Bernard Hopkins vs. Enrique Ornelas
Philadelphia Press Conference
BERNARD HOPKINS
"At the end of the day this fight is not about me. It's
not about me because I wanted to do something good and
bring something good to Philadelphia. I have to win this
fight for the big picture.
"If I come out of this fight with zero balance in my
pocket I am good. I am not looking to get Vegas money or
Atlantic City money.
"We got VERSUS involved. They are expanding into all
different cities. They are putting Philly on the map. We
are bringing boxing back to Philly. We are giving back
to the community.
"I don't have to call media and say I am writing a
check. I am putting all of these elements into a pot of
what I think is the best soup you can make.
"The only reason this is about me, is because I didn't
want to sit around and wait for a fight to come along. I
make things happen. I thought to myself, 'How can I take
something that some media may perceive as me sitting and
waiting for someone to fight, and turn it into something
good?' I needed to come up with something that can bring
life back to the city of Philadelphia.
"Enrique is a tough customer and I know from his record
he is strong, never backs down and comes to fight. I
will train very hard for this fight like I do for every
fight. I know it is going to be a tough fight. When they
asked me about fighting him I told them I don't want to
be a part of making the matches, as long as it fits the
bill I am fine with it.
"People asking me about the Roy Jones fight but I am not
thinking about that right now. He will be fighting the
same night across the world and we both have to take
care of what is first in front of us before I start
thinking about fighting him. And don't forget I am 44
years old and it wouldn't be smart of me to think
ahead. I only have to think about who is right there in
front of me.
"Philadelphia is hot and it is going to get hotter
because of boxing. We have the talent now we just need
the outlets. Now we have it. December 2 the chapter
begins. Not only does my boxing career continue, but the
promotion of me and of our company (Golden Boy
Promotions) is going to invade Philadelphia that night
too. That is where it starts, through me that night.
"This is something for the young fighters that are here
today. (To the fighters) This where I pull you all up
for all of us, but I can't fight for you. This is where
I give back, but I do it quietly.
"We want to give an opportunity for the young fighters
from Philadelphia to get a fan base. Philadelphia was
once known for its boxing history and it has lost that
and I want to make history in another era where I bring
it back.
"Everything we are doing, someone can relate and
understand that this is a good thing and it is coming
form the heart. Now I realize that this is the best way
to do it. To accomplish a lot of things in one act. Come
out to see a 44 years young, not old, to inspire all the
guys who are old to become young again.
"All I can say is enjoy me why I am here. If you can do
it at this age, then understand that once it's gone it
might not be exposed to you in your lifetime. I am here
to give you that history."
ENRIQUE ORNELAS
"I am looking forward to the fight. I want everyone to
know I am going to train my hardest and it is going to
be a great night.
"Thank you to those who spread the word and make sure
you let people know that December 2 is going to be a
night fight fans won't want to miss.
"This is the opportunity of a life time and I am going
to step it up and go toe-to-toe with Bernard Hopkins."
NAZIM RICHARDSON, Hopkins' Trainer
"Enrique is a hell of a challenge. Enrique is a Mexican
Joe Frazier...and you all can take it from there.
"When Bernard told me he was fighting Enrique, I said
'what the hell for?' He isn't a guy you go and pick a
fight with.
"Come out and see this fight, because you are going to
be very impressed with this young man, but Bernard is
from a different era.
"I have always said that Bernard is fighting in the
wrong era. The words 'legend' and 'champion' are thrown
around too much. If a kid throws two punches in the gym,
he is called a legend. Everybody has a belt. But
Hopkins is really a legend and you are going to regret
the fact that he was right there for you to come and see
fight and you didn't do it. So come and see him fight
December 2.
"You are going to want to be able to say to your kids
and grand kids that you saw Bernard Hopkins. This man
needs to be appreciated as he is an exceptional athlete.
He is one of the most dedicated human beings I know, and
all that he does he makes everyone around him want to be
a better person."
LIBRADO ANDRADE, Ornelas' Brother
"My brother has all the skills the world. I don't know
how he has lost any of his fights. The only person who
doesn't see that as true is my brother himself.
"Our family can't thank Bernard enough for giving my
brother this opportunity.
"I get criticized for taking a lot of punches in the
ring. I just want to fight and I don't care if I get hit
and I hope this fight that my brother makes the best of
this fight.
"One thousand thank yous and more to Bernard."
RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
"This is a homecoming for one of the biggest fighters
ever to come out of Philadelphia. There are four great
sports franchises in Philadelphia, but there is a fifth
franchise and that franchise is boxing and boxing is
Bernard Hopkins.
"This fight is important for Bernard and it is a great
opportunity for Enrique Ornelas.
"Oscar de la Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions will be
matching the donation made by Bernard Hopkins to the
charities to which he chose to donate.
"By coming to support Bernard you will be supporting
these organizations and the city of Philadelphia."
RUDY BATTLE, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania
State Athletic Commission
"Enrique Ornelas is a tough and tenacious boxer and I
expect a closely contested fight in each round.
"The city of Philadelphia has always been a sports town.
It has always been known as a fight town and I am hoping
that this particular event will regenerate a command for
future boxing events being held in the city of
Philadelphia."
# # #
Future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins' remarkable career
will continue in his hometown on Wednesday, December 2,
when "The Executioner," who will be fighting in Philly
for the first time since 2003, faces hard-hitting
Enrique Ornelas at theLiacouras Center at Temple
University. The 12-round light heavyweight bout will be
televised live on VERSUS, the fastest growing sports
cable network in the country, at 8 p.m. ET.
In addition to fighting for his fans, Hopkins will be
fighting for charity as he has committed to donating one
dollar from each ticket sold to three select charities.
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Philadelphia & Susquehanna
Valley, to which Hopkins will donate in memory of Shaun
Negler, one of his biggest fans, whose last wish was to
attend Hopkins' fight against Joe Calzaghe before
succumbing to brain cancer in late 2008 at the age of
18, will be one beneficiary. The second recipient of
the fight's proceeds will be The Hero Thrill Show, an
annual day of events designed to raise money for the
education of relatives of deceased police and fire
personnel killed in the line of duty while protecting
Philadelphia. Finally, one dollar will be donated to
the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. in memory of
Hopkins' deceased mother Shirley who suffered from
breast cancer and in recognition of all those who are
currently battling the disease.
Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, will go
on sale on Thursday, October 15 at 10 a.m. ET
exclusively through ComcastTIX on line at ComcastTIX.com,
by calling 1-800-298-4200 or in person at the Liacouras
Center box office.
