Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs David Avanesyan final press conference quotes
All quotes from the final press conference as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and David Avanesyan clash for Ennis’ IBF World Welterweight title at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday July 13, live worldwide on DAZN.
‘Boots’ Ennis joined Matchroom Boxing in April this year and makes his promotional debut against former WBA World champion ‘Ava’ trained by Carl Greaves in England.
Eddie Hearn: “This is a massive night of boxing as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis defends his IBF World Welterweight title against David Avanesyan here at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and live worldwide on DAZN – the global home of boxing.
“I can’t wait for Saturday night, the entire bottom tier is now sold out, it’s the biggest fight night in Philly since Marvin Hagler vs. Benny Briscoe some 45 years ago, as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Philadelphia’s own Boots Ennis will light up this place with a huge crowd, between 13 and 14,000, maybe even more expected.
“This city is littered with boxing history, it’s a great, great fight city, and now you have big time boxing back in Philadelphia and a young man that we believe can headline this place for many many years to come. Whatever you do, get yourself to the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday and I will promise you a night of boxing you will never forget.”
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis: “I can’t wait. It’s a blessing to be able to fight here and I’m ready to put on a show and look good doing it. Beat him up, break him down, get the stoppage, and have my fun.
“I feel that I am going to thrive here and put on a beautiful show. I’m fighting at home, I’m comfortable, I’m on the couch with my feet up, so it’s going to be a great show.
“The opponent switch doesn’t really mean anything to me, we have southpaws and orthodox in camp, pressure fighters, boxers, we do everything. We’re standing on business, I’m not going to go in there looking for the stoppage, but I’m going to have my fun, put on a show, but I’ll let the knockout come to me.
“It’s going to be turned up in here. Fireworks. It’s going to be lit up and I’m excited. You are going to see a beautiful show and I’m going to show the world and the 147lb division that I am the best.”
David Avanesyan: “I believe why I am here, God has given me the chance. I know he’s a good fighter, but I’m happy that he is, I only want to fight good fighters, that’s why I am here.
“I’ve fought Crawford, but that’s history. People that know boxing, know me. I’ve had many big fights, this is another good fight and a great chance for me, and I will give everything.”
Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis, trainer and father of Jaron Ennis: “We want him to come forward. Remember this, we fight inside and outside. Whatever he wants to do, we can do. If he wants to box around and move around, if he wants to fight, we can fight, simple as that. He’ll do what he always does, come straight at you. He’s a good fighter, I can’t take anything away from him, we’d rather fight him than Cody Crowley, because his resume is much stronger.
“It’s not going to go past four rounds. It might hit five, you never know. It all depends on how Boots feels, because we have fun when we box, that’s what we do.
“We’re really proud and it’s a great opportunity to fight here. We appreciate everything you have done for us, and you will see a beautiful show on Saturday night. Every time we come out it’s special, but no-one has taken Boots to another level yet, he’s got more stuff in his arsenal than people think. If David comes out with some good stuff, you’ll see Boots go to another level. I want to thank David and his team for taking the fight. He’s a real fighter.”
Carl Greaves, trainer of David Avanesyan: “We’ve only had four or five weeks’ notice, but one thing with David, he’s always in great shape, always training hard every day. I’m under no illusions that this is a tough task, Boots Ennis is a formidable champion and a great fighter, but on his day, David can beat anybody in the world and we’re expecting a great performance from David and a massive upset.
“There is no pressure on David or the team, he’s been in this position a few times, he’s been the challenger in most of his career and he’s upset some good fighters. He’s been in with one of the best in the world in Crawford, he’s been in hostile territory before, so this is not new to David, so don’t sleep on David because he’s ready for this fight, believe me.”
Jalil Hackett: “Allegedly I’ve been knocked out in sparring. Probably a lot of other stuff that allegedly happened. But one thing I know for sure is he got his ass whopped by Conor Benn back in February and he’s going to see on Saturday night.
“He’s a jumped-up journeyman. I can guarantee this fight won’t go the distance. I’m overly anxious and overly-excited. This is a knockout I’ve been preparing for my whole life. I’m going to show on Saturday. I’ll bring my best for you because this is the only chance you have of beating me. You are a hyped-up journeyman. I want you to be the same tough guy on Saturday.”
Pete Dobson: “I want thank God, Eddie Hearn, my team and everyone who got me here. I appreciate the opportunity and I’m going to do my best to make the most of it. I fell short last time but I’ll be ready to grasp this with both hands.
“It’s definitely too early for him. In boxing you move up in competition, every boxer has to do it, like Sugar Ray Leonard. It may be his team are chasing the money. I don’t know how they think he’s ready. I’ve seen on social media they saying they will knock me out. I’ve never been knocked out. He’s been knocked out in sparring with 16oz gloves. On Saturday night you’ll see what I’m talking about.
“Eddie, I’m excited for our future together and the big fights we got coming. New patient but it’s the same prescription. On Saturday night I will show everyone what I can do. I feel like I’m going out to stop him but I’m going to pull everything out of my bag. When I fought Conor Benn, I only had a five-week training camp. This time I’ve had a proper camp and I’m 100 per cent ready. You’ll see the real Pistol Pete Dobson and you’ll see me in bigger fights after this.
“He’s only 21 and he’s taken a lot of punishment. He looks like he’s been boxing for 40 years. Bro, Conor Benn would beat you. You’ve fought bums. I’m gonna show you what a real pro is. I’m a professional who has fought at the highest level. I’m way past you
“Tell your daddy you my son for the night. Shout out to your father for doing a good job raising you. But this is boxing and I’m going to f*** you up. Your dad is going to stop the fight, they are stepping you up too fast.”
Skye Nicolson: “I have a lot of respect for Dyana Vargas. I love that i’m being called out now and I don’t need to chase these big fights because they are coming to me. On Saturday night I’ll be more than ready. I was born for the big stage and the filled-out arenas, and I am going to put on a great performance for all the fans.”
Dyana Vargas: “First, I want to say thank very much for giving me the opportunity to fight for the World title. Any fighter would be happy and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. I think all the preparations. I’ve had over the years has been in search for an opportunity like this. I’m ready to perform on this stage because I feel like my best fights are coming.”
Khalil Coe: “I’m super excited for fight night in Philly. I’ve been training out here with Bozy and Boots for years. We’re going to keep steppin’. He’s excited until he gets in the ring. Everyone has a game plan until they get punched in the face.
“On Saturday, I will make a statement. The top 15 guys are definitely going to hear about me. It’s going to be crazy. We in Philly but it’s going to feel like New Jersey.”
Kwame Ritter: “I’m ready and feeling good. Thank you for the invite. I know I got called up last minute. But to be here in a fight city like Philly, this is it for me. Get ready everyone for an amazing show. I’m ready to test him. He’s a great fighter and I’m eager to get in there and make the best fights. I’m excited.”
Christian Carto: “I’m really excited. I want to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, and Bozy and Boots. I don’t have too much to say except I’m ready and excited to fight. I just want to keep winning, looking good and go on to bigger fights.”
Christoper Diaz: “First of all, I want to thank God, Eddie Hearn and my trainers. Man, I’m back. I’ve been tested at 135 and 130. I want to win the World title. Lamont Roach – I’m coming for you.
“On Saturday night I’m going to take care of business. I’m built for this. After this win big things are coming for me.”