On Fighting Jorge Linares
“I wanted to go up to the next weight category, 135 pounds, and fight only champions. Jorge Linares was available for this moment. That’s why I wanted a fight with him.”
“I was asked if I wanted to fight Linares. It took me less than two seconds to accept the challenge.”
On Fighters Quitting On Their Stools Against Him
“It’s not good for me. It’s not good for boxing. Boxing, it’s a war. It’s a very, very brutal sport, and if you come in the ring, then you need to be willing to die in the ring. If you can’t die, you’re out.”
On Headlining at the Big Arena at Madison Square Garden
“It’s important for me because I want to make my name in the history of boxing. Moving forward, I only want to fight in big arenas. I love New York. I love Madison Square Garden. I feel very comfortable there. The boxing fans are very knowledgeable. It’s a very famous arena. Fighting there is a big honor for me.”
On Linares’ Size and Strength
“For me, it’s a big challenge because before this fight, I fought against guys who were the same size or a little bit smaller than me. Now, I want to feel the way Rigondeaux felt when he fought me. He was smaller than I at that point. I am going to be smaller than my opponents now. I want to show people it’s not a big problem, that five pounds is not too big of a difference.”
On His Legacy
“It’s the next step in my boxing history. We’re talking about my career. I built a ladder, and when I finish my boxing career, I want my ladder to be very strong and long.”
On Linares’ Pre-Fight Trash Talk
“I like it. Before the fight, all boxers talk trash, but after the fight, nobody comes to the press conference. After this fight, I want to see Jorge Linares at the press conference, and I want to hear what he has to say.”
