that we’re perfecting. I’m making sure I’m throwing punches the right way. I appreciated every trainer that I’ve had, and I learned something from all of them, but I feel like being in camp with Eddy was the best move for me.
“Right now I’m motivated. I killed the old Andy and a new Andy was born. I have a lot to prove. I let a lot of people down, and that’s why I had to make big changes to myself. I know what I’m capable of doing and I know what I can accomplish. I have it inside of me to become the Mexican two-time heavyweight champion of the world.
“Chris is a strong man. He comes forward, he takes punches and he gives punches. My speed and the combinations that I’ve been working on in the gym are going to throw him off a little bit.
“It’s going to be an all action fight. We both came here to win. God willing we get this victory and all the sacrifice we gave are going to pay off. I just have to do my job.
“Eddy made a really big difference for me. He’s helped my motivation and confidence. Without that discipline, I don’t think I would have been in this shape.
“I want the heavyweight title even more now. It’s because of the way I lost. I Imagine that if I had been in this shape, I would have won the rematch with Joshua. Things happen for a reason and I’m just happy that I have the mindset that I have now.
“My natural speed and counter punching is going to overwhelm Arreola in the ring. I’m not the same fighter who sparred him when I was 16-years-old.
“After my defeat against Joshua, I know that I have to prove to a lot of people, and also to myself, that all my dedication will pay off in the ring. I know Chris Arreola is here to knock my head off, just like I’m trying to do to him. Once we’re inside that ring, the switch will be on, because we’re both trying to provide for our family.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I feel very rejuvenated heading into this fight. I’m excited and ready to go. Today is just a press conference, but just seeing Andy today gets my blood going, because I’m ready to fight right now.
“I always want to win, but facing someone like Andy, who’s accomplished what he has, can add another notch to my belt. He’s the man that beat the man, so I want to beat that man.
“We’re heavyweights, so as long as we’re over 200 pounds, every punch is going to hurt. This is the hurt business. He’s a skillful fighter and I’m ready for what he has to offer.
“I’ve worked so hard, but I haven’t been trying to just lose weight specifically. The hard work has showed in my body and it’s going to show on Saturday.
“Ruiz and Adam Kownacki are very different fighters. With Adam, we just slugged it out. With Andy, I have to be aware at all times. He has some of the fastest hands in the division. I have to make sure I move my head, because this is going to be a great fight.
“I know what my trainer Joe Goossen wants me to do. I know he wants me to work hard every time at every moment. He’s always watching me, so I can’t take a round off in the gym. There’s no substitute for hard work and I appreciate that from Joe.
“This fight isn’t personal in the fact that I dislike Andy. I have a lot of respect for Andy, and that’s why I trained extra hard. This is going to be one of those battles of attrition. This is a fight that I need to win for my legacy.
“I haven’t separated myself from my family during camp to the extent that I did for this fight before. I had to make sure I had nothing but Andy on my mind. I had to put my best foot forward every day. This is a mountain of a man, and I don’t mean his size, I mean his strength and all-around skill.
“I’ve worked nonstop on defense with Joe. That’s definitely something we emphasized. I’m going to counter punch and make sure I bring those hands back. All I know is, I’m going to give Ruiz war and a great fight.
“Saturday’s coming and I can’t wait. I put the hard work in at the gym and Saturday is time to showcase it. We’re going to leave our friendship aside once we step into the ring. That friendship is out the door until that last bell rings.”
RUIZ VS. ARREOLA UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Undercard & FOX PBC Fight Night Competitors Preview Respective Showdowns Taking Place This Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
Click HERE for Photos from Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports
Click HERE for PPV Photos & HERE for FOX Photos from
Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
CARSON, CALIF. (April 29, 2021) – Fighters competing on this Saturday’s stacked FOX Sports Pay-Per-View undercard and FOX PBC Fight Night event previewed their respective showdowns during a press conference Thursday before they step into the ring at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in the event headlined by former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. taking on all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola.
Featured at Thursday’s press conference and competing in pay-per-view action were former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa Jr. and Abel Ramos, who meet in the co-main event, sensation super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Jorge “El Demonio” Cota, who face off in a 12-round duel, and rising unbeaten Jesus Ramos and Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina, who battle to kick off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The press conference also featured WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna, who headline FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes in a battle for the WBA Middleweight title. Rounding out Thursday’s press conference participants were top Mexican featherweight contenders Eduardo Ramirez and Isaac Avelar, who duel in the co-main event of the FOX broadcast beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
The press conference was streamed live on the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube page, and can be watched HERE.
The May 1 event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
FOX SPORTS PBC PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD QUOTES
OMAR FIGUEROA JR.
“I’m really thankful to my team for believing in me and everyone who helped me along the way. I’m going to show everyone my very best in the ring on May 1.
“We had a wonderful training camp. I’m finally healthy. We had a camp like I used to have 10 years ago when I was just a young kid full of hope. Everything has gone great.
“I’ve gotten rid of all the bad stuff physically that was looming over me in recent years. We had no distractions in training camp, we were able to just work.
“I go in there to end fights as soon as possible. With that mentality, I’m going to make sure he’s not making it to the sixth round.
“I’m going to show that same aggression like I always do on Saturday, but more refined. I’m going to be a much more efficient fighter.”
ABEL RAMOS
“I’m happy to be here and I’m excited to kick off Cinco de Mayo festivities with this great card. I can’t wait for all of these fights, as well as my own.
“This is the type of exciting fight the fans are going to enjoy. When I was kid, I always wanted to watch these kind of close combat matchups. That’s what we’re going to have on Saturday. Whoever wants it more is going to win this fight.
“I can’t wait to see the fight between my nephew Jesus and Javier Molina. It’s going to be explosive. I’ll just have to keep my excitement at a normal level, because I’m still going to have to go out there and perform myself.”
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“I’m thrilled to be here and fighting in front of fans. It’s exciting to have fans there Saturday to watch us at one of the meccas of boxing.
“We’ve had two great camps for Cota, so we’re prepared for anything he’s going to bring. I would tell Cota to bring his best, because we’re coming to win.
“We trained to get the knockout. My dad always tells me not to leave it to the judges and that’s what we’re going to do Saturday.
“I love that Cota comes forward. He says he’s planning to make it a war and that’s what I’m ready for. I wouldn’t expect anything less from another Mexican warrior.
“It’s in my blood to fight toe-to-toe. We Mexicans have the pride of the warrior. I just love to mix it up.”
JORGE COTA
“I just want to show what I’m capable of on Saturday. I’m always eager to go and I feel as prepared as ever for this fight.
“Fighting someone undefeated like Fundora motivates me a lot. These are the challenges that I live for. I’m up for a fight like this anytime, anywhere.
“This fight is going to steal the show. I stand by what I said last time in regard to knocking him out. I don’t think there’s any way this fight goes 12 rounds.
“There is no message to send right now. My message is going to be plenty clear on Saturday night.”
JESUS RAMOS
“This is going to be a tough fight. He’s got a lot of experience. I expect nothing less from him than a great fight, but I’m prepared. I’m ready for the best Javier Molina.
“I feel like I’m ready for this big step up. To get to the next level, I have to beat guys like Javier Molina. I’m prepared for this level of competition.
“It’s huge for my family to have me and Abel share this card. We used to watch the pay-per-views together and now we’re a part of one. It’s big and I can’t wait for Saturday.
“The Mexican fans tuning in to kick off Cinco de Mayo week are going to be in for a treat. It’s going to be a great fight. I’m coming to win. If the knockout presents itself, we’re taking advantage of the opportunity.”
JAVIER MOLINA
“I’m excited to be fighting a good young fighter Saturday. I’ve been training hard for two months getting ready for it. I can’t wait to put on a show in front of my people so close to my hometown.
“Ramos is a good undefeated fighter. A win over him will get me to the next level and that’s what we’re looking to do on Saturday.
“My experience is definitely going to play a role in this fight. We’ve watched his fights. He has a lot of talent, but he hasn’t been in there with anyone of my class. I know he’s hungry though, so I have to be 100% prepared.
“He has a good team behind him, so I’m not too focused on if he’s ready to go the distance. I just have to be ready to do my job. Whether it’s a decision or knockout, we’re getting the win.”
FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT QUOTES
ERISLANDY LARA
“We are so ready for this fight on Saturday. We’re going to see how this fight goes, but no matter what, my goal is to put on a great show for the fans.
“I have talked about moving up to 160-pounds for a while. My team asked if I was ready and I jumped on the opportunity. I’m open to big fights at 154-pounds, but right now, I’m going after the middleweight crown.
“I came here to fight. If he’s coming to knock me out, then I’m coming to take him out first. I’m excited for this fight. Everyone has tried to knock me out, we’ll see if he has what it takes.
“I have plenty of experience, and he can say whatever he wants, but I’m going to be ready. I’m looking to knock him out in round four or sooner.”
THOMAS LAMANNA
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. I trained my entire life for this one moment. Every fighter dreams of becoming world champion and Saturday I’m going to fulfill those dreams. It’s going to be a huge statement.
“I’m fighting a bonafide world champion, but at the end of the day, I’m hungrier than him. I want this more than anything. I’ve trained hard for the last nine weeks to make sure I secure that victory. No matter what it takes, I will become champion on Saturday.
“I’m hoping the fans see that I belong at this high level. I belong here. Win, lose or draw, I’m going to earn that respect.
“I’m coming to knockout Erislandy Lara. That’s the goal and that’s what I’m going to accomplish. This is my one shot, and I’m going for it.”
EDUARDO RAMIREZ
“I want to let everyone know that I’m ready to put on a show Saturday night. I’m going to keep piling up the wins with this fight against Avelar.
“We’re ready for an explosive fight. But we’ll be ready for anything as well. I can pressure and attack, but if the circumstances dictate it, we’ll be ready to take a step back and take our time.
“It’s going to be a great fight and like always, I expect myself to come out with a win. I’m ready to get the win no matter what I have to do.”
ISAAC AVELAR
“I’m really motivated and excited to give my all in the ring on Saturday night. I’m going to leave everything in there against Eduardo Ramirez.
“I’m thrilled to be competing on this card. This is a great event and a great opportunity for me to showcase what I’m capable of in this fight. I’m ready to show everyone what I can do.
“People can expect this to be an exciting fight. We both want this belt and we both want to win. We’re going to give it our all and provide the fans with a great show.”
Betting Odds








Share

COMMENTS

COMMENTS