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Dirrell vs. DeGale Final Press
Conference
Photos: Suzanne Teresa - Premier Boxing Champions
Fighters participating on Saturday's
Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card took part in the final
press conference today at historic Fenway Park in Boston
before their respective fights at Agganis Arena, with
televised coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella
Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced
at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including
applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.
Here are what the press conference participants had to say:
ANDRE DIRRELL
"A title means everything. It completes you as a fighter.
That's the top of the food chain in this sport, and that's
the pedestal we're all trying to reach - world champion.
Everybody wants to be a world champion. The greats had it
and now we want it. It would mean more for my city, my
family and my friends, and it's something I'll always be
able to look back it. It would put me in the record books
for life.
"DeGale is not quiet. Today he's chilling, maybe because
he's a little out of his comfort zone. But there's a lot of
tension when you're standing right there next to your
opponent. He might just be a little cranky today.
"I like to lighten the mood and stay comfortable. This is
all a part of the game. Let's have fun now. It's ass-kicking
time when we get in that ring, but outside it's all love.
"There was a time when I didn't want to do interviews. I
didn't want to go to fights. I didn't want to hear fans
online and on social media. I closed all them down because I
didn't want to hear people ask, 'When are you fighting
again? Talking about talent wasted, or saying I'm glad he's
gone.' It hurt because there was nothing I could do. I was
powerless even with all the power in the world."
JAMES DEGALE
"Andre says the belt doesn't mean anything to him in the
fight - well, the belt means everything to me and more. I am
here to make history and it doesn't happen without that
title.
"I could win on Saturday night and retire a happy man -
that's how much I want to beat Andre Dirrell. But when I do
win that title, I am going for the rest of the belts,
creating a lasting legacy for my country, my fans and
myself.
"Andre is a classy fighter and he showed in the press
conference that he is a classy guy too - when two fighters
who believe in their ability 100 percent and know they are
going to win a fight, it is going to be explosive.
"There's nothing but respect between us, but ultimately,
we're going to take each other to dark territory on Saturday
night, it's going to be a brutal battle - and one that I am
going to win."
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ
"This is home for me and I'm thrilled. I know I have a good
undefeated fighter in front me, so I'm looking forward to a
competitive matchup. It's going to be a great fight for the
fans.
"This is an exciting day for me. I saw Pedro Martinez pitch
so many times here at Fenway and he's going into the Hall of
Fame. Also, my fellow countrymen Manny Ramirez and David
Ortiz have made so much history here.
"Being here today and then having the weigh-in at Faneuil
Hall tomorrow and fighting on Saturday, it's just an amazing
experience.
CRAIG BAKER
"This is a great opportunity for me. I've dreamed of
fighting on a grand scale like this since I first started
boxing.
"The entire experience has been awesome. It's going to be an
interesting fight. I'm going to keep coming forward. I'm
going to keep boxing all night.
"Everyone should look forward to an action packed night, I
know it's going to be an interesting matchup."
DANNY O'CONNOR
"A couple of years ago Ken Casey and I talked about bringing
boxing back to the city of Boston. Fast-forward to today and
we're doing it.
"I'm excited to be part of it and to see boxing in Boston
blossom. It's good for the city and all the young boxers in
this area.
"I know I have a tough opponent in front of me and I won't
take him lightly. I'm planning on putting on a show for the
fans come Saturday night."
CHRIS GILBERT
"I'm an aggressive come forward, in your face boxer from the
first bell to the last.
"I was full steam ahead when I got the call for this fight.
I train all the time, I don't take breaks and I'm always
looking for an opportunity. I couldn't be happier.
"Danny O'Connor is one of the best in my weight division in
New England. Everything he does, he does well.
"I just need to keep my head and continue to come forward, I
can't get frustrated. I'm going 100 percent the full way
through. If I'm busy and I fight smart I get good outcomes.
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