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FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND ANDRE BERTO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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“HIGH STAKES: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO”
This Saturday, Sept. 12, Live on SHOWTIME PPV®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 9, 2015) – Floyd Mayweather and Andre Berto participatedin the finalpress conference for”HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto” on Wednesday at the David Copperfield Theatre at the MGM Grand ahead of their major showdown taking place thisSaturday, Sept. 12 live on SHOWTIME PPV(8 p.m. E/5 p.m. PT) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In what is expected to be the final fight of his illustrious 19-year career, boxing superstar and pound-for-pound king Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will put his undefeated record and WBC and WBA Welterweight World Championships on the line when he faces power-punching, two-time welterweight world champion Berto (30-3, 23 KOs). Three days before they meet in the ring, the two fighters and their camps were business-like and confident as they took their turns at the podium.
Here is what the fighters and executives had to say Wednesday:
 
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“We’ve been here so many times. I know talking doesn’t win fights. I know trainers don’t win fights. It comes down to the two competitors. I’m always prepared, physically and mentally. We have a remarkable game plan.
“I want to thank everyone that has covered this event and my career over 19 years. Whether it was a good story or a bad story, you guys wrote about me and kept me relevant. That’s how I was able to do record breaking numbers.
“Training camp was unbelievable, like always. I was asked if I’d be able to get in top condition after the Pacquaio fight and I absolutely did. No matter who I chose, the critics would have something to say.
“I know what it takes for a fight at this magnitude. No matter what anyone says, it comes down to the two competitors and I know what I can do. One thing I can do, I can fight.
“When we talk about landing the highest percentage, I’m that guy. When we talk about doing the highest gate or PPV, I’m that guy.
“I can’t say I’m going out 49-0 because you can’t overlook anyone.
“Every fight played a major key. It’s not just the intelligence; it’s the sharp mind, the good chin, the tremendous heart. I never overlooked an opponent. I trained for every fighter the same way, by pushing myself. I believe in my skills and I believe in my talent. I’ve been in there with the best, and the results are always the same.
“You have fighters that may be faster than me, there are fighters that may hit harder than me, you have fighters who are very athletic, but you don’t have a fighter who can make adjustments like me. You don’t have fighters that can be on my level mentally.
“It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. Everyone fights for what they fight for. My thing is this; I keep my eyes on the prize. I don’t focus on things outside the ring. I focus on the guy in front of me.
“You get to where you get to by staying focused. My dream was to be the best. No matter what happens Saturday, when it comes to boxing, I’m the best at this.
“Some guys wanted to rush me, well what’s plan B? Pacquiao could set traps for other fighters, but he couldn’t set traps for Floyd Mayweather. You need a plan A, a plan B and a plan C. I’ve never beaten a fighter with my plan A.
“Berto you’ve had a hell of a career. You’re a tough fighter and competitor. It’s obvious you’ve done something right. My thing is, just put guys in front of me, and we’ll rate him after they face me.
“To be in the sport of boxing and make upwards of $800 million, my team has done their job. I’ve never focused on things on the outside. I’ve never put anything before boxing. At 4:30 in the morning when my opponent is sleeping, I’m working. I don’t want to leave anything in this sport.
“No fighter in history has been in bigger fights than me. No fighter in history has beat more champions than I’ve beat. But it’s not over yet. I’m going to push myself.  I can go to places where no fighter can go mentally.
“The sport of boxing needs this. Berto is a tough, young, hungry fighter and that’s what we need to bring the best out of us. I’m going to come forward and be Floyd Mayweather. Trainers and fighters try to find ways to throw fighters off, but I know what to do when it’s all said and done.
“I want my legacy to be of a remarkable fighter inside the ring and a great businessman outside of it.
“We’re going for the knockout. I’m pretty sure he’s going for the knockout. It’s going to be something special.”
ANDRE BERTO
“It’s funny, when it comes to the media and critics. They’re not in that gym working and knowing the feeling of being a fighter. They don’t know the miles we run and the sacrifices that we have to make to become a world champion or come up to this level of fight.
“This camp has been intense. It has definitely taken me up to levels that I’ve never achieved. We’ve left no stone unturned, I’ve busted my ass for the last couple months.
“Anybody that steps in the ring, I have to respect. When it’s time to fight, I’m coming for my respect. Saturday night is going to be a good one I promise you.
“I’ve given my whole life to this sport. I’ve come in and I’ve entertained the people. That’s what I do. That’s why I came into this game. I’ve been counted out from day one coming from where I come from.
“I’m just coming for my respect. I’m coming for everything that I deserve.
“At the end of the day, I have to be able to take my game to a whole other level. Sometimes you need that opponent to get you to that point, and Floyd is the one.
“He has a great IQ, but one shot can change it all.
“You can be smart, you can be fast, but this is boxing.
“Floyd is sharp of course, but I have certain tools that I believe will make it a real difficult Saturday night. We’re going for the knockout. You definitely don’t want to miss it.
“This is huge for Haiti. The country of Haiti is just elated right now and Saturday night they will definitely be in the building. Saturday night will be historical for the country. This is the first time that an individual has been on this level to represent the country.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Father & Trainer
“I see a real fight on Saturday. Don’t get me wrong because I don’t know what’s going on but I really think Floyd is coming to fight.
“I know Berto’s coming to fight. One thing I’ve seen from Berto is that he has no defense – and he’s messing with a defensive whiz.
“I definitely think Floyd will trap him somewhere along the way.
“Floyd respects Berto and is not overlooking him, but he might just stop him, it’s very possible.”
VIRGIL HUNTER, Berto’s Trainer
“There are some things that a lot of people don’t understand. When you have two guys who were born in situations where they try to prove who the king of the school is, you get some real fights.
“I think about Joe Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila”, when people thought he was done, but he fought over his head. Does Andre Berto have that capability? Yes, of course he does. We see it all the time in sports. There are nights when it just happens. Andre Berto is going to take it over his head and that’s what he intends to do and what he has to do.
“We can’t match his IQ, but there are other elements that make a successful fight. There is something brewing in the air. I’ve been around a long time and I know when something is personal. You better tell your people to tune-in for this fight. Trust me; it’s going to be a rumble.
“I’ve seen Floyd’s Plan B. I’ve seen him go to war. I’ve seen him rumble with guys bigger than him. I’m not going to be swayed by his skill. This fight is going to be fought from way deep down.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We are thrilled that this fight night will be filled with high stakes matchups all night. We have a tremendous fight card. Of course, the main event has the highest stakes of them all as Andre Berto will be taking on the undefeated Floyd Mayweather.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
 “Six fights in 30 months. Floyd, they said you wouldn’t do it, they said you couldn’t do it and once again you proved them wrong. The first five fights yielded nearly 10 million PPV buys, $750 million in PPV receipts and it’s all led here to fight number six, fight number 49.
“19 years undefeated, 17 consecutive years as world champion, 16 consecutive opponents who are former or current champions. On Saturday night none of that matters. Andre Berto isn’t fighting a legacy or a record book or history, he’s fighting a man, and men can lose.
“The conventional wisdom is that Floyd is going to win this fight, but conventional wisdom said that the first Maidana fight would be easy for Floyd. It said Canelo would be Floyd’s toughest challenger and it said Pacquiao could beat Mayweather. It didn’t account for Hasim Rahman or Buster Douglas and it certainly won’t account for Andre Berto’s heart or desire to rewrite boxing history on Saturday night.
“Like you, I don’t know what will happen on Saturday night. I do know that Berto is more athletic than any fighter Floyd has fought recently. One thing I do know, it’s not going to be boring. When you have fighters like our entire PPV card has, it’s a night not to be missed.”
RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this championship fight between Mayweather and Berto that will kick off a sensational fall lineup of entertainment at MGM. We all look forward to history as Floyd looks to end his career at 49-0 and equal the record of Rocky Marciano that has stood since September 1955.
“We are pleased to welcome back Andre Berto. Berto will take on one of the sport’s greatest champions and there is no doubt he will be prepared for the challenge.”
BOB BENNETT, President of the Nevada State Athletic Comission
“There is no doubt that any commission in the world would be elated to have this fight, just like we are. We’re very appreciative of Floyd Mayweather for having this show in our backyard. The NSAC actually commissioned Floyd’s first fight 19 years ago and to date we have regulated 25 out of 49 of Floyd’s fights come this Saturday night when he tries to tie Rocky Marciano’s record.
“It’s been our honor and privilege to regulate these fights. Our officials spend a lot of time in training and we’re ready to go to work come Saturday night.”
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“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Tecate. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT). The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title.  The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves.The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland. The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncherJhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. The event will be available in Spanish through secondary audio programming (SAP).
Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown on the big screen in theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS STARS CHRIS PEARSON, RONALD GAVRIL, GERVONTA DAVIS & ASHLEY THEOPHANE FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

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Exciting Fights Precede HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto
Live on SHOWTIME PPV® at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2015) – Exciting stars from the Mayweather Promotions stable of fighters will fill out the action-packed day of undercard bouts on Saturday, September 12 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena preceding the SHOWTIME PPV event HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto.
Featured undercard action pits Chris “Young King” Pearson (12-0, 9 KOs) against Janks Trotter (9-1-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout, Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (13-1, 9 KOs) as he takes on Scott “Cujo” Sigmon (25-7-1, 14 KOs) in 10-rounds of super middleweight action and Ashley “Treasure” Theophane who will face Steve Upsher (25-4-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight attraction.
Further action will see undefeated 20-year-old prospect Gervonta Davis (11-0, 10 KOs) out of Baltimore taking on 23-year-old Mexican Guillermo Avila (14-4, 11 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight affair and the pro debut of Atlanta’s Trakwon Pettis against 22-year-old Devante Seay (0-0-1) of Martinsville, Virginia in a four-round super lightweight showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.comor www.ticketmaster.com.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in his last four fights. The 24-year-old looks to further prove his contender status when he takes on the powerful Trotter out of Alberta, Canada. The 31-year-old is coming off of back-to-back knockout victories in 2014.
A power-punching Romanian fighting out of Las Vegas, Gavril returns to the ring looking for his third straight victory. He scored decision victories in his last two bouts over Jessie Nicklow and Oscar Riojas and also owns knockout victories over Jose Berrio, Thomas Falowo and Tyrell Hendrix. The 29-year-old will square-off against Lynchburg, Virginia’s Simon on September 12. The 28-year-old is coming off of a June stoppage of Jonathan Reid.
An experienced contender from London but fighting out of Las Vegas, Theophane is looking to build on his current five-fight win streak when he enters the ring on September 12. The 35-year-old has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. He started his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mahonri Montes in April. He shares the ring with the 30-year-old Upsher who has challenged former world champions Andre Berto and Luis Collazo throughout his career. Fighting out of Philadelphia, he most recently defeated Alejandro Rodriguez in May and owns a victory over previously unbeaten Bayan Jargal.
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“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout. SHOWTIME “Countdown Live” begins 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with a 10-round super welterweight showdown between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Leonard Ellerbe       
I’d like to thank everyone for calling in today to hear the one and only Floyd “Money” Mayweather. But before we get to Floyd, I’d like to introduce the Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME, Stephen Espinoza, who’s going to make a few comments.
Stephen Espinoza    
Thanks very much Leonard. As most of you know, Episode 1 of ALL ACCESS “Mayweather vs. Berto” premiered last Friday. We had tremendous viewership numbers on the network for the premiere night. In fact, premiere night viewing of that episode was on par with the viewership for the premiere of “Inside Mayweather vs Pacquiao.”
So we’re very happy with the amount of attention that that ALL ACCESS is generating. If you haven’t seen it, it is available just on the SHOWTIME website, on the YouTube channel, and of course repeated across the network many times.
Episode 2 of ALL ACCESS “Mayweather vs. Berto” will air this Friday at 10:35 p.m. ET with a third episode premiering on Friday immediately preceding the weigh-in.
As we get into fight week, as usual SHOWTIME and CBS are supporting this fight across all platforms. We’ll be offering live streams of virtually every fight week event including both the press conferences for both the main event and the undercard, the weigh-in and Countdown Live on Saturday immediately preceding the pay-per-view which will include a live fight between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
SHOWTIME and CBS Sports Network are also airing classic fights from Floyd’s career, from Andre Berto, and the undercard fighters including might be the Fight of the Year this year, the first bout between Rocky Martinez and Orlando Salido. That’s available on SHOWTIME on Demand and CBS Sports Network. Leonard, take it away.
L. Ellerbe      
Okay thank you Stephen for those comments. We’re going to cut straight to the chase. I’d like to introduce none other than 12-time world champion, five different weight classes, Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
Floyd Mayweather
Hey everybody. Thank you Leonard. Thank you Kelly. Thank you Steve. Thanks everybody that’s on the line. I appreciate you guys covering me throughout the years. Let’s get on with the call.
Q
What are your thoughts on the athletes like Serena Williams in her pursuit of her record path as well as you on September 12?
F. Mayweather
I’m very pleased with Serena Williams. They say records are made to be broken. I’m just very proud of her and what she’s done during her career. She’s done some amazing things in her career. It’s just marvelous what she did. I’m behind her 100%. If she stays focused she can continue to break records.
Q
Both you and Serena are deep into your thirties, what does that say for the level of dedication that both of you guys have shown to your craft?
F. Mayweather         
Genetics. I think that the older you get, the harder you have to work. That’s what I’ve done. The older I get, the harder I work.
Q
Would you ever consider the winner of the Canelo-Cotto fight as your 50th opponent – as your 50th fight rather?
F. Mayweather
Are you just getting into the Floyd Mayweather business? You should know what I’ve done to Canelo, Pacquiao, and Cotto. So I’m through with them, why would I fight them in my 50th fight?
Q
I heard you just say, “Why would I fight one of them in my 50th fight?” which seems to sound like you think there will be a 50th fight. Are you having a change of heart on your retirement plans?
F. Mayweather
No. 49 is my last fight. Before you go on with a question, I want to thank you for a positive article that you wrote that someone brought to me.
Q        
Thank you. Are you having second thoughts because of your previous comment about there possibly being a 50th fight?
L. Ellerbe      
Like I’ve said and Floyd has said a number of times, this will be his last fight. Why can’t a man go out when he’s had an illustrious career, accomplished everything that he needs to accomplish and be done? And he’s done it his way.
Q
Are there any other things that you have in mind that you’d like to do in retirement?
F. Mayweather
Well we’ve got The Money Team music group. I’ve also been working for years on concert promotions. The Mayweather Music Group, we have several different artists that we’re working with.
We’ve got the Bad Medina makeup line. She is working on four or five different clothing stores. She already has one. She’s got the “Bad” Medina makeup line. We’re also working on my shoe line. Also watching my kids go through college. I think their school is very important.
Q
Do you think that you’ll get that itch to come back like the last time you retired and you’ll want to do it again? Is that something that you leave open the possibility of?
F. Mayweather
No I’m going to just push the limit for this fight and see what I can accomplish.
L. Ellerbe      
Let me touch on this.  Just over the last week I received three major movie offers. So we fully expect that Floyd could be heavily involved in the entertainment industry because this is what he does. As I said, I know for a fact that with the significant entertainment offers coming our way that it’s definitely something that is going to occupy a lot of his time.
Do you understand why that there are people that can’t imagine why you would leave the sport at the top of the game?
F. Mayweather
Well no one is in my shoes. My health is more important. If you stick around anything too long, anything can happen. I’m not really worried about losing, but I want to have a sharp mind. You can make a lot of money, but you still want to be able to talk, walk, and have a sharp mind.
Q
What do you think you’ll miss about boxing after you retire?
F. Mayweather
Really I’m still in the sport. I’ve got so many fighters, so there’s nothing that I’m going to really miss about the sport. I have fighters that I’m working with on a daily basis. There’s still going to be the next world champions coming from Mayweather Promotions. We got a lot of fighters. I think J’Leon Love is up next. So we’ll just see how everything plays out.
Q
Which of your opponents most resembles Berto, anyone you fought before?
F. Mayweather
I’m really not sure. After the fight is over you can ask me that question and then I can kind of enlighten you and let you know.
Q
Is there any one thing that you consider the greatest accomplishment of your career?
F. Mayweather
I think every fight played a major key. All 48 fights played a major key. Every fight, number 49 is extremely important also. Every fight was important in playing a major key in my career. One more though, my career’s not over it. You can never overlook anyone.
Q
Do you have any regrets from your career?
F. Mayweather
I regret not having Al Haymon from the beginning.
Q
Did anyone approach you about being the first to christen the new MGM Arena?
L. Ellerbe      
As always there’s a lot of speculation out there and I just want to clear that up. We have not been approached by MGM about anything as it relates to the opening of the arena. As I’ve said a number of times this will be Floyd’s last fight. MGM has significant plans with their opening of their arena and we have a great relationship with them and I’m sure whatever they come up with, it will turn out great.
Q
Is being an actor in some motion pictures something that you’d want to get into?
F. Mayweather
I’ve been approached on numerous occasions. But I’d rather be behind the scenes. I just feel like I had my time to shine in this world of boxing. But we never know what the future holds. Just keeping my fingers crossed and anything that comes my way then we’ll take full advantage of it.
Q
Are you surprised at all the criticism that your selection of Andre Berto has gotten for this fight?
F. Mayweather
I didn’t even know. All I do every day is I go to the gym, I train. I leave, I go eat, and go see shows on the strip, go to the movies, go bowling, go shopping. That’s really about it, and just being at home resting. It really don’t matter who I choose. They’re going to always criticize. That comes with the territory.
Q
Does it bother you, all the criticism that you can get about your career?
F. Mayweather
No. I don’t read it. I don’t know about it. I could care less. Nobody’s forced to watch. Watch if you want to watch. If you don’t want to watch, don’t watch. Write about it if you want to write about it. If you don’t want to write about it, don’t. I’m not saying if you write good or bad, just continue to write. Keeps me relevant.
Q
Is that another reason why you consider this your last fight? To not be criticized anymore?
L. Ellerbe
No, obviously the criticism that might be out there, that’s just negativity, people are entitled to have their opinion. What Floyd has been able to do with his career, he’s been able to do it his way. His way is being focused on what he has to do, the task at hand, and not worrying about what anybody else says.
Q
What’s the number of pay-per-view buys that would make this fight a big success for you personally?
F. Mayweather
The numbers will be what they are. Only thing I can do. I can’t say any particular number, but we’ll just have to see.
Q
How do you grade in a package this six-fight deal that you’ve done?
F. Mayweather
I just want to win and go out on top.
Q
If this is your last fight, what’s the significance of that number 49 on your way out?
F. Mayweather
Everybody and every fight played a major key and this is number 49.
Q
Do you feel like because Andre Berto has nothing to lose at the moment and everyone is counting him out, do you think that that makes him a more dangerous opponent?
F. Mayweather
Absolutely. He feels like he has nothing to lose, and I think that when you got a guy that’s put in that situation, it makes him work that much harder because he got a chance to be one of the top guys in the sport when I’m through.
It’s like they say in football, any given Sunday. I say any given Saturday, anything can happen. So I’m prepared. I’m prepared mentally and physically. I’m in top shape. I’m ready. I’m pretty sure he’s in top shape and he’s ready. But I’m not going to overlook him.
Q
Can you tell us how you’re staying focused and making sure all this other stuff doesn’t slow you down or cause you to overlook him?
F. Mayweather
I want to win just like he wants to win. I’m working out, I’m pushing myself every day. As I get older I’m working harder. Actually I think this camp I sparred a lot more, I pushed myself a lot more. This fight, I think I worked harder this fight than I did for the Pacquiao fight.
Q
Is your state of mind that this is going to be a more exciting fight for the fans because of the opponent that you chose?
F. Mayweather
Well, of course. It’s always about self-preservation, but I appreciate the fans. I do. I’m not Nostradamus but if you go look at an old interview, I talked about Pacquiao, what they were going to say, what they were going to do and how that fight was going to go.
Now you got to realize probably almost everybody on the phone chose Pacquiao. Everybody that said that throughout the years that I was a coward, I was scared, he couldn’t beat Pacquiao. They gave him this. They gave him so many accolades and he’s an all-time great.
But all these people had to eat their words. So if he’s an all-time great, then what does that make me? If they’re saying he’s the fighter of the century, what does that make me? So when they do rate me and when my fight is over, the only thing I can do is believe in myself and believe in my skills. I’m going to be The Best Ever till the day I die.
L. Ellerbe
I’d just like to thank everyone for calling in and we look forward to seeing everyone on fight week. It’s going to be an exciting week and we’re going to have a great night of fights come next Saturday night.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

“ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO” EPISODE 2 CLIP:

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“I’m ready to hang it up and spend time with my children….Most fighters that are retired didn’t have a choice.” – Floyd Mayweather

 

“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto” Episode 2

Premieres Tonight at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE to watch, share and embed this video: http://s.sho.com/1NSUBW5

 

Floyd Mayweather has been reflective on his career and place in history as he prepares for what is expected to be his final fight next Saturday against Andre Berto.  Check out this clip from the Sports Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS to hear Floyd’s thoughts on retirement and don’t miss Episode 2 of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto tonight at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

 

HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto – Saturday, September 12, LIVE on SHOWTIME PPV® From MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

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ABOUT “HIGH STAKES: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO”:

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA Welterweight World Titles takes placeSaturday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Tecate. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT). The co-main event will feature a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title.  The Martinez vs. Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first defense of the WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves. The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland. The first pay-per-view televised fight is a 10-round super featherweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. The event will be available in Spanish through secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

Tickets for the live event at MGM Grand are on sale now and are priced at $150, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 and $1,500.

 

Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown on the big screen in theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com

 

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Make your picks at ThrowdownFantasy.com For Upcoming fights featuring Mayweather-Berto

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Draft Fighters, Track Scores & Win!
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
NEW YORK (September 4, 2015) – Boxing’s newest way to back up fight predictions, as well as to earn bragging fights and cash winnings, is to register and play Throwdown Fantasy Boxing online at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com.
The upcoming game, highlighted by the Mayweather vs. Berto pay-per-view card, features five world title fights among the 11 matches (see below) for Sept. 11-12, showcasing nine reigning or past world champions in tremendous televised match-ups from three different North American sites.
“We are very excited to have another quality group of fights for our upcoming games,” Throwdown Fantasy Boxing founder Nic Canobbio said. “It’s always exciting when Floyd Mayweather fights and now fight fans have a way of making some real ‘Money’ by putting their boxing knowledge to the test.”
There are three easy ways to play: 1.  Using the $25,000 salary cap, five fighters from the game group are selected; 2. Scoring may be tracked in real time, earning points for wins, knockouts and CompuBox statistics, 3. Scoring the most points wins. Most games last a week and each has multiple winners.
Fighters receive points based for how they perform, rewarding each style of boxing, and CompuBox fight statistics are available for research atwww.ThrowdownFantasy.com.
This weekend’s action kicks-off Friday night at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto with the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series on Spike TV, headlined by a 12-round world light heavyweight title fight between defending WBC World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (26-1, 21 KOs) and upset-minded challenger Tommy “Kryptonite” Karpency (25-4-1, 14 KOs).
Also The Ring magazine and lineal 175-pound champion, Haiti-native Stevenson is a Canadian fan favorite who lives in Montreal.  Karpency, fighting out of Adah, Pennsylvania, hopes to parlay his stunning upset by decision last October of “Bad” Chad Dawson, who, ironically, Stevenson defeated in 2013 by first-round knockout to originally capture his world title belt.  In the 10-round co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence (17-0, 14 KOs) – recognized as the future of the welterweight division – faces the toughest test of his young professional career, South African invader Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs).
On the same night at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, two-time Mexican OlympianOscar Valdez (17-0, 14 KOs) faces challenger Chris “The Hitman” Avalos (26-3, 19 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
Headlining on the live truTV broadcast, Valdez is in the latest wave of standout Mexican fighters, while Lancaster, California’s Avalos has an experience advantage having fought Chris Frampton for a world title earlier this year in a losing effort.  The 10-round co-feature showcases sons of famous former boxers as defending USBA junior middleweight champion Jesse Hart (17-0, 14 KOs), of Philadelphia, puts his crown on the line versus Aaron Pryor, Jr. (19-8-1, 12 KOs), of Cincinnati.  Hart is trained by Philly great, “Cyclone” Hart, while Pryor is the son of Hall-of-FamerAaron “Hawk Pryor.
Saturday afternoon switches to Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut with PBC on NBC.  In the 10-round main event against Australian middleweight Michael “Pretty Boy” Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs), former WBO middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) risks a planned All-Brooklyn title fight this December against  WBA “regular” championDaniel Jacobs.
Quillin has everything to lose and Zerafa, who will be making his U.S. pro debut, is all in with nothing to lose.  Ageless IBF junior middleweight champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs), of Detroit, defends his title against favored No. 1 contender Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs), of Houston, in the 12-round co-feature.
The weekend concludes Saturday night at MGM Grand in Las Vegas with an explosive Showtime PPV card, featuring three world title fights in the four-fight Throwdown Fantasy Boxing group.
WBC and WBA super welterweight champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. (48-0, 26 KOs) faces two-time world welterweight champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) in the 12-round headliner, which Mayweather claims will be the last of his incredible career.
Mayweather, fighting once again at home in Las Vegas, with a victory will tie the late, great Rocky Marciano for the greatest record upon retirement.  Whether or not Mayweather will come back to break the record remains debatable, but 2004 Haitian Olympian Berto, who fights out of Winter Haven, Florida, vows to silence his many critics.
WBC super featherweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) defends his title belt in a Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry fight, respectively, against the same opponent he took it from, five-time, two division world champion Orlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs) in a potential war that isn’t expected to last the full 12 rounds like their first fight did this past April.
Former IBF junior middleweight champion and Las Vegas native, Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (27-7, 12 KOs), and 2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (21-2, 16 KOs) square off in an interesting 10-round bout.  Smith starred in the original The Contenders reality television show, while the Armenian-born, Glendale, California resident Martirosyan is a past world title challenger.
Rounding out this week’s Game Group fights is a 10-round super featherweight throwdown between three-time, two-division world champion Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs), the Mexican knockout artist, and Puerto Rican Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) in another powerful ethnic rivalry match up.
 
 (respective salary amount listed in parenthesis)
Adonis Stevenson ($6,000)                       vs.               Tommy Karpency ($3,900)
Errol Spence ($5,300)                                                 Chris Van Heerden ($4,600)
Oscar Valdez ($5,500)                                                          Chris Avalos ($4,300)
Jesse Hart ($6,000)                                                          Aaron Pryor, Jr. ($3,800)
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. ($5,900)                                             Andre Berto ( $4,100)
Roman Martinez ($5,000)                                                   Orlando Salito ($4,600)
Ishe Smith ($4,500)                                                     Vanes Martirosyan ($4,800)
Badou Jack ($4,900)                                                         George Groves ($4,800)
Jhonny Gonzalez ($4,900)                                          Jonathan Oquendo ($4,300)
Peter Quillin ($5,100)                                                         Michael Zerafa ($4,500)
Cornelius Bundrage ($4,600)                                             Jermall Charlo ($5,300)
New players who sign up now receive FREE entry into Throwdown Fantasy Boxing’s monthly Freeroll game.  Throwdown Fantasy also provides a $250 free roll that players may enter using Throwdown Points (3 free entire upon registration) and $25.00 free game. Signing up and playing is free. People have the opportunity to register and play for free and then move onto paid games.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

ANDRE BERTO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Leonard Ellerbe
I’d like to thank everyone for calling in today to hear from our main event fighter, Andre Berto who will be fighting Floyd “Money” Mayweather Saturday, September the 12th.
HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and it’ll be shown live on SHOWTIME PPV. Just a reminder, the PPV broadcast will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.  Our event is sponsored by Tecate, we still have tickets on sale at the MGM now and tickets are priced at $150, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 and $1,500.
Mayweather vs. Berto will be shown live in select movie theaters all across the country with our partners at Fathom Events Tickets and they’re on sale now at FathomEvents.com
The main event features Floyd “Money” Mayweather, he’ll be fighting Andre Berto, who is on our call today, in a high stakes matchup that will definitely be Floyd’s last and Berto will have the chance to finally put an end to Floyd’s undefeated record.
Our co-main event will feature a very exciting WBO Junior Lightweight Title fight between Roman “Rocky” Martinez and Orlando Salido. This is a rematch of their fight of the year from this past April.
The Martinez vs. Salido fight is followed by Mayweathers Promotions’ own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first title defense of his 168-pound world title. He’ll be fighting George Groves out of the UK. The Jack vs. Groves fight is presented in association with Team Sauerland.
As I announced last week the first PPV televised opener is a 10-round Junior Lightweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez and he’ll be fighting Puerto Rico’s own Jonathan Oquendo.
Then next up I’d like to introduce the man of the hour, former two-time world champion out of Winter Haven, Florida, he’ll be representing his country, Haiti, and he’ll be looking to upset Floyd come Saturday, September the 12. He’ll use his power that in my eyes makes this a very exciting fight because as you all know Berto’s never in a boring fight. So here he is, none other than Andre Berto himself.
Andre Berto
Hello. What’s going on? I’m still at camp now, we’ve had a tremendous camp, a long camp and probably one of the best camps that I have ever been a part of. I am probably in the best shape that I have ever been in so I’m just looking forward to next Saturday.
 
Q
Everyone agrees that in order to beat Floyd you have to be able to cut off the ring on him. How have you been working on to do that?
A. Berto
You know we’ve been working on a lot of different tactics, we work with a lot of different sparring partners as well. I’m just working just a lot of different things. Floyd, he’s a very knowledgeable fighter and fighting in the squared circle and you’d have to know how to incorporate a lot of different things and if it’s cutting the ring off or even if it’s fighting in the middle of the ring, you just have to be ready for anything.
Q
How is your approach to Floyd going to be different from other opponents?
A. Berto
I think my combination of speed and power that I bring to the table and at same time I believe I have the athletic ability to keep up with Floyd as well.
I believe that’s one thing with him, that has served him well throughout the years, is he has skill, he has speed but, but he has aerobic and athletic ability to get out of the way of punches, be able to move his feet, and just do a lot of the different things that make it very difficult on guys that are just straight up and down as he likes to say.
Q
Andre how do you think a win against Floyd Mayweather would change your life?
A. Berto
It’ll be something huge. Not just for me but for the sport. Floyd, he has been an icon for some time now and now you know he’s on his way to try to actually match a record.
So for me being the young hungry fighter coming in, taking that away from him would be huge and that’s the mindset.
Q
Andre are you, are you surprised by all the criticism that your selection as Floyd’s opponent has caused?
A. Berto
No I mean I believe right now anybody in this position would get a nice bit of criticism, especially coming off of Floyd beating Pacquiao. As a fighter you have to prepare yourself for it. So I prepare my mind and body. I prepare myself for it and you can’t go into the situation thinking about the critics.
The critics talking that way, they’re not in the gym training with us. They do something completely different than what we do. We’re fighters and we’re able to do things that these critics can’t do, so I don’t get affected by the critics.
Q
Do you think that Floyd might be looking past you at all in this fight? Based off some of the things we saw on “ALL ACCESS.”
A. Berto
I haven’t even watched the “ALL ACCESS” show. I’ve just been dialed in doing what we’re supposed to be doing and I don’t need to be caught up in all that, and I don’t need to be caught up in all the hoopla and all the crazy stuff.
At the end of the day, this right here is a huge opportunity for me. I don’t want to get caught up and caught off guard just by all the extra stuff or the media. I’m dialed in and, and I’m on a mission. The whole team’s just focused on one thing.
Q
What areas has Virgil Hunter made you a better fighter and when you look back on the decision why was it the right one?
A. Berto
Virgil Hunter is just a very technical trainer, my previous trainer he did a great job and he got me the world title, I just thought that you needed something different.
I just needed another small piece to the puzzle. There was a reason why I took certain losses to some guys that I knew I shouldn’t have. I should’ve got myself out of situations but I just didn’t know.
I hadn’t been in the gym when it feels like you’re in school every day. I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge and technical IQ.
Q
In getting you ready for this fight have you prepared dramatically differently than you had in the three other fights that Virgil has worked with you on?
A. Berto
Yes, this is a different fight, different fighter, so it’s a completely different type of camp, a very intense camp. The main thing is just staying focused on the goal. Just not veering off and getting involved in anything else.
Q
How much input did you have in the game plan or was it mostly Virgil saying here’s what you need to do to win this fight?
A. Berto
Yeah I had some input because Floyd is a guy I’ve known for a long time. He’s the guy that I’ve watched for a very long time so you know I know is style very well.
So certain things I can go in the ring, and mimic certain things that he does. So me and Virgil, we definitely bounce off a lot of different ideas and he watches a lot of tape and we just put it together.
Q
Leonard I have a question just regarding the tickets, there are still tickets available. Approximately how many tickets are available?
L. Ellerbe
I haven’t read my report today, but I don’t see why that would be a concern.
Q
Can you talk about what happened in the Guerrero and Soto Karass fights and the criticism that comes because of the losses?
A. Berto
I don’t ever really care too much about people who are hating on my situation. I’ve had haters since I was in middle school. They’re going to be around you.
I don’t care too much about criticism and all that but with the Guerrero fight I took some thumbs in the eye. In, the second and third round both of my eyes closed up on me and I never been in that type of situation before, I’ve never had to encounter anything like that before. But I never thought about stopping.
I let him just walk me back to the ropes because that’s the only way I knew that he was in front of me to hit because I couldn’t see him. I threw upper cuts and I hit him with certain shots and the only way I could know that I hit him with a good shot was if I could hear the crowd.
It was just real freaky little stuff that was just happening and I just didn’t understand. I never got poked in my eye before, not even training, not even fighting and sparring whatever, and I used to hear about how bad it could be but to get poked in both of your eyes, it’s crazy.
The Soto Karass fight same thing, my shoulder popped out and I slightly tore it the week before the fight but I fought with injuries plenty of other times and I didn’t know how bad it can get, I didn’t think it was too bad, I thought it probably a torn muscle in there or something small.
I hit him solid for the first time in that second round and that shoulder, it just went and it just tore it all apart and I kept fighting.
I kept fighting, I kept throwing it and every time I threw it I, it would hurt to hell, I’d yell out or the referee would see me making a sound and you know Karass would see that my shoulder’s hurt and I didn’t want to stop, I still thought I could’ve beat him with the left hand.
That’s just my situation and I can’t really explain it. Those are guys I should have beat, but some things are out of your control.
Q
Should we expect to see you try to pressure him, particularly in the early going?
A. Berto
I don’t fight like Maidana, I don’t fight like Castillo, I’m a different fighter, I don’t have that type of style. Maidana, his style works for him, he’s very reckless and, not too much speed, a lot of power and he comes from every angle. That’s not me.
Castillo same thing, you get a classic Mexican fighter that walks to you and gives you lefts and swings and that’s not me as a fighter. I’m saying I’m fast, I got power, and then I can move my feet, I can do a lot more as well.
I believe I can apply pressure and box and both will be effective for me.
Q
I know you really can’t let it consume you or anything but when you see the odds in this fight how do you not take that personally and now allow that to effect you?
A. Berto
I don’t know even know what the odds are. I’m over here training for a full fight to make this a war. I don’t take time out of my day to sit down and look at the odds and see what other people think. If that was the case I shouldn’t have made it out of where I came from because making it out of there is slim to none.
I didn’t go by those odds either and the same thing in this situation. Where my people come from is a lot worse than anything in that ring. I just train hard, ride hard and I just push it to the limit, that’s it.
Q
Why will you beat Floyd Mayweather?
A. Berto
End of the day it’s what I believe and what my team believes. We do put in work, we have the ability to come out victorious September 12th and, and that’s the only confirmation that we need.
I have that rare combination of speed and power and I’m in incredible shape. I’m younger, I’m hungry and it’s a great recipe for victory.
Q
Andre have you noticed any slippage in Floyd, it doesn’t look like it to most of us but have you noticed any slippage in him at all or no?
A. Berto
There’s definitely been some slippage throughout the years, the last couple fights but like I said he’s one of those guys doesn’t abuse his body.
He’s always going to respect his sport so if you respect the sport the sport’s going to respect you. He hasn’t really been taking too much of a toll in the ring and he hasn’t really abused himself outside the ring.
He’s going to stay as sharp as he’s been the last few years but you can be as sharp as you are but all it only takes is one single moment you know for somebody to capitalize on it.
Q
When you first hooked up with Virgil Hunter what was your time frame or when you expected to be back on this stage?
A. Berto
We didn’t really have a timeframe, I was just excited to be in a new team and with a new coach and just to learn new things and, and to be able to use the new things you see to reach your full effectiveness in the ring.
Q
When you took the fight with Josesito Lopez earlier this year was the expectation that with the win would come a big fight?
A. Berto
I just take it one fight at a time, so I didn’t know what would come after this fight, after the Josesito fight. I don’t know what the situation was but I know I had situations lined up for me.
I was just excited just to be back in the mix man, at the end of the day to be realistic I was just happy to be able to come back from this injury and to be able to come back in and be focused and put on some good exciting performances.
It didn’t really matter who was next but this is a blessing for sure.
K. Swanson
Andre, final comments?
A. Berto
I want to thank everybody for being on the call. Thank you for all your comments and it’s going to be an exciting weekend next weekend. You want to definitely come see a great display of speed, power and skill. You’re set for an exciting stage for everybody tuning in on PPV or definitely come out to Vegas and check out the show.
Maybe after the fight Leonard can take me to where he shops and get his suits so I can catch a ride and get fresh like this cat and you know we’ll have a good time.
K. Swanson
Make sure we’re going to put that in the transcript too okay? All right. Thanks everybody. We will see you next week if you’re coming to the fight and watch out for your fight week schedule.
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight
world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

ROMAN MARTINEZ AND JONATHAN OQUENDO PUERTO RICO MEDIA DAY QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Description: 9-12 High Stakes LH

 

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Credit: Angel Vazquez/PR Best Boxing Promotions

 

DORADO, PR (Sept. 1, 2015) – WBO Junior Lightweight Champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) and WBO/IBF featherweight world-ranked Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) worked out for the press in Puerto Rico on  Monday, Aug, 31 in advance of their SHOWTIME PPV® fights against former world champions Orlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs) and Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs), respectively. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas highlighted by HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto.

 

Martinez and Oquendo worked before the media at the Dorado Municipal Gym in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Both fighters completed a full training session with their respective trainers Raul Torres and Dennis Pantojas.

 

This is what the fighters had to say during Monday’s workout:

 

Román “Rocky” Martínez

“I’m preparing for a big fight on September 12. Everyone saw that the first fight against Salido was a true ‘War.’ This time around, I’m planning to give my fans the same type of fight. I predict a non-stop action slugfest.

 

“My team and I are working and have been working really hard in training camp. I believe that we are doing everything that needs to be done. I’m in the best shape of my career and I’m planning to win once again, either by knockout or decision, but I’ll win.

 

“We have worked more on side-to-side and in-and-out movement. If I see him hurt early I’m going to finish him.”

 

Raul Torres, Martinez’s Trainer

“Rocky is a 100 percent prepared for [Orlando] Salido. I have no doubt that we will emerge victorious once again.

 

“[Orlando] Salido is a fighter that likes to go forward. He stands in front of you and he goes at it. He’s tough, but we are tougher. We are ready.”

 

Jonathan Oquendo

“This is very important fight for me.  This is my opportunity to put myself in the world title landscape. I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away from me.

 

“Jhonny Gonzalez is a veteran of 60 fights, so you can’t take him lightly. Preparation is key.

 

“This will be the first fight at 130 pounds for me and I can say that the training camp has been very good, better than expected.

 

“I’m feeling strong. I think this is a good weight for me, I’m comfortable because I don’t have to lose much weight and can train better.”

 

Dennis Pantojas, Oquendo’s trainer

“We have had a very good training camp. Jonathan [Oquendo] has not had any problems and he’s right on weight that we want.

 

“I see Jonathan [Oquendo] more focused and stronger than ever. We are not only hitting the gym, we are also swimming a lot and that has helped him lots. “

 

# # #

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features aWBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido, which is promoted in association with PR Best Boxing.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

ANDRE BERTO LOS ANGELES WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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BERTO JOINED BY GEORGE GROVES & JHONNY GONZALEZ
AS THEY PREPARE FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE SHOWDOWNS
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV
AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
 
Click HERE For Photos From Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/ Mayweather Promotions
 
ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO
Premieres Tonight, Aug. 28 on SHOWTIME®  At 10:30pm ET/PT

Click On The Link Below To Watch Episode 1 Preview
 
LOS ANGELES – (Aug. 28, 2015) – Two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) participated in a media workout at the J.W. Marriott at L.A. Live as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Berto looked focused and in great shape, jumping rope and shadowboxing, as he looks to become the first fighter to defeat 12-time world championFloyd “Money” Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs), on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME PPV® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).
 
In addition to Berto, top 168-pound contender George Groves and former three-time world championJhonny Gonzalez participated in the media workout as they prepare for their respective fights on theSHOWTIME PPV broadcast.
The training session was hosted by TV & CBS Radio personality Big Tigger and Emmy® Award-winning sports reporter Mark Kriegel and streamed in high definition across multiple platforms, including via satellite feed, YouTube and social media.
Promoted by Mayweather Promotions, the Sept. 12 four-fight pay-per-view telecast will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the sixth and final fight of a record-breaking deal between Mayweather and Showtime Networks Inc. SHOWTIME Sports® will support the event with the Sports Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS.
In world championship fights on the pay-per-view telecast, Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Lightweight title in a rematch against four-time world championOrlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs), and Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make the initial defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs). The opening fight of the telecast will feature former three-time world champion and Mexican power-puncher Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs) against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight scrap.
Plus, former 154-pound world champion Ishe Smith (27-7, 12 KOs) will be opposed by longtime top-five contender Vanes Martirosyan (35-2-1, 21 KOs) in the 90-minute COUNTDOWN LIVE: MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO” preshow on Saturday, September 12.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
What Berto, Berto’s trainer, Virgil Hunter, George Groves, Jhonny Gonzalez and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe said Friday:
 
Andre Berto
“From an energy aspect I feel great. It’s my first time in a while coming into a fight with no injuries. This is the healthiest I’ve been since I can remember.
“At the end of the day, this fight was supposed to happen two or three times. Situations with me not taking care of myself and not taking opponents seriously caused it to happen. But styles make fights and we’ll see what the boxing fans say Sept. 12.
“I know that I’m still the same guy who people thought could have given Floyd problems a couple years ago.
“Victor Ortiz and Robert Guerrero both got fights with Floyd because they beat me. There must be something to that. They said ‘if he did something to Berto, he should get a shot at Floyd.'”
“We’re here. It’s my time to see him. He can have his ‘MayVinci’ code because we put in the work. The whole team is confident. I’m going to do what I do.
“We worked on a lot of different things at camp. I have the speed to keep up with him. I have more power.
“The thing with Floyd is, most guys he fights aren’t as athletic as he is. But I am.
“If you come at Floyd fast but don’t have a plan and don’t have good footwork, it’s too easy for him. If you have a guy that’s as athletic as him, it gives him problems.
“There is a lot more to me than just walking guys down. I have speed, I have power, I have a crazy uppercut, I can move to the side. There are a lot of ways I can get it done.
“I’m not going to watch his sparring. I don’t want to watch him driving his cars, none of that. I want to see him Sept. 12.
“This is my first time going into a fight without all the pressure on my back. I’ve always been the favorite in every fight. I don’t know what he’s feeling and I don’t really have to care about it.
“It’s a different mindset. Coming from where I come from, we always had to defeat the odds. We didn’t have what other people had. We had to work twice as hard for everything. To be noticed to be seen. Even back then it drove me to be the best that I can be. I wanted everyone to know I was somebody you had to watch.
“I’ve faced these odds my whole life. I was discounted two years ago when I was laying in the hospital. I’m constantly envisioning victory.
“All the hard work we’re putting in, it’ll all pay off fight night. It’s not just for me. I’ve been through doing things for me. I see what’s real now.
“I’ve prepared myself mentally to be in this position. People can say whatever they want. We’re focused.
“This is going to be for everyone who believes in the underdog.”
Virgil Hunter
“We have a unique opportunity right in front of us. We have a chance at history and to cement a legacy for my fighter (Berto).
“What is the key to winning this fight? (Berto) has got to want to win. He has to want it more. He holds the keys in his hand. You can plan as much as you want for tomorrow, but we don’t know whattomorrow will bring. We can only prepare.
“If (Berto) wins this fight, you’ll see me jumping up and down and it will be hard to compose myself. I’m usually pretty composed, but you might see me jump up and fall out of the ring and hit my head or something.
“No matter what happens, Floyd will always be considered one of the best ever. Win or lose, his legacy is cemented.
“There are similarities between Floyd and Andre Ward. They both started boxing as young boys, and were Olympians and are undefeated. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with being undefeated and they both have faced that.
“It’s not fair to the fight game to say this is a free shot and to go in there and say we have nothing to lose. We have everything to lose.”
George Groves
“Training camp has been going great. We’re fully acclimated to the time change and altitude. We’re performing very well in the gym and fulfilling the plan. I’m ready to rock.
“We’ve trained in the U.S. before. Last year we came over to spar with Gennady Golovkin. This time we’re out there for much longer and it has been very successful.
“I like training in the altitude and I expect it to help me on fight night. We got used to it over the weeks of camp and now it’s time to bring the extra energy to the ring.
“I’m fully immersed in this fight with Badou Jack. Everyone wants to know about the future plans, but I leave that up to the promoters. My main concern is winning that WBC belt.
“I carry power. I have good hands and foot speed. I can control the fight from anywhere. The mistakes that Badou Jack makes, I will take advantage of.
“I want to announce myself as the best fighter in the division and I’m planning on doing that Sept. 12. There won’t be any question marks. After I win this fight, I’ll have proof.
“I’m a valuable commodity in the UK and it’s about time I started building my brand in the states. This is a huge opportunity being on the Mayweather card. The undercard will not be overlooked this night.
“Every fight is more important than the last. It doesn’t matter who you fight, it can affect you in a big way. I have a style that will naturally engage with the fans. People like to see me fight. I look to take the opponent out and that will be the same on Sept. 12.
“Once Badou Jack leaves an opening, I will take it. I plan to look very good doing so.”
Jhonny Gonzalez
“I feel great. I’ve been preparing at the gym a lot and I feel very good about this fight.
“I am ready to win in this division and compete for a world title right away.
“I am fighting so quickly after my last victory because I am very confident. I want to stay active. I want to gain what I had before the loss to [Gary] Russell. I’m moving forward.
“I know that my opponent is a strong fighter. He’s going to throw a lot of punches but I’m going to bring it right back at him hard.
“Being on the Mayweather card is a blessing. I’m excited to be in Las Vegas with the whole world watching.
“I’m honored to be fighting on the Mexican Independence weekend. I’m ready to represent for my Mexican people. I’m going to leave everything in the ring.
“What I want out of this fight, is an opportunity to win a world title. This is why I train so hard, to win world titles and fight in big fights.
“I believe in my power punches. I’m intelligent on the inside and the outside. I believe in myself as a fighter and that is why I’ll win.”
Leonard Ellerbe
“I think Floyd shocked everyone by sparring on his media day on Wednesday. It wasn’t planned. You just never know what you’re going to get at any Mayweather event. He’s always going to do something to attract attention and put on a show.
“There’s no fear in Virgil (Berto’s trainer) or Andre checking it out and finding something that they can use against Floyd. Virgil is an excellent trainer and they will be prepared for everything for this fight.
“Everything is right on track with the promotion. Doing a media workout like this is very important to keep the publicity up and to market the event and let the fighters interact with the fans. We have a tremendous undercard on Sept. 12
“The SHOWTIME All Access episodes have been excellent and are getting the fans and media excited for this fight.”
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.
 “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto” Episode 1 premieres this Friday, Aug. 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

“ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO” EPISODE 1 CLIP LIFT: FLOYD MAYWEATHER PLAYS BASKETBALL WITH BOSTON CELTICS POINT GUARD ISAIAH THOMAS

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“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto” Episode 1

Premieres Tomorrow/Friday, August 28 At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE to watch, share and embed this video: http://s.sho.com/1KaltQB

 

Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas didn’t ease up on boxing’s pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather when the two squared off on the basketball court.  Check out this clip lift from Episode 1 of the Sports Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESSto watch Mayweather take a break from training as he prepares for what is expected to be the final fight of his career on Saturday, September 12 against Andre Berto.

 

“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto” Episode 1 premieres this Friday, August 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME, immediately prior to a live presentation of ShoBox: The New Generation.  HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto – Saturday, September 12, LIVE on SHOWTIME PPV® From MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

# # #

 

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

ROMAN MARTINEZ, ORLANDO SALIDO, JHONNY GONZALEZ & JONATHAN OQUENDO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Click HERE For MP3
Kelly Swanson
Thanks everybody for calling in. We appreciate it. We know it’s a busy week, but we wanted to kick it off with this conference call and on the line today we have two bouts from the HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. BertoPay-Per-View undercard, taking place Saturday, September 12.
The two bouts that we’re talking about today are Jhonny Gonzalez versus Jonathan Oquendo and also Roman Martinez versus Orlando Salido, in their rematch. We’re going to start with Gonzalez and Oquendo and then we will move into the Martinez-Salido portion of the call. To make the introductions and MC the call I’d like to introduce Leonard Ellerbe, Chief Executive Officer of Mayweather Promotions.
Leonard Ellerbe
Thank you Kelly. I’d like to thank everyone for calling in to our first of two conference calls. It’s exciting to present these great fights on the Pay-Per-View televised portion of the Mayweather versus Berto event. This call is extremely special because we have not only one, but two classics – Mexico versus Puerto Rico matchups which we’ll be discussing. Before we get into the fight details and fighters I’d like to introduce Chris DeBlasio, he’s the Vice President of Sports Communications for SHOWTIME.
Chris DeBlasio
Thank you to all the press for getting on and Kelly for setting this up. I won’t take much of your time. I know you want to hear from the fighters today, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t share some of the exciting programming that we have coming up. As Leonard mentioned, the two fights that we’re going to talk about today are special in the classic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico and we do expect this to be a very exciting and fun undercard. So we’re excited to get to it.
As such, SHOWTIME Sports, in keeping with our tradition with the Mayweather events that we have been fortunate enough to work with Mayweather Promotions since 2013, we have a strong lineup of programming that comes in advance of the Pay-Per-View. The lynchpin of that is, of course, our Sports Emmy Award winning “ALL ACCESS” series.
We will premiere the first of a four episode series this Friday, August 28, on SHOWTIME. That is chronicling Mayweather and Berto as they prepare for the main event on September 12. In addition we have the first fight of Orlando Salido versus Rocky Martinez from April of this year.  We believe many of you have already called this a leading candidate for fight of the year for 2015. That first fight in its entirety is airing on SHOWTIME EXTREME. It airs on the CBS Sports Network, our sister cable television network. It is also available in full on the internet. If you haven’t seen that fight or you want to relive some of the excitement or share with your readers and viewers, please do. That fight was excellent and we expect a great one in the rematch as well.
Our typical compliment of programming during fight week will be available as expected and as you’ve seen before from SHOWTIME in partnership with Mayweather Promotion. You’ll see a main event press conference streaming live on Wednesday of fight week. The undercard press conference we will also stream live that week. Weigh-in Live on Friday will air on SHOWTIME network, on CBS Sports Network and on many other platforms, including the internet.
We also have a very special “COUNTDOWN LIVE” on Saturday, September 12. COUNTDOWN LIVE is going to be a 90-minute show on SHOWTIME leading up to the Pay-Per-View. That’s going to include a live 10-round fight between Mayweather Promotions’ Ishe Smith in a super welterweight bought against Vanes Martirosyan. So lots of great programing coming up.
I know you guys have lots of other live action to cover as well. So I’m not going to take up any more of your time. I wish you luck and thanks for the time.
L. Ellerbe
Okay, thank you Chris. Mayweather versus Berto is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and as Chris mentioned it will be live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View. Just a reminder the Pay-Per-View telecast will start at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET. This event will be sponsored by Tecate.
Also, just a reminder tickets are on sale now at the MGM Grand and the ticket prices are $150, $300, $500, $750, $1000 and $1500. Mayweather versus Berto will be shown live in select movie theaters all across the country with our partners Fathom Events. Tickets are on sale now at www.fathomevents.com. In the main event, obviously, you have Floyd “Money” Mayweather versus hard hitting former champ Andre Berto. In the co-main event we have WBO Junior lightweight title fight between Roman “Rocky” Martinez and Orlando Salido. This will be a rematch of their fight of the year from this past April.
The Martinez versus Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first title defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World Championship and he’ll be fighting “Saint” George Groves. The Jack vs. Groves fight is in association with Sauerland Events. And as announced last Tuesday the first Pay-Per-View television fight will be a 10 round Junior Lightweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. I’d like to acknowledge Peter Rivera of PR Best Boxing
Peter Rivera
Hi, Leonard. Hi everybody. Once again, thanks for the opportunity to SHOWTIME and Mayweather and we’re looking forward to being part of this great event.
L. Ellerbe
Thank you. I would like to introduce and first the opening televised bout on the Pay-Per-View portion. Jonathan Oquendo, fighting out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He’s won 11 of 13 fights and will fight for the sixth time in his career at the MGM when he faces Jhonny Gonzalez on September the 12. Coming to us with a record of 25-4 with 16 KOs. Jonathan, would you like to make a few comments?
Jonathan Oquendo
I want to thank the press. I want to thank everyone for this opportunity. I’m very excited. I’m very focused and looking forward to the match up.
L. Ellerbe
Next up I’d like to introduce a very very exciting fighter from Mexico City, Mexico. He has won world championships at 118 and 126. One of his most memorable fights is his fight against Abner Mares in a very very exciting fight he ended with the first round KO to grab the WBC featherweight title. He defended it twice because eventually losing to Gary Russell Jr. Jhonny Gonzalez comes in with with a 58-9 record with 49 big KOs
Jhonny Gonzalez
I’m very happy for this opportunity. I’m extremely excited for the chance to fight on such a big stage that is important to fans around the world and I’ve really picked up my training and I’m extremely focused and looking ahead towards September 12.
Q
Jonathan, why did you accept this fight at this stage of your career?
J. Oquendo
I feel like this is a great opportunity. I want to be a great champion. I want to go ahead and showcase my talents on the card that Floyd Mayweather is headlining because there is a lot of attention when he fights. I feel that the training and that we’ve been doing in camp has been fantastic and I do believe that I have enough to defeat somebody of the caliber of Jhonny Gonzalez.
Q
Jhonny, what do you expect out of Jonathan Oquendo?
J. Gonzalez
He is very complicated and difficult to fight. I know that for Jonathan it’s a great opportunity. I’m awaiting a very stiff and strong challenge and I believe that Jonathan will bring his best coming up on September 12.
Q
Johnny, you just fought earlier this month. Did you already know that this fight was in the works if you won?
J. Gonzalez
I’m very happy that I took the previous fight and came out fine and it’s allowed me to just keep up the same training. I feel terrific at 130 pounds. I understand how important this is for all the Mexicans to be able to celebrate during this time on September 12 and during the month of September. At the end of the day I want to come out with my hand raised on September 12.
Q
How important is it to you to keep up the tradition of always fighting on or near your birthday, which of course is also the Mexico Independence Day?
J. Gonzalez
It’s very important for me to fight during this time of the year. I have had the opportunity to compete during this time of the year on various occasions and also more than anything I’ve learned from my defeats. Sometimes I’ve came up short but I have looked back and figured out the reasons why. And at the end of the day, most importantly, I want to go out and I want to fight for one more world title.
Q
Jhonny, do you believe you’re done at featherweight or would the right opportunity prompt you to drop that kind of weight?
J. Gonzalez
No, I’m done. My days are over fighting at 126. My focus is strictly on 130 pounds. I want to fight for a world title and I want to fight the best at 130. I get that opportunity to do so on September 12 against Jonathan Oquendo.
Q
This question is for Jhonny. Are you going to put on another action-packed fight or will this be a more conservative Jhonny?
J. Gonzalez
I feel that the face that I’m back with my father will make me better than ever. I feel better at 130 instead of at 126 and my mindset is more to focus on boxing and that ability to focus on boxing, is going to allow me to land harder shots against Jonathan Oquendo.
Q
Do you plan on making a title run at 130?
J. Gonzalez
I want to put on exciting fights, but I also want to focus on my campaign at 130 step-by-step. I feel that I will be ready to fight for a world title if the opportunity presents itself, but I’m more focused on handling things one by one and step-by-step.
Q
Having been through the process of rebuilding after a loss, do you feel more comfortable going through it?
J. Gonzalez
I always learn from my losses. I’m going to come back stronger and my mindset is to fight for a world title at 130 pounds. I understand the adjustments I need to make and I’m going to put that on display against Jonathan Oquendo.
Q
Jonathan, how do you feel fighting at 130 pounds?
J. Oquendo
I’m in excellent condition right now. I understand the opponent that I have against me in Jhonny Gonzalez and I think I’m going to be totally fine conditioning wise and physically against Jhonny Gonzalez.
K. Swanson
Great. Thank you so much. Okay, now we’re going to transition over to Orlando Salido and Rocky Martinez.
L. Ellerbe
This next bout, which will be the second part of this great Mexico versus Puerto Rico rivalry, we have a very exciting fight. It’s a fight that the fans are really looking forward to and I’d like to introduce first Roman “Rocky” Martinez. He comes to us with a 29-2 record with 17 KOs and he’s fighting out of Puerto Rico. He’ll be making the first defense in his third stint as the WBO Junior Lightweight champ. He survived a desperate late rush to unanimously out-point Salido in a hard fought action packed fight this past April and it was a classic Puerto Rico versus Mexico battle. Roman, would like you to say a few words?
Roman Martinez
I’m very prepared. My team has done a terrific job in training camp. I want to put on an amazing fight and I’ve worked extremely diligently to be able to defend his title on a spectacular card like this one that is headlined by Floyd Mayweather.
O. Salido
I’m very happy and it means a lot for me to be included on such a great card like this that is headlined by Floyd Mayweather and I want to prove to everybody that I still have a long career in front of me and I want to go out and recapture the world title.
Q
Orlando, what will be different in this fight coming up?
O. Salido
I’ve been training with guys that are very mobile that like to move a lot and I know that Roman is going to constantly be on the move, but the difference with this fight is that during his last fight in training camp I did not spar with guys that are very mobile and moved around the ring. But in this fight I’m very focused and prepared to go head and seek Roman Martinez in every single corner of the ring.
Q
For both fighters, what is your mentality of going back into the ring immediately with an opponent you just fought in what was a very very hard, physical, tough fight. How do you mentally prepare yourself for that knowing you’re probably going to be standing across the ring from a guy who is going to put you through another 12 rounds or maybe less of all out warfare?
R. Martinez
My training has been excellent. To be able to come out and put on a show on a card like this, I want to not only look good, but I want to look spectacular. The difference is that I’m going to use my intelligence more. I know Orlando is a terrific fighter and is going to leave it all inside the ring, but I’m going to use my brains more in this fight compared to the last.
O. Salido
Training has been going very well. I understand that we went toe-to-toe in our last match, but honestly, mentally I feel fantastic. What I’m looking at in this fight is not to leave anything behind. To give it my all and he understands that Roman Martinez is a great fighter, but I want to go out and recoup the title for all of Mexico on September 12.
Q
Roman did you think at any point that you could finish him in that fight and did you think that because you were able to drop him two times that perhaps this time you could finish him off in the rematch?
R. Martinez
I understand in the first fight I feel like I didn’t start as strong and in this fight I’m going to fight with pressure of from the outset and I do have a lot of confidence understanding that I could hurt Orlando Salido, but in this fight it’s all about starting faster and stronger and really going ahead and putting the pressure on Orlando Salido early. I definitely feel I can go ahead and finish off Orlando Salido. Orlando is a very valiant fighter and very courageous, but if I have the moment and I have the opportunity, if it is there then I will certainly oblige and finish off Orlando Salido.
Q
Leonard, could you talk about how this fight ended up on the undercard of Floyd’s show?
L. Ellerbe
We’re always looking to put on exciting fights on our undercards and this was the best fight out there that we could make. I’m truly excited, not only as the promoter of the event, but as a fan to be able to witness another great fight. We know the first fight was a hardcore fight and I suspect nothing else in this fight. I went out and I tried to make the best fight I could on the card and that’s what we got.
Q
Roman do you believe that you have the advantage mentally heading into the rematch?
R. Martinez
Orlando is a veteran. We had an amazing fight back in April, but I’m not going to get over confident because Orlando Salido is a dangerous fighter and I understand I must bring 100% and my absolute best on September 12.
Q
Orlando did you want the rematch immediately?
O. Salido
The first fight was in Roman’s backyard out in Puerto Rico. I did not fight well, but I craved an opportunity to regain my title and I will do so for all of Mexico.
Q
Orlando how do you feel being able to fight very close to Mexican Independence Day and all that it represents?
O. Salido
It’s such an honor to be fighting so close to this day for the Independence of Mexico. I am so just overjoyed by the opportunity to be able to regain my title for all of Mexico during that time of year.
Q
Orlando do you think that this is the last time you will be fighting for the world title?
O. Salido
I do not know whatsoever. You can’t tell and you can’t know for sure. Anything can happen in the ring. But what I do know is that I am focused and coming up on September 12 I will, once again, regain my world championship for all of Mexico.
Q
The first fight that you had was very close and a lot of people felt that real difference in the decision was the two knockdowns. What happened with those knockdowns and how are you going to work in this fight to prevent something like that from happening again?
O. Salido
Mentally I feel great. Roman hit me with great shots, but the second knock down he hit me with an amazing show. In the first fight I lost the fight mentally and in this fight everything is different mentally, spiritually. I just feel so much better and I thought that in the first fight that everyone was for Roman. This time everything is different and I think that the results will be different as well.
Q
Roman, could you tell us what led up to the knockdowns and how you will try to repeat that in the rematch?
R. Martinez
The first fight, it was just an amazing matchup. I went ahead and I saw an opportunity. I took advantage of it. I’m training very hard to go out there and get the finish that I was looking for in the first match up.
Q
In the back of your mind have you thought at all about a trilogy?
O. Salido
If the fans want a third fight after I am victorious then so be it. Let’s make it happen. But in my mind I’m coming out only thinking about this fight. That is my only focus at the moment. I want to come out and fight an intelligent fight. I know Roman is going to be at his best, but when he steps inside the ring on September 12 I want to put on a spectacular performance for all the fans and everyone watching on Pay-Per-View.
R. Martinez
I know it’s going to be a great fight and that if the fans want a third fight then I’m willing to oblige, but it will have to be on my point because I’m going to be victorious yet again over Orlando Salido. So if it is another great fight where I am victorious it will certainly be up to me and I would be willing to go ahead and consider the option of fighting a third time against Orlando Salido.
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight
world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.