Mares And Moreno Are Ready For Battle

All six fighters squaring off in Saturday’s tripleheader at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles participated in a final press conference on Wednesday to discuss Their respective battles.

The triple header will be broadcast LIVE on Showtime Championship Boxing at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

In a battle of world champions, Abner Mares (24-0-1, 13 KO’s), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., will risk his WBC Super Bantamweight Title against WBA Bantamweight Super Champion Anselmo Moreno (33-1-1, 12 KO’s), of Panama City, Panama, in the main event.

Unbeaten IBF Bantamweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz (21-0-1, 12 KO’s), of Los Angeles, will defend against Victor Zaleta (20-2-1, 10 KO’s), of El Paso, Texas, in the co-feature, while hard-hitting light middleweight contender Alfred Angulo (20-1, 17 KOs), of Los Angeles by way of Mexicali, Mexico, and the upset-minded contender Raul Casarez (19-2, 9 KO’s), of Edinburg, Texas, will clash in the opening match.

Also featured will be WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly (24-0, 11 KO’s), of Cfen Fforest, Wales, defending his title against Shawn Hawk (22-2-1, 16 KO’s), of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Below is what all the participants had to say on Wednesday

OSCAR DE LA HOYA (Promoter):

“We don’t just want to put on a main event; we want to stack our cards from top to bottom. That’s what boxing should be and that’s what boxing is all about. We have great prospects and world champions fighting together on one night.

“Moreno is stepping up to fight the best to be the best in the 122 pound division. That just shows you what type of fighter Moreno is.

“One thing we’re most proud of at Golden Boy is that Abner is the first world champion that we’ve brought up from the beginning. Fans have the opportunity to see him fight here in his home. Fans love him for his fan-friendly style. People keep saying, it’s tough fight – well, it’s a fight. The best fighting the best. That’s what you’ll see Saturday night.”

ABNER MARES:

“I’m ready for Saturday. I’m ready to give you guys another great fight. My team has done a tremendous job with me.

“SHOWTIME has really gotten my name out there. Now fans know I come to fight. I leave everything in the ring and they now know I don’t leave the ring without giving them everything they paid for.

“I came to this country when I was seven years old and to see me fighting at STAPLES throws me off a bit. I will not disappoint on November 10^th. I’ll give you guys the fight of the year.”

ANSELMO MORENO:

“I’m in perfect condition for Saturday.  I’m very happy that they gave me this great opportunity to fight Mares.  The only thing we’re waiting for is the weigh-in and then its fight night.  He’s tough and I need to stay smart and stick to my game plan.”

LEO STANTA CRUZ:

“I trained really hard.  I dedicate this fight to my fans and the people of Mexico.  Victor is strong, he comes forward like me, so it will be a great fight.  The better man will win on Saturday night.  I’m excited to fight here in Los Angeles in front of my hometown fans.  I can’t wait to get in there on Saturday night.”

VICTOR ZALETA:

“This is my first fight here and I’m excited about the opportunity.  Hopefully, it will not be my last time here.  I’m ready to face Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday.  He’s a really good fighter and I know I need to bring my best to beat him.”

ALFREDO ANGULO:

“I’m back in my town and it feels great.  I’ve worked hard for this and I’m ready to get back in the ring.  This is going to be a really good fight for the fans.  I’m just grateful to get this opportunity after everything I’ve been through.”

RAUL CASAREZ:

“I’m excited, I’m grateful for the opportunity.  I trained really hard with my team to make the most of this night.  Angulo is a great fighter and I know he’ll be ready after his long layoff.  But I’m focused and need to do my job in the ring.”

NATHAN CLEVERLY:

“This is a great opportunity to come to the United States and showcase my talent.  I’m looking to make a statement and take my career to the next level.  I trained at Wild Card Gym and it’s been a great experience.  I’m looking forward to showing my exciting style and making the most of this.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA:

“If you’ve been watching SHOWTIME the last few months, you’ve seen an incredible run of dramatic, exciting fights.  In just the last couple of months we’ve had some huge events.  On September 15^th, SHOWTIME brought you “Knockout Kings” – four fights on SHOWTIME.  On October 20^th, SHOWTIME brought the first fight from Barclays Center with four world title fights on one SHOWTIME broadcast. 

“This Saturday, I have no doubt we keep our streak of action-packed fights alive.  We have another stacked card.  We have the return of “El Perro” – Alfredo Angulo – one of the most feared fighters in the junior middleweight division.  We have rising star and world champ Leo Santa Cruz – one of the most exciting young fighters in boxing. 

“As for the main event, if you’re a boxing fan – a real boxing fan – it doesn’t get any better than this.  Abner Mares, who grew up on SHOWTIME, is a world champion with a rare combination of toughness and skill.  Anselmo Moreno, a world champ as well, is one of the most skilled fighters in any division.”

November 7, 2012