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Munguia vs. Ballard Teleconference Quotes
Former world champion, and undefeated Mexican middleweight
star, Jaime Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, and
Prince George County, M.D.’s, D’Mitrus “Big Meech” Ballard
(21-0-1, 13 KOs) will hosted a media conference call today
to talk about their upcoming fight on February 19, live on
DAZN worldwide excluding Mexico. The 12-round fight for
Munguia's WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title will be
hosted at the iconic Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana
in Tijuana, Mexico.
Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming
event.
JAIME MUNGUIA, UNDEFEATED WBO INTERCONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT
CHAMPION
“I am very happy to be coming back to Tijuana, the city that
saw me grow up and has supported me throughout my career.
And I am very motivated to work hard for the people of
Tijuana.
“I have a big responsibility to my hometown after fighting
far from home for a long time. I’m coming back being a world
champion at 154lbs., have become a figure in the boxing
world, it’s a big responsibility and I know it. I prepared
everyday to make my hometown proud and have to really
concentrate to not let in the distractions from home.
“I am very happy about the changes Erik Morales has made to
my training. I have always been a defensive fighter, but I
would always get stuck, it’s a mental thing. Erick has
taught me to think more, breath, relax, take my time and
control the timing of the fight. His training has influenced
my style by throwing more combinations making sure I use my
jab. Plus he has a lot of experience in the ring as well and
I trust his judgment.
“I remember going by the Plaza Monumental de Playas De
Tijuana when I was a kid and would dream of one day being
able to fight there. I went to a fight there featuring Julio
Cesar Chavez and Zorrita Soto and it was full of people. It
was amazing. On February 19, I am going to be so proud to be
there representing Mexico, representing Tijuana.”
D’MITRIUS BALLARD, UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER
“I have seen Jaime fight on these big cards in DAZN for the
last 2 years and there is plenty of footage on him. He is a
great fighter, he comes forward and gets the job done. I am
very confident in my skills and I feel like February 19 will
be my time.
“My elbow injury was pretty serious at the time to keep me
out of the ring. But right now, we have rehabbed it very
well and my last fight in November, I had no issues with it
and I feel very confident.
“It doesn’t bother me that we are fighting in Tijuana, as a
fighter, generally speaking, it is expected to go into
hostile environments, into enemy territory and take their
belt, win the fight. Andre Ward did it, Errol Spence did it,
Terence Crawford did it, Kambosas just did it, I can go on
and on. It’s required of us, it’s required of boxers, it’s
part of the journey. It’s just my time and my opportunity.
“I am extremely excited. I had a long layoff before the
November 13th fight. To be 28 and 21-0 and a fight with
Jaime, this is what I have dreamed of. When they told me it
would be in Mexico I had no problem with it. This is a big
opportunity for me, for my career.
“I know that I am a big underdog in this fight, mostly
because people don’t know much about me. But I have a lot of
experience, and have been in training camps with high
profile champions like Canelo. I am just ready to take what
I know is mine.”
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