Although 2006 may be year of the dog in China, Top Rank Chairman of the Board, Bob Arum assured everyone present at today’s final press conference for Real Warriors, that 2006 will be Antonio Margarito’s year, not the dogs. The change in calendar was announced today at the entrance to the center for performing arts inside the Aladdin Resort & Casino, which will become the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino later this year. According to Arum, Margarito 32-4-0 (23) is the most avoided man in his division, “Nobody wants to fight him simple as that, Mosley, Vargas, Winky they don’t,” stated Arum.
Something that “Sugar” Shane Mosley denied in an interview with Fightnews.com just yesterday, “I’ve never turned down Margarito or Arum they’ve never presented me anything on paper…but it’s a fight I’d eventually take if it’s a fight people want to see,” said Mosley at an open workout yesterday in Las Vegas.
However at least for the moment that does not matter to Margarito as he is set to face Manuel “Shotgun” Gomez 28-10-2 (19), “I need to continue to show that I can’t be ignored, I need to beat Gomez so Bob Arum can really make this my year.” Added Margarito, “I know Gomez is a great fighter, he’s experienced and strong I know he will come with everything, but I’ve defended my title 5 times and I’m ready to do it again”.
Gomez, who lost to Mosley via 11th round KO back in 1997 said he knows what Margarito has to offer, and that he’s ready to show him that this is his opportunity to shine, not Margarito’s. “I’d want to thank God first, as well as Bob Arum and of course Antonio Margarito for this opportunity…this will be my night to win and I will show that in the ring Saturday night,” said Gomez. “I have a lot of respect for Antonio, but inside the ring I respect nobody,” added Gomez. Margarito hopes to prove otherwise, “We’re ready for the big fights…this is my year and I’ll continue to show that when I beat Manuel Gomez.”
Before the main event kicks off this Saturday night, highly touted Undefeated WBC Light Flyweight Champion, Brian “The Hawaiian-Pinoy Punch” Viloria 18-0 (12), will make his first title defense against “El Jaguar” Jose Antonio Aguirre 33-4-1 (20) from Tabasco Mexico. Aguirre is coming off two losses, the most recent to WBA Light Flyweight Champion Roberto Vazquez and the other to former WBC Light Flyweight Champion Eric Ortiz. Ortiz was dethroned just last September by a vicious 1st round KO from non other than Aguirre’s present opponent, Brian Viloria.
Aguirre stated that he ready to redeem himself and walk away the victor on Saturday, “I want to thank Brian Viloria and Bob Arum for giving me another shot at a title.” said Aguirre, “This time I’m walking out of the ring with a belt.”
Viloria is confident he will still be the WBC Light Flyweight Champion after Saturday night, “Winning a title is hard, but holding on to that title is harder,” said Viloria. “I know my opponent is really ready for this fight, I know he’s trained hard, but I want him to know that I’m not going to let my belt go that easy, I love it too much to let it go right now.”
Viloria who trains at the famed Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles said that Coach Freddie Roach and Strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune have him in best shape for his first title defense, “I’m even better prepared than when I fought Ortiz,” said Viloria “I sparred with a lot more and a lot better sparring partners this time.”
Viloria thanked and welcomed all of his fans in English, Tagalog and Ilocano, and even gave an “Aloha” to make sure he didn’t leave anybody out. The proud Filipino is also very proud to be an American, to show his love and gratefulness to both countries he will carry both respective countries flags into the ring, “I’m going to represent my nationality, American, and my heritage Filipino, I am very proud of both.” Said Viloria
Today’s final press conference for Saturday’s Real Warriors card began in a festive mood as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 23-0-1 (18) who will be fighting on the under card, was presented with an impressive 20th Birthday cake, followed by English and Spanish versions of the Happy Birthday song.
Chavez will once again face the man who just this past December in Monterrey, Mexico gave him the only blemish on his record, a very controversial draw that was so controversial according to Molina’s camp, that the scorecards were never released to the press.
“I am grateful for the fact that Carlos Molina accepted this rematch so we can prove who is better between us” said the celebrant “Things are going to be different, I will win, I am better prepared and I know who I am fighting this time” said Chavez Jr.
“I don’t like leaving doubts and after Saturday night there will be no more doubts about who is the better boxer between us,” added Chavez Jr.
Molina 8-1-1 (4) is also exited about the rematch and very grateful that it’s in Las Vegas.
“I just hope I can get a fair decision in Vegas, but I’m gonna try not to leave it up to the judges this time” said Molina.
Fair Judging is something Arum assured Molina that Nevada Athletic Commission Executive Director Marc Ratner would make sure would happen assuring both Molina and Chavez that the man who wins on the judges’ cards will actually be the real winner.
Rounding off the undercard will be Puerto Rican Olympian and undefeated WBO Minimum Weight Champion Ivan Calderon 24-0 (5) who faces former Champion Isaac Bustos 24-7-3 (13). Calderon made a point to send a message to WBC 108lbs Champion Brian Viloria while at the podium
“I believe that I’m still gonna be the WBO Champ at the 105lbs Saturday” said Calderon “But prepare the 108lbs Champions because I’m coming.” However Calderon’s bark might not be loud enough this time. Although tremendously speedy, Calderon has only 5 Knock Outs in his career at minimum weight. A much richer and lucrative fight at 112lbs awaits Viloria versus Jorge “El Travieso” Arce should Viloria get past Aguirre. An Arce vs. Viloria fight is one Mexican and Filipino fans alike hope will land on the under card for the rubber match between Eric Morales and Manny Pacquiao this September.
Another Olympian fighting on the card will be Light Middleweight Vanes Martirosyan 6-0 (3) his opponent is still TBA.
The Official Weigh In will take place tomorrow inside the Aladdin at 3pm fighters hit the scales at 3:30pm PST
Tickets are $200, $100 and $50. The championship card will be at the Performing Arts Center inside of the Aladdin Hotel-Casino. First bell will be 5pm PST. The PPV telecast will begin at 6 pm. The suggested retail for ‘Real Warriors’ PPV is $39.95* and is being distributed by TOP RANK Inc.
*There will be no replay of the card following week
