By Miguel Maravilla
WBC super featherweight champion Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt (31-1, 28 KOs) of Mexico and former world champion number one contender Takashi Miura (31-3-2, 24 KOs) of Japan, held the final press conference Thursday afternoon at The ‘Fabulous’ Forum in Inglewood, California ahead of their Saturday, July 15 clash live on HBO Boxing After Dark.
“I am happy to be fighting for the third time in the U.S., second time headlining on HBO. I come well prepared, I know I am facing a former world champion,” Miguel Berchelt said. “Miura is a kamikaze warrior with everything. I respect him tremendously. I will give my Mexican people a win take back the victory to Mexico.”
“The champ is a tough great fighter. I will take this title back and I am ready to put on a good fight.” Takashi Miura said.
“We will have a great show. We have a great lineup from top to bottom,” Oscar De La Hoya said “We are really excited about this main event. Miura, we have a former world champion and he’s a fighter who puts it all on the line. Berchelt is a fighter that also puts everything on the line.”
In the co-main event Panamanian Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (24-12, 14 KOs). Corrales will be defending his WBA World super featherweight title.
“I am happy and motivated for this opportunity on HBO. I am ready to fight Castellanos and win to take this title back to Panama,” Jazreel Corrales said.
“I am happy and excited for this fight. This fight means a lot for me. Years ago I was watching Gamboa’s fight with Salido and was having a conversation with my father on how to beat Gamboa. Well, we did it this Cinco de Mayo. Now we are ready to face Corrales and Saturday night we will have a war,” Robinson Castellano’s said.
Opening the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion” Joe Smith, Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) will put his title on the line against Miami’s Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs).
“I am glad to be back at the Forum. Sullivan’s a great fighter, it’s going to be another great night. I had a good camp and 100 percent focused so I am ready to put on a good fight,” Joe Smith Jr. said.
“I am very happy for this fight. I promise Saturday night we will put on a good show. I am really happy and proud my dad will see me fight live in person for the first time. I want to thank Joe Smith Jr. we will put on a great show,” Barrera said.
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