Kid Galahad vs Jazza Dickens final press conference quotes
Photo credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Below are a selection of quotes from today's Fight Camp Week 2 press conference at the Matchroom HQ in Brentwood, Essex ahead of Saturday's action topped by the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title clash between Kid Galahad and Jazza Dickens, live worldwide on DAZN.
Eddie Hearn
Matchroom Sport Chairman:
"Fight Camp Week 1 was a great way to kick off our new ground-breaking partnership with DAZN, capped by a Cinderella story with Leigh Wood ripping the WBA Featherweight World Title from Xu Can in a big upset at the top of the card.
"Shout out to Chris Billam-Smith and Tommy McCarthy on an incredible fight for the British, Commonwealth and European Cruiserweight Titles. It was a game-changing win for Jack Cullen against former World Title challenger Avni Yildirim and Anthony Fowler got the job done to set up his huge Liverpool showdown with Liam Smith on October 9.
"This week we have an absolute cracker for you. We expect more drama as we go into the World Championship fight – the IBF Featherweight World Title between Kid Galahad and Jazza Dickens.
"Three big Heavyweight fights on the card – Wardley against Nick Webb for the English Heavyweight Title. 'The Savage' Alen Babic back in action in a great fight as well. 'The Romford Bull' Johnny Fisher, and of course Aqib Fiaz and Ebanie Bridges against Bec Connolly to kick off the live action."
Kid Galahad – Sheffield, England – 27-1, 16 KOs
fighting Jazza Dickens for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title:
“It’s been a long time coming, I’m just focused, I can’t wait – Saturday night I’m going to IBF World Champion. I’m just focused, I’m in the zone.
“Jazza is a tough fight for anyone, no matter what level. I can’t actually remember much from the first fight; I can’t even remember what happened yesterday let alone what happened ten years ago. I just focus on what’s ahead. I’m focused on Saturday night and doing a job on Jazza Dickens.
“Every fight is life changing, for me every fight is life of death, Saturday night isn’t going to be any different.”
Dominic Ingle
trainer of Kid Galahad:
“It’s been long time; he’s been in camp almost from his last fight a year ago in February. He’s never been off it and the time’s arrived now; on Saturday night he’s going to take the belt and be World Champion.
“It’s always good to go through the process of making the weight, having the camp for the fight, it’s good to have that. When you’re on the level these two are, I don’t think it counts for much because it’s all about keeping active during the time between the fights. Galahad has been a constant pro, he’s kept moving, sparring, he’s kept active and he’s sharp. He’s not got any ring rust and there’s less mileage on the clock.
“Jazza has been in two great fights, one with recently crowned champion Leigh Wood, he’s got the chance on Saturday to take a title, if he doesn’t, I think he might get another chance against Leigh. I don’t think the inactivity on Galahad’s part is going to play any part in the fight.
“I said way back when their first fight happened, they were both big prospects at the time, you didn’t see fights like that of that magnitude – two guys fighting for the British Title. It was a cracking fight, nip and tuck all the way, Jazza was probably slightly in front in that fight until Galahad caught him with the left hand and stopped him.
“Look at how their paths have gone since, Jazza has had greats fights against great fighters, this is where they are now, back in a World Title fight – it shows the level of both fighters. I don’t think that first fight will have anything to do with this one, I think it’ll be a totally different fight.”
Jazza Dickens – Liverpool, England – 30-3, 11 KOs
fighting Kid Galahad for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title:
“I’ve had great preparations thanks to my team, everyone around me. I’m grateful to be on this platform, DAZN and Matchroom, kicking off some great nights head. I’ve had great fights leading up to this point and it’s a fight for a World Title, I’ve ticked every box below so now I’m in a good position now.
“Of course, I had to take the opportunity but not on his [Galahad] terms, he might be slick but I’m better. I’m a good fighter, I know what I can do, he can be as slick as he wants. Slick doesn’t inflict any pain on me, he can be as slick as he likes, so I’ll win the fight how I want to win the fight. I’m looking forward to it.
“People talk about game plans, I don’t really consider them too much because they go out the window, when something is going well you keep doing it, you adapt on the fly. I’ll be resilient in there and able to adapt to anything that he brings.
“It’s the best to think like that, this sport is the best and worst, I’ve endured both sides and come through it. To get my crown on Saturday it would be beautiful, I’m grateful to be on this platform.”
Derry Matthews
team Jazza Dickens:
“It’s life changing for either fighter, Jazza had a great camp, George and myself have done everything right. Jaz has done everything we’ve asked of him – we’re looking forward to it. He’s coming off 4 great wins, picking up a couple of great belts on the way, getting good rounds in, making good fights look easy. We know he’s ready and we’re looking forward to it.
“Jazza deserved all the credit, he;s a proper athlete. People always talk about him, he stops for everyone, he’s a people’s champion – a true athlete. Saturday night is about him being world champion, then big things to come for him.”
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