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Fundora vs. Thurman PPV Undercard
Virtual Press Conference
Quotes
Fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard for the
Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman PBC Pay-Per-View event
on Prime Video previewed their respective matchups during a
virtual press conference on Wednesday before they step into
the ring on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden
Arena in Las Vegas.
Featured during the virtual presser were top heavyweight
contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez and unbeaten U.S.
Olympic Silver Medalist Richard Torrez Jr., who meet in an
IBF Heavyweight Title Final Eliminator that serves as the
co-main event, plus undefeated top-rated middleweight Yoenli
Hernandez and battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha,
who duel in a 10-round bout, plus exciting young star Elijah
Garcia and veteran super middleweight contender Kevin Newman
II, who kick off action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in
pay-per-view opener.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video,
regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to
continue to access the telecast through traditional cable
and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
FRANK SANCHEZ
“I just have to go in there and do my job. I’m gonna listen
to my corner and do what I need to do. I have a great team
and I know they’ll put me in position to get the victory.
“Being the first Cuban heavyweight world champion would mean
everything. That’s a step that I’ve always wanted to take.
The first thing I have to do is give my best on March 28.
Then the door is open for me to give the Cuban people a
heavyweight world champion.
“I’ve spent so much time in the gym and I won’t feel any
ring rust at all. I’ll rely on my experience and the many
fights I’ve had throughout my career.
“My knee is fully healed. I’m completely focused on March
28. I have an outstanding team backing me up and that allows
me to have everything I need to succeed against Richard
Torrez Jr.
“Finding an opponent was a process. A lot of fighters don’t
want to face me because they consider me dangerous. We went
through four or five different opponents. I just remained
focused and now I’m ready to seize this chance and make the
most of it.
“Training with Eddy is amazing. Him and the entire team
treat me so well. Eddy motivates me and pushes me to go as
hard as I can to go after what I want. I know he’s got my
back.
RICHARD TORREZ JR.
“I can’t wait to show everyone what I have. This is
definitely my toughest fight. Frank Sanchez is fast, strong
and has a lot of qualities that stand out in the heavyweight
division. This is a great spot for me to show who I am as a
fighter and show what I can accomplish.
“I’m very proud of who I am and where I come from, but it’s
not my main focus. I’m not trying to carry the weight of the
world on my shoulders. I just have to go out there and
fight. I’m here and ready to show everything that I am.
“The best thing I do is hone in on what makes Richard
Torrez, Richard Torrez. I believe that I have the best
conditioning in the game. If I stay consistent and follow
the game plan, I can show what I’m capable of.
“I want the hardest fights and I want to be the best. Frank
is one of the better fighters in the division. He’s shown
his skillset and proved himself. I want to prove myself as
well. This is the best way to establish myself in the pro
game.
“This fight is gonna showcase the Latin style of
heavyweights. It’s not something that’s been seen too much
before. I’ve got that Mexican style in me and I’m ready to
showcase that tenacity and grit against someone slick like
Frank. It’s gonna make an exciting clash of styles.
“Last year was a good year. We had a main event and were
able to showcase our style. I’m just looking forward to
continuing this process.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“I’m excited for this fight and ready to give my career a
great boost. I can’t wait to get in the ring on March 28.
“Every fight means a lot to me because I’m on the ascent. I
want to go after the best and beat the champions in my quest
to earn that title.
“The main thing for me is to feel good about my performance
give the fans the show they deserve. I know what Gausha can
do and the kind of veteran he is. But I’m ready to go
achieve my goal of making it to the top.
“I’m not someone who’s concerned with my opponent’s record.
I focus on myself. Kyrone Davis was someone who also fought
at the top level and that really helped push me forward. Now
I’m focused on being the best version of myself. I’m gonna
put on a show. All the work has led up to this.
“I’m here to prove that I’m gonna be champion. I don’t care
who’s standing in my way. I’m gonna go out there and
demolish everyone.
“I’m up to fight anybody. Bring on all of the champions. I’m
ready to fight anyone in the division. I’m here to show that
I’m here to stay for a long long time.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I’m excited to be on another big card and showcase my
talent against a guy like Yoenli. He’s a tough fighter and
I’ve been watching him. I’m ready to do what I gotta do.
“He’s a big puncher, but he hasn’t face somebody like me
yet. I’m gonna be myself. I’m gonna do what I do and give
him problems. I’ve fought every style and I just have to be
myself.
“He’s experienced too because of his time in the amateurs. I
have to do what I do. He’s just another man with two hands.
He doesn’t have anything that I haven’t seen before.
“I feel like I won my last fight. I was more active last
fight than I’ve been before. I’ve gotta let my hands know
and be more dominant. I’m gonna give it my all. I’ve been
training hard for a fight like this.
“For me this is just another fight. This guy is a tough guy
and that’s who I like to face. I don’t like to face mediocre
opposition. I know he brings the fight and that’s what
brings the best out of me.
“I’m also here to show that I’m here to stay. I’ve had some
tough breaks, but I’m gonna turn it around on March 28.”
ELIJAH GARCIA
“Kevin is very experienced and I’m ready to put on a great
performance. I’m back training with my dad and ready to
perform.
“I’ve got a lot of experience under my belt and I know that
you can’t underestimate anyone. I know what I’m up against.
He’s tough ,experience and crafty. I don’t think I’ve ever
fought anybody like Kevin. He’s different.
“I’m gonna do what I do best and fight my fight. At the end
of the night I’m gonna do everything to make sure it goes my
way.
“I’ve been fighting at 160 since I was 17-years-old. I grew
out of middleweight, so now was the perfect time to move up.
My last performance wasn’t the best, so I’m looking forward
to a new challenge at 168. I’ve never backed down from a
challenge.
“I’ve been here before and I’m excited to get back in the
ring. A hard fight isn’t new to me. I’m there, I’m game and
I’m ready every single time.
“I learned a lot of things fighting Gausha. He’s experienced
and has only lost to world champions. We had a close fight
and that’s how you learn. The last five, six opponents I’ve
had have all been tough. That kind of experience is gonna
take me to the world title when it’s time.
“Me and my dad are pretty much the same person. He can tell
me something without really saying anything. We’re looking
to make this weight and make this fight easy.”
KEVIN NEWMAN II
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m coming to take
advantage of it. I’m gonna give the fans a great fight on
March 28.
I bring some skills and things that Elijah hasn’t seen. I’ve
been around a lot time and I’ve soaked up a lot of game. I’m
always in the gym getting better.
“He’s a young hungry kid who’s trying to make a mark in the
game and I respect him. I’m looking forward to a great
fight.
“I’ve had this winning streak because I’ve been able to
focus and lock in more. I’ve worked with Roy Jones Jr. since
2020 and he’s really added to my game. We’ve meshed together
well. I’m a more complete fighter now.
“Fans can expect fireworks. I think our styles will make
this is a great fight. I’m coming to put on a dominant
performance and have my hand raised.
“The main thing is the mindset. I have to just go dominate.
I’m in a great headspace and can’t wait until March 28.”
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