“Fighting in front of a hometown crowd is exciting just like it is in any other sport. You have a home field advantage, a home court advantage and in boxing, you have home ring advantage.” – Lamont Peterson
Photo Credit: Delane Rouse
WASHINGTON, DC (October 15) – Two days before former world champion Lamont Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KOs) and Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz Jr.(17-0, 8 KOs) are set to enter the ring at EagleBank Arena at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, the fighters hosted a press conference at The Hamilton Live in downtown Washington, DC. The Saturday afternoon Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC event will air live with televised coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
The two co-main event fighters, rising star Prichard Colon(16-0, 13 KOs) and the undefeated Terrel Williams(14-0, 12 KOs)were also in attendance along with undercard fighters super lightweight contender Anthony Peterson (35-1, 23 KOs) and undefeated prospect Alantez Fox (16-0-1, 6 KOs).
Here’s what the fighters had to say just days before their October 17 showdowns:
LAMONT PETERSON
“I had a very healthy and productive training camp. I’m looking forward to this fight. I always look forward to fighting. I wish I could fight every month, I swear I do. But I understand it’s a business.
“I’m looking for a tough fight. I know he’s prepared. I did my homework on him though. I wish we could fight tonight…but I guess I can wait.
“It’s the best to fight in front of a hometown crowd. It’s the best for me, and it’s the best for my fans. It’s always great to walk to the ring and have those familiar faces in the crowd.
“Fighting in front of a hometown crowd is exciting just like it is in any other sport. You have home field advantage, home court advantage and in boxing, you have home ring advantage. I’m blessed to be fighting at home, and I’m blessed to be fighting again.
“It’s going to be really exciting to have my daughter at my fight for the first time. She’ll be at the weigh-in too, so I’m happy I can have here there with me.
FELIX DIAZ JR.
“I like the opportunity but the pressure is on Lamont fighting in his hometown. I don’t feel any pressure coming into his hometown.
“I don’t feel any pressure to keep my undefeated record because I trained to win. The Olympics were the most pressure I’ve ever felt and it was my proudest moment as a fighter and as a man. It’s one of my biggest achievements.
“After this fight, I want to spend time with my family and see Halloween for the first time in the United States. My kids are excited to dress up and I’m excited to eat the candy.”
PRICHARD COLON
“I had a great training camp in Puerto Rico for about four to five weeks. I recently just fought in September and I was in great condition. This fight is a great opportunity for me to be seen on national television.
“I always a look for the win. Looking for that ‘W,’ that’s how we work. If the knockout comes beautiful, I’m coming off of three knockouts in a row. I’m looking to add another one to my record.
“He’s a great opponent. He’s undefeated. I know he’s hungry. I’ve faced big fighters in my career in the amateurs. No worries he’s just another fighter and I know I’m going to be the one with my hand raised on Saturday.
“I want to make my own fighting style. I just want to be me. When I started my career I wanted to be like Tito Trinidad and Hector Camacho Sr. Those were my favorite fighters growing up, but now I want to make my own brand, and that’s what I’m going to do on Saturday.
“Everybody in the area come to EagleBank Arena Saturday. Doors open at 1 p.m. and if you cant make it, tune in on NBC at 4 p.m.“
TERREL WILLIAMS
“I’m ready to go. This is a huge opportunity for me. I know I have a lot of support with my family, friends and fans behind me.
“I have a tough task in front of me. Prichard is a great up and coming undefeated fighter, but I’m ready.
“This is the challenge that I’ve always dreamed. I’m ready to rock and roll on Saturday.
ANTHONY PETERSON
“Its fight time. Make sure you tune in. It’s going to be a great show.
“Boxing in DC definitely took a big turn in 2011 when Lamont kicked in the front door and beat Amir Khan. It was a big victory for the Headbangers and a big victory for the city. Boxing is definitely big in DC again with local fights in small venues and fights like we have Saturday night at EagleBank Arena.
“I feel very sharp. I’m ready to go. I haven’t been this focused in a long time.
“Lamont is more than a best friend. I can’t explain or describe it. I’m so excited my niece is going to come watch us fight for the first time. She’s my heart.”
ALANTEZ FOX
“It’s an honor and privilege to be on the same card as Lamont and Anthony Peterson. They are two hometown heroes that we have all looked up to in some form or another.
“I am still here to put on a show, but it is still an honor and a privilege to be on this card.”
BARRY HUNTER, Peterson’s Trainer
“This is what we do. Fighting has been a part of our lives for I don’t know how many years. I would like to thank Felix and his trainer. Felix is a good young man. He comes with a very good pedigree. I had a chance to hang out with them in Florida about a year or two ago and they treated us with respect and kindness.
“Fighting is what we do damn near all day everyday. It’s in the bloodline. Come Saturday, we look forward to a good fight. I don’t make predictions, but its going to be a great night for DC, and a great night for the DMV.”
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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $85, $65 and $40, plus applicable service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the EagleBank Arena box office, online at
www.ticketmaster.com and via Phonecharge at
1-800-745-3000. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling
703-993-3035. Please visit
www.eaglebankarena.com for more information.
