By Jeff Zimmerman
Photos: Noe Gonzalez
IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and his trainer Derrick James spoke to reporters after his first round demolition of mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo on Saturday night at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas (the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys).
Errol Spence Jr:
It was a great showing. I’m thankful for all the fans, reporters, love and support. Everyone was genuine for me. Thanks to the Dallas Cowboys for their support and use of their arena and resources.
If he thought the find would end so quickly:
I thought it would go to 4-5 rounds. If he would have gotten up, I would have carried him (Spence laughs).
On his next fight:
I’ll probably fight later this year, a unification with Garcia or Porter should happen 1st quarter next year…Keith Thurman coming back..same manager, same network…I want big names. Jessie Vargas would be in front of Ugas, big names, ex-world champions, no disrespect, I’m looking to build my legacy and beating Ugas will not get me anywhere.
Spence Jr, a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, got nice words from owner Jerry Jones:
He congratulated me. He said I could use his facility any time. Great to have support from Jerry Jones and the whole Dallas Cowboy organization
On how far he’s come in a few years:
I remember fighting in front of a couple thousand fans and now I’m packing arenas.
If Ocampo had power:
He didn’t have any power. I knew he would be nervous with all his fights in Mexico in small venues and then fight in front of all these fans against you. He was nervous, he wasn’t on that level. This was something I was supposed to do. I like being 100 with fans and people. I fought because he was my mandatory and did what I had to do.
On going to the body:
That’s always been my style, break my opponents down…I know in sparring it has effects on them…I think I’m a great body puncher…might change my name to the body snatcher (laughs).
Derrick James
On Campo:
He said I’m going to counterpunch – he was a man of his word – he got caught with liver shots.
On what he can work on with Spence after such a short fight:
I saw something I can do – I always strive for perfection. I believe you have to continue to work on something
On a potential next fight:
The winner of Porter and Garcia because of the business deal we have together. I really want what he wants. I don’t put personal feelings in it because I’m just the trainer.
If he had a moment with EJ after the fight:
I told you it would be the middle shot.. and that was it..that was our moment. I don’t really celebrate.
On having fans from all over:
I think there are no words for it .. people from New York, California, Florida, people drove from Memphis. How amazing it is to have people believe in you.
On if fans would be upset after such a short fight:
I was a little afraid (celebrating 1st round KO), but they were so happy with that body shot… I was happy to see everyone happy.
