David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Gvozdyk media workout quotes
Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Monstro” Benavidez and former light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk showed off their skills at an open to the public media workout on Wednesday, before they meet for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight Title this Saturday, June 15 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event marking the 100th championship fight night at the historic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Also at Wednesday’s workout, boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis made an appearance in front of the fans in attendance before he defends his WBA Lightweight World Championship against unbeaten contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin in the main event.
The workout also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including undefeated rising star Gary Antuanne Russell and unbeaten former world champion Alberto Puello, who meet for the vacant Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title, plus WBC Middleweight World Champion Carlos Adames and veteran contender and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who duel in the pay-per-view opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Rounding out the workout lineup was rising undefeated middleweight Elijah Garcia, who battles veteran contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a matchup that tops a three-fight PBC on Prime Video card.
Here is what Benavidez and the fighters had to say Wednesday:
DAVID BENAVIDEZ: “This means the world to me. This has been my dream since I was three-years-old. I’m going to have a lot of fun going out there and showcasing my talents for the fans.
“I feel stronger and faster at this weight class. I’m really excited to showcase it on Saturday night. I’m at another level now.
“I’m like a young veteran because I still have a lot of years left in me. This second half of my career is going to be the best part.”
OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK: “This is where I fought for my pro debut and I’m still here and fighting for a title against a tough opponent. What could be better? It’s exciting.
“I had a great camp. There’s no excuses. I’m definitely in one of the best conditions of my life. I’m ready to prove that I’m the best.
“He’s going to apply pressure and throw multi-punch combinations. I’m expecting a hard fight and I have no doubt that I’ll handle it.”
GERVONTA DAVIS: “It feels good to be back at MGM Grand and to be a part of something legendary like this. This is a great card and it’s just exciting to be here.
“I just want to go out there and give the fans a great show and put on a great performance Saturday night. It’s a great building at MGM and I want to give the fans something amazing to watch.
“When I come out and the people are cheering for me, it feels like we’re together. It’s like we’re family. It makes me want to put on a great performance for them.” more quotes…
GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL: “It’s a blessing to have so much experience in my family and in my corner. It feels like I have a cheat code to the sport.
“I just want to show everybody excellence. We’re going to bring out our skillset. He’s going to make me bring more tools out of my arsenal. I’m going to make sure it’s an action fight and keep my knockout streak going.
“Being in this position tells me that I’m climbing the ladder to be one of the greats. We’re taking it one step at a time. My ultimate goal is to be the undisputed champion.”
ALBERTO PUELLO: “I’m really excited to be here for a great night in front of great fans. I’m looking forward to an amazing night on Saturday. I know that we’re going to give the fans an exciting show.
“You can expect a great show, because the fans deserve it. I’m going to give my best and win. It’s going to be a hell of a fight.
“This is going to be an interesting clash of styles. Gary is a knockout artist and he’s going to try to do his thing and not let me box how I normally do. I’m going to use the ring and win the way that I know how to win.”
CARLOS ADAMES: “I have no equal and I have no rival in this division. Whoever wants to come after me, go ahead. I want to face them just as much as they want to face me. I don’t fear anyone.
“My conviction is what separates me from everybody in this division. They all know that I want to face them and that I’m not running from anyone.
“Gausha should be a strong opponent and I’m excited about it, because it’ll make for a great fight for the fans.”
TERRELL GAUSHA: “A win on Saturday means everything. I’m with the best team in the world and it’s a blessing to have this opportunity.
“We’ve done everything in the gym we had to. We’re ready. We’re steppers. That’s what we do. We step when it’s time to step.
“There are a lot of ups and downs in boxing and I’ve just stayed focused, stayed the course, stayed training, kept my head down and remained humble. Now I’m ready to get my title on Saturday night.
“Fans can expect me to leave everything in the ring and come out with that belt. Now is my time. I’m not worried about anything. I’m focused.”
ELIJAH GARCIA: “I feel good and I feel ready. I had more time to prepare and I know it’s gonna be a tough fight. We’re definitely ready.
“It’s a blessing to be on another big card. I trained hard and I feel like I earned it. I’m just taking it one step at a time.
“Hopefully by the end of the year I can call myself a world champion. That’s what I’m aiming for. Last year was great, but that’s in the past.”