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Pacheco vs. Coceres Final Press Conference
Eddie Hearn:
It’s been a busy couple of days, we’re straight off the
plane from an historic press conference in London yesterday
with the Day of Reckoning in Saudi Arabia on December 23
added to a packed schedule for Matchroom for the rest of
2023.
It’s been an incredible run for us over the last few weeks
and it doesn’t stop now, this Saturday in Los Angeles at the
YouTube Theater live on DAZN around the world, our rising
young star Diego Pacheco will headline for the third time
this year, this time in his hometown as he looks to cement
his name in the Super-Middleweight division.
Diego Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) – defends his WBO International
and USWBC Super-Middleweight titles against Marcelo Coceres:
I’m extremely grateful for this moment, it’s my moment and
it’s going to be a great night on Saturday. I had a great
training camp, it’s been a great year and I am looking
forward to ending the year on a high note, because we have
big things planned for 2024.
I feel Coceres is the toughest opponent on my resume yet.
He’s a great fighter, he’s been in a lot of good fights, but
I feel I am a way better fighter. I think my skills and hard
work will outshine him and I am super confident in the work
I have put in, the training camp we had, the sparring,
everything. This is the biggest fight of my life, and I
can’t wait to put on a show in front of my home fans.
I’ve sparred with all the best guys at 160, 168 and 175 and
they know what it is, I’m here, I am a special breed, I
really feel that I have a God-given talent and with my hard
work I feel that I am unstoppable. You guys have seen my
fights, I’m getting better and stronger, and I am looking
forward to keep doing those things against better
opposition. Coceres is a great test for me on Saturday, and
I just can’t wait to show everyone what I am about against
someone as good as him.
I had two great fights this year in the UK and Mexico, now I
get to do it here in my hometown, it’s super exciting. We’re
looking to do a lot of big things in 2024 but right now
we’re focused on Coceres and Saturday night. It’s going to
be a great night, tune in on DAZN, Diego Pacheco’s time is
here.
Marcelo Coceres (32-5-1 18 KOs) – challenges Diego Pacheco
for the WBO International and USWBC Super-Middleweight
titles:
"It’s great to be back in LA. I feel that I have prepared
well for this fight, and I am ready to give my all and show
what I am made of and continue on my path.
"I am always prepared for war. Pacheco is not going to have
it easy at all. I have all this experience and the
willingness to win this fight, and it’s an opportunity that
when it came along, I was delighted to take it on."
Mayerlin Rivas (17-4-3 11 KOs) – defends her WBA World
Super-Bantamweight title against Erika Cruz:
"I always prepare in my best way to give the best of myself.
It’s my US debut and I intend on taking full advantage of
this. When we talk about preparing 100 per cent, I am 1000
per cent ready for this.
"I have never said no to a challenge in my boxing career. I
am prepared to go out and do what I can do. God willing, I
get my hand raised on Saturday, why not unify in the future
and take on the best?"
Erika Cruz (16-2 3 KOs) – challenges Mayerlin Rivas for the
WBA World Super-Bantamweight title:
"I’m always ready to put on a war as the fans are used to
from me. I’ve had a great camp and preparation, I’m 100 per
cent and I am totally ready to take advantage of this
opportunity.
"I know it’s going to be a war; two women will go to war and
may the best woman win."
Kal Yafai (27-2 15 KOs) – faces Jonathan Rodriguez for the
vacant WBA Intercontinental Bantamweight title:
"This is like another World title fight for me. I’ve had
seven of those, this is another and he’s standing in my way.
I’m in LA for the 15th time, it’s a city I love and what a
place to fight, I can’t wait to show everyone just how good
I am.
"I spend a lot of time in training camp in Sheffield. I work
hard, I don’t need to. I’ve got a beautiful little daughter
at home, and I could just sit at home and just chill, but I
love boxing and it’s my life. It’s paved an amazing life for
me, and I need another World title.
"I’ll have an answer for anything he brings. I’ve fought
millions of different styles, but I am the best fighter that
he’s come across by a country mile so expect fireworks on
Saturday night."
Jonathan Rodriguez (16-1-1 6 KOs) – faces Kal Yafai for the
vacant WBA Intercontinental Bantamweight title:
"I’m excited to be here. I want to show the world what I can
do by coming here and fighting a former World champion, it’s
not easy task but I’m here for it.
"I’m here to fight, not to do anything else, and I’m
bringing the fight. Winning this fight on Saturday is going
to do a lot for me."
Marc Castro (10-0 7 KOs) – takes on Gonzalo Fuenzalida over
ten rounds at Lightweight:
"I’m glad to be back and ready to perform in front of all my
supporters. I have a lot of people coming from my hometown
of Fresno, and I’m looking forward to it.
"I have the talent and these fights are won in the gym, long
before the lights turn on, and you will see that on
Saturday."
Gonzalo Fuenzalida (12-2 3 KOs) – takes on Marc Castro over
ten rounds at Lightweight:
"It’s a great opportunity for me, I must say thank you for
it. I’m going to give everything in the ring and show what I
can do, I will give it all in this fight and hopefully put
on a great show for the fans."
Jalan Walker (11-0-1 9 KOs) – takes on Jorge Villegas over
eight rounds at Jr. Lightweight:
"I’m happy to be here to showcase my skills, to fight in
front of my family and friends. I’m here to make my team
proud and I will put on a show.
"The goal is to be active next year and get six fights. I’d
fight every month if I have to, I just want to get back into
the ring."
Jorge Villegas (14-1 13 KOs) – takes on Jalan Walker over
eight rounds at Jr. Lightweight:
"Like all good Mexicans I am ready to give everything in the
ring and I am ready to show that in this big opportunity on
Saturday night. It’s the opportunity of my lifetime and I do
not intend on missing out and not taking advantage of it."
Criztec Bazaldua (2-0) – takes on Pedro Angel Cruz over four
rounds at Super-Lightweight:
"It’s a great opportunity to be able to fight in my
hometown. It’s going to be a great night of boxing and it’s
a blessing to be here. It’s been one of my best training
camps so far, I’m well prepared for this fight.
"I think I have gained a lot of value from my first two
fights and the little break I’ve had. It has helped me a
lot, it’s going to help me pick my shots and sit down on my
punches. I feel I’m progressing with each fight and I’m
ready to show the world that this Saturday."
Pedro Angel Cruz (3-3 2 KOs) – takes on Criztec Bazaldua
over four rounds at Super-Lightweight:
"I had the best training camp, straight to work so I feel
super ready to put on a great show and surprise everybody.
"My last fight it was a horrible decision, I don’t know how
it went to the other guy, but you just have to keep moving,
I’ve got a big opportunity now, so I am ready to take
advantage of it.
"He’s a tough fighter, I respect everyone I go up against,
but I’ve gotten into the best shape of my life, so I am
ready."
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