Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora media workout quotes
Tim Tszyu vs Sebastian Fundora fight week events officially kicked off Wednesday with media workouts and grand arrivals for fighters competing on the stacked inaugural PBC Pay-Per-View event, available on Prime Video and FITE TV in the UK, taking place this Saturday, March 30 as four world title fights enter the ring from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The media workout featured rising star and reigning world champion Tim Tszyu and all-action contender Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, who meet for Tszyu’s WBO title and the vacant WBC 154-pound world title in the main event, plus 140-pound WBA world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, who square off in the co-main event.
Also participating in Wednesday’s event was WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and No.1 rated mandatory challenger Michael Zerafa, who duel in a 12-round attraction, plus WBC Flyweight World Champion Julio César Martínez and unbeaten contender Angelino Cordova, who duel in the pay-per-view opener at 8pm ET / 5pm PT / 12am GMT.
Here is what the fighters had to say:
TIM TSZYU: “It’s time to become a global star now and take another continent. I feel at home. This is where I belong. Looking at all these posters, this is where I’ve always dreamed of being. I feel at peace.
“I live by that word. Never retreat. I fear no one. I will go into any fight, it doesn’t matter. Two week notice, 12 days, tall guy, whoever they put in front of me, I just have to adapt, change and take over.
“With another world title on the line, it’s another opportunity for greatness. In the record books, we’d be the second unified family in the world to ever be in this position, so for me there’s so much on the line. There’s so much at stake. It’s just a wonderful time to be alive.
It’s great that both Zerafa and I are coming in and going for world titles. It’s a good time for Aussie boxing. Right now, it’s hot… red hot.
“The only way to win is in convincing fashion. It’s what I’ve always done. It’s going down one way, KO.
“This will be a classic. When we’re talking about classics, I’m hoping it’s going to be one of those fights that’s replayed forever.”
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA: “This is where I stamp the start of my legacy. It took us a millisecond to accept this fight. We were ready for the opportunity. We were already fighting for the WBC, now they threw in the WBO. It was an opportunity we couldn’t pass over.
“The height difference is just an everyday thing for me. I’m always taller than everybody, so this is just another day at work.
“Bohachuk and Tszyu are both similar, Bohachuk being a little bit taller, of course. Other than that, we have a pressuring, hard-hitting, orthodox fighter in Tszyu, the same in Bohachuk.
“My last fight was more than a learning experience; it was a reminder. In this sport you cannot make mistakes, and if you do, you pay for it.
“My father got his first world champions with my sister six months ago. We’re going to do it again this Saturday. He’s going to be Trainer of the Year in my eyes.
“March 30, tune in. It’s going to be a great fight. We’re going to have another Fundora crowned as champion.”
ROLANDO ROMERO: “I am blessed to be fighting in my hometown and I can’t wait for Saturday night for the bell to finally ring.
“I was killing myself really bad to make 135 pounds. It had been like that for a good minute. This weight is great for me, but I also want to move up to 147 pounds. That is where all of the fun is.I’ll do whatever. I’m not ducking anybody. I’ll go after anyone.
“Isaac Cruz is a small guy. He was big the other day. He looks a little smaller now. Anyone can think about setting a fast pace until they get punched in the face by me.”
“Cruz is the first fighter that I don’t have to go and chase. It is going to be a lot of fun. I don’t have to set any traps. He sets himself up for them.”
ISAAC CRUZ: “This is a very big and important second chance at a world title for me. I’m not going to come out with my hands tied, I’m ready to throw. I am prepared for whatever he wants to do.
“This is perhaps the best training camp I have had in my career. That is all due to the work I have put in with my Dad and the whole staff that have been here supporting me all the way.
“I don’t feel any pressure. Pressure means nothing to me. I am here to be world champion. Period.”
ERISLANDY LARA: “I’m really happy to be back here, and I want to thank you all for your support. I’m looking forward to this weekend. Zerafa is a high-quality fighter. He’s here for a reason. He’s a contender. On March 30, we’ll see who’s better inside the ring.
“The motivation comes from the day-to-day and the training, from wanting to get better each and every day. I can guarantee you that at my age, I feel in tip-top shape, both physically and mentally. I’m ready to go.
“I’m taking things year by year. But I’m focused on the moment. I’m focused on this Saturday and winning this fight, taking things step by step.
“I’m going to give you the best of me, and I hope to come out with the win on Saturday. That’s all I can do, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
MICHAEL ZERAFA: “This means everything to me. I want to bring back that world title. This is my life and this is more than a fight for me.
“This fight is dedicated to my sister, who is fighting her own fight at the moment. She’s suffering with breast cancer, and this fight is for her. She’s in her own fight for her life, so 12 rounds with Lara is nothing compared to that.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have Rachel and Nonito Donaire in my corner – they’re huge artillery going into this fight. That’s kept me sane and kept me exactly where I need to be pushing the pace. No stone’s been left unturned. We’re here now. We’ve traveled to the other side of the world, not to be an opponent. We’re here to take what’s rightfully mine.
“I’m a huge fan of Lara, even prior to us becoming opponents. He’s a great mover, but he’s getting old. I truly believe he’s held the belt for way too long. He’s just looking for a pay day with Danny Garcia or one of those guys. I’m there to upset the plan and take what’s rightfully mine.
“I’m fully focused. I’ve been here before when I fought Kell Brook and Peter Quillin. This is just another night for me. I’m grateful to be fighting at such a huge stadium in front of all these fans. I thank you for all the love and support, but I’m fully focused on the task ahead.”
JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ: “Cordova knows how to move, so we are ready for anything. We can go toe-to-toe and fight an all-out war. We can also fight tactically with the reach. We are going to come at him with everything.
“We are going to come after Cordova, pressure him, and make sure he feels it.
“I am here to make history. This is the beginning of a path to go after all four world championship belts. I want to be the undisputed champion.”
ANGELINO CORDOVA: “I am so excited to show everyone what I can do on Saturday night. You are going to see sparks fly.
“I just came here to fight and win a world title. That is what I am going to do. It’s going to be an exciting night. God willing, I will bring the world title back to my country.”
“My message to the fans is to keep fighting, because dreams do come true.”