Yoenis Tellez vs Johan Gonzalez training camp quotes
Undefeated Cuban prospect Yoenis Tellez will step into the ring for the fifth time at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida as he looks to give his fans another spectacular performance when he faces the hard-hitting Johan Gonzalez in the co-main event of PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video action on Saturday, October 19.
“Ever since my first fight at Caribe, they’ve made me feel right at home,” said Tellez. “I consider Orlando my second home and I’m excited to fight there once again. Make sure you get your tickets, because it’s gonna be a blast on October 19.”
The 24-year-old Tellez (8-0, 6 KOs) burst onto the scene in July 2023, as he stepped in as a late replacement opponent to face veteran contender Sergio Garcia on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford pay-per-view undercard. Knowing he needed a memorable performance on a big stage, Tellez delivered in style by becoming the first person to stop Garcia when he ended the contest in round three.
“That was definitely the biggest moment of my career and I knew it going into the fight,” said Yoenis. “Even though I was stepping in on short notice, I knew I had to take full advantage of the opportunity. I was facing an experienced fighter, so I knew it was going to be tough. It was only my fifth fight, but I was prepared for anything that came my way.”
Since the Garcia fight, Tellez has added two victories to his ledger, fighting into the 10th round in each of them. Last December he capped his 2023 campaign with a 10th-round KO of Livan Navarro, before most recently winning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Joseph Jackson in April.
“I was able to show in my last two fights that I have the experience to fight deep into the later rounds,” said Tellez. “You can’t knock everyone out. Every round in there makes you better and I’ve been able to learn a lot my last two times in the ring.”
Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Tellez’s corner is led by famed trainer Ronnie Shields, with Tellez holding training camp at Shields’ gym in Stafford, Texas. In addition to what he’s added to Tellez’s game in the ring, Shields has been just as important l to Tellez’s growth outside of the ring.
“Ronnie has been vital for me as far as adapting to life in the U.S. and making the transition to fighting professionally at the highest level,” said Yoenis. “He’s taught me a lot about the business side of boxing and he’s taught me to be accountable and take responsibility for what I do both inside and outside of the ring.
“We’ve had a great training camp for this fight. The preparation is the same as it always is. We have a routine that suits me. That consistency has allowed me to prepare very well.”
Tellez will take on another experienced opponent on October 19 as he steps in against the heavy-handed Johan Gonzalez (35-3, 34 KOs). For Tellez, he believes the mindset he’s set forth in training camp will translate into success on fight night.
“I’m coming in there with a 100% positive mindset and determined to win,” said Tellez. “I don’t know how the fight will go, that remains to be seen. I just have to go out there and execute. I’ve seen some videos of Gonzalez and he’s definitely a good fighter. We’re prepared for him to bring his best.”
Still early in his career, Tellez already has his eyes set on reaching championship gold in the star-studded super welterweight division. With a win on October 19, he’ll move one step closer to the opportunities he seeks.
“I want to keep growing and maturing as a fighter and I know that whatever opportunities come to me, I’m going to go after them,” said Tellez. “I’m eager to fight for a championship and I’m ready to fight absolutely anybody. I trust my team to take care of putting those opponents in front of me. I’m ready to go through anyone who’s standing in my way.”