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Henry Lebrón vs. Derlyn Hernández & Kiria Tapia vs.
Juliana Basualdo Press Conference Quotes
Undefeated Puerto Rican super featherweight contender Henry
“Moncho” Lebron and WBO Global titlist Derlyn Hernandez
faced off on Thursday at Universidad de San Juan in advance
of Saturday’s co-main event on Wynn Records Network from
Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla.
Unbeaten women’s super featherweight sensation Kiria Tapia
will take on Juliana Basualdo in a 10-round bout for the WBO
NABO title as the hometown favorite looks to move one step
closer to a world title opportunity.
In featured undercard fights, undefeated heavyweight
prospect Giovanni Scuderi will take on Devonte Williams in
an eight-round attraction, while top Puerto Rican
lightweight prospect Ángel “El Mensajero” Carranza steps
into the ring riding a five-fight knockout streak against
Kevin Piedrahita in an eight-round bout. In the opening on
Wynn Records Network, undefeated featherweight William Colon
will face Luis Porozo in a six-round matchup.
The event is promoted by Universal Promotions and Salita
Promotions in association with Wynn Records.
Here’s what the participants had to say on Thursday:
Kiria Tapia:
“What I’m experiencing right now is truly a blessing. I’m
coming into this fight well prepared. I know the quality
Juliana Basualdo brings, and I know we’re going to put on a
great fight. On Saturday night, you’re going to see the very
best version of Kiria Tapia.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Universal Promotions for
believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey.
I’m also honored to have Salita Promotions and Wynn Records
open their doors and give me the opportunity to be part of
their platforms. I’m especially grateful to the Municipality
of San Juan for giving me the opportunity to be an example
for the youth who, just like me, come from public housing.”
Juliana Basualdo:
“I’m very happy to be here in Puerto Rico. I know the level
of Kiria Tapia and the challenge that awaits me. We’ve
worked extremely hard to prepare for this opportunity. I
want that championship, and I’m coming here to take it home.
I hope the best fighter wins, but all I ask for is a fair
decision. I know I have what it takes to win this fight.”
Henry Lebrón:
“We’re ready to continue climbing the rankings and put
ourselves in position for a world championship opportunity.
Derlyn is a strong fighter, and I know he’s coming in hungry
and determined. I’ve prepared myself to show my true level
and prove what I’m capable of. This is my moment, and on
Saturday night, I’m taking that championship home with me.”
Derlyn Hernández:
“I’m grateful for this great opportunity to defend my
championship. Lebrón is one of the best fighters Puerto Rico
has to offer, but I’ve prepared myself to make sure he
doesn’t have the opportunity to shine. I’m ready for
whatever he brings. This is going to be a war between two
real fighters, and I’m ready to defend what’s mine.”
Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions:
“We’re very grateful to San Juan for welcoming us here.
We’re committed to reigniting the fire for Puerto Rican
boxing, which is one of the greatest places for producing
champions. We’re excited to partner with Universal to start
that fire.
“We’re grateful that the WBO will recognize two of the
fights on this card. Belts do matter and the WBO has
supported boxing in Puerto Rico for generations.
“Saturday will represent some of the best fighters of Puerto
Rico, live on Wynn Records Network. This is our third show
here this year and we’re committed to unearthing the next
generation of boxing stars on the island.”
Javier Bustillo, President of Universal Promotions:
“We are extremely proud of the relationship we have built
with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, and of what we are
accomplishing together for Puerto Rican boxing. This
partnership allows us to combine our local experience and
talent with an international platform capable of taking our
fighters to new markets and audiences.
“For Universal Promotions, it is a privilege to bring
championship fights and high-level WBO title bouts to Puerto
Rico, reaffirming the island’s place on the global boxing
stage. We want to continue providing our fighters with the
opportunities they need to climb the rankings, win titles,
and ultimately become world champions.
“Puerto Rico has an extraordinary history in boxing, and we
are committed to writing new chapters of that history
alongside our partners. This partnership is only getting
started, and we are confident that many great nights and
future champions are ahead for Puerto Rico.”
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