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Parker vs. Chisora II Final Press Conference
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
“Thank you to everyone in attendance today here in
Manchester ahead of a huge night of boxing this Saturday,
live and exclusively on DAZN all around the world from the
Manchester Arena.
“A huge crowd is expected as we wrap up what has been a
sensational year against all odds. Tomorrow night we have
our 43rd show of the year in Uzbekistan, Saturday night we
have our 44th show of the year in Manchester and I think
it’s one of the best shows we’ve put on so far this year.
“Of course, the main event a Heavyweight blockbuster, the
rematch between Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora. One of four
brilliant 50/50 championship fights on this card, littered
with great young talent and fighters emerging on the World
Championship stage.”
David Higgins, Founder and Director of Duco Events:
“It’s a pandemic and a crazy world. The fact Matchroom are
still making events happen is fantastic. It’s a risky
business, I think sometimes in boxing it’s fashionable to
hate successful people, but I think everyone in the sport
should be grateful Matchroom are keeping these shows going
and providing the opportunities.
“We’re grateful for sure, and to Derek Chisora for always
bringing a fight. Someone asked me today saying he’s going
to come swinging trying to take Joseph’s head off does that
worry you. I said no it doesn’t I’m sure we’ve prepared for
that, but I’ve seen Joseph sometimes at his best in those
types of situations. I’m sure Joseph is going to be cool and
stick to the plan but if Derek wants to swing Joseph is
ready for that too.”
Joseph Parker:
“It’s great to be back in Manchester with the team. We’ve
had a tremendous camp; this fight will be different from the
first for sure.
“Not having a crowd made a big difference, I think Derek
feeds off the crowd, I feed off of them too. A lot of
fighters feed off the crowd and just having no noise and
hearing specific voices it’s pretty weird.
“The World Title, my eyes are just purely on this weekend
and Derek Chisora. I want to probably knock him out between
round six and ten.”
Andy Lee, trainer of Joseph Parker:
“I know how much Chisora would have improved with Dave
because when I won the World Title, in my corner assisting
Adam Booth was Dave Coldwell – I know all about him. I know
how he will help Chisora improve.
“After the first fight when the bell rang, I thought they
were going to give the decision to Derek Chisora, I said it
to him in the ring. We got the decision and when I watched
it back, I thought Joe won the fight. We won’t be negative,
Joe’s going to be a lot more positive, he’ll stand a lot
more, fight a lot more and be more consistent with his
attack. It should make for an excellent fight.
“If anything, the crowd in there will be a benefit to
Chisora more than Parker because he’ll feed of that and the
energy, he’s a big favourite. He’s now the hero, people love
him and his fight style, he’s given us great fights over the
years. We’re here to do business, when Joseph gets in the
ring, he’ll be different in terms of the spite he has,
mentally and physically.”
Derek Chisora:
Chose not to speak.
Dave Coldwell, trainer of Derek Chisora:
“I think as a fighter gets more experience under their belt,
they get wiser and realise certain mistakes that they made
earlier on in their career they can’t afford to make as they
go on. They just learn and get smarter.
“Derek when he linked up with David Haye, changed the way he
lived nutrition-wise, looking after his body and keeping it
maintained even between fights. Even though he’s getting
older, that takes it’s time to really bed in and with
consistency you get better results in how you perform.
“Right now, Derek is performing really well, I’m happy with
the work he’s done in the gym, his commitment, his sparring
sessions have been great. He’s in a good place and you’ll
see on Saturday.
“I don’t expect it to go the distance. I think Parker’s link
up with Andy Lee, he’s a very smart man when it comes to
boxing, he’s worked with two of the best in business and to
sprinkle a bit of Andy Lee’s knowledge in there you’re going
to get results. I’m expecting a better, more aggressive and
positive Joseph Parker, but in the same vein I’m seeing a
better Derek Chisora.
“People have underestimated what a difference having a crowd
makes to these guys, Derek loves the crowds singing his name
and getting behind him. Certain fighters it doesn’t affect,
your cool calculated boxing skillsters who’ll think their
way through everything. Fighters like Derek and Joseph, they
get that vibe, and it adds an extra few per cent. When
you’re talking about performance levels in these kinds of
fights, those little per cents add up.”
Jack Cullen:
“I’ve sold near enough 1,000 tickets, and I’ve promised
everyone I’m winning the European Title, that’s my early
Christmas present. I’m taking it with both hands and I’m
going for it, I’ve had the European Title in my head for a
long while and come 18th December it’ll be a victory and a
dream come true.
“You win a European Title and you’re right up there in all
the rankings, anything can happen after this. I’ve just got
to get past Sadjo on the 18thand we’re ready for next year.
“I’ve just got to stick to my game plan, if I stick to it
then it should be a good night for me.”
Kevin Lele Sadjo:
“I did accept the challenge very quickly and thanks for the
invitation. I am in form, my camp has had me training ready
for a fight, when the opportunity arises to feature on a
Chisora card it’s something you can’t miss. Without even
watching Jack Cullen we were ready to sign up quickly and
I’m hoping to return to France with the European Title.
“It’s funny you should choose the word war; the war is not
in the crowd but in the ring. The war is where I position
myself as a boxer, it’s not just the crowd for Jack Cullen,
my crowd is watching me at home on DAZN. I think it’s going
to be a superb encounter and the war is all about heart and
I’ve brought my heart.”
Zelfa Barrett:
“Bruno Tarimo, I’ve studied him, watched him, I know he’s a
solid fighter. He throws the kitchen sink and has a bit of
brains about him, but this is my World Title fight. I’m not
thinking about anything else, he’s my target and I respect
him and the struggles he’s had. This is boxing, it doesn’t
matter where you’re from or what you’ve done, it’s all about
what happens in the ring. I’m excited and more than ready
for this.
“I’m doing this for my mum, it’s been a hard year but tough
times, tough people. This is boxing and I can express how I
feel in the ring, come Saturday night I’ll be victorious.”
Bruno Tarimo:
“Firstly, I want to thank God for bringing me here safe,
this is my first time in Manchester for a big show. Thanks
to Matchroom for bringing me onto the show, I appreciate it.
Thanks for the support of my team in Australia and Tanzania
– for my country.
“I come from nothing, I can fight Super-Bantam but I have
opportunity in Australia, it helps me but it doesn’t have
the small weight. I have to take the big fight with big
people to be World Champion and help my family.
“Zelfa Barrett is a good fighter, he’s smart and my team and
I back in Australia were watching him. Every fighter is
different, all the fighters in Australia know and support
me, it’s going to be a good show on Saturday night.”
Lerrone Richards:
“This is a world level fight, a real-world level fight, a
fight that I relish, and I know I can win – win in great
fashion.
“The winner of this fight, which will be me, can push on to
world level. I’m excited about this fight, it’s an
opportunity for me to showcase my skills at the higher level
and shut the doubters up. Once I win this fight, the future
is bright.”
David Nyika:
“I feel very lucky to be here, thank you for having me on
the card. I have the opportunity now to let people know who
David Nyika is, I’m here to stay in the UK and ready to make
my mark. I feel totally blessed to be part of such a big
camp.
“I didn’t come away with a gold medal, so I technically
didn’t achieve my ultimate dream of getting a gold. Onwards
and upwards, this is an opportunity for me to make a living
and continue down a path that I’ve dreamed of as a kid.”
Sandy Ryan:
“We’re also looking to make a statement, my trainer Clifton
Mitchell is holding me back a little bit, he wants me to
start strong, sharp and box. When we see an opening, we’re
going to take her out.
“Don’t worry, the knockout is going to happen, we’re going
to show a little boxing first. It isn’t going eight rounds.”
Jordan Thompson:
“It’s a pleasure to be back out, especially in my hometown,
I’m looking to go out there and put on another explosive
performance. Like I always say, artistic violence, that’s
one thing you can expect with me.
“The Cruiserweight scene domestically is buzzing right now;
I definitely see myself getting amongst that and coming out
top of the crop. Like I said, I’ve got an amazing team in
place, I’m looking forward to what next year brings.
Definitely titles on the horizon no doubt about it.”
Cyrus Pattinson:
“I think activity is one of the most important things to be
out on a regular basis. I know I’ve got a durable opponent
for the weekend; he’s been with some of the domestic
fighters I’ve been fighting for British and European Titles
so I’m looking to make a statement on Saturday and do things
other Welterweights haven’t been able to do.”
Rhiannon Dixon:
“It was a bit frustrating hearing my opponent potentially
pulled out again and all the mix up of this week. I’m just
excited to get there on Saturday. I’m just looking to make
my mark on 2022 and I just can’t wait for it.”
Alen Babic:
“Two weeks ago, you [Eddie] slid into my DM’s and asked if I
wanted to fight, I said yeah let’s go. People have routine
victories, I have routine knockouts, I think Saturday is
going to be another routine knockout. I’m going to operate
like John Wick.
“I like this, I like this living. I give it all to boxing
and for the next five to six years I just want to box – I
don’t want to do anything else.
“Let’s go, like I said I have a brilliant team, we are going
for the Bridgerweight Title. I’m really into it and let’s
go, I’m going to give my whole life to it and I’m sure we’re
going to get it.”
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