Philippines, 11 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


HERNANDEZ VS. MATTICE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

PhilBoxing.com




Super-Featherweights clash in Hermosillo, Mexico on Friday night, live on DAZN

Frank Smith, CEO of Matchroom

“It’s a pleasure to be here in Hermosillo, what a way to kick off Mexican Independence weekend with two fight nights live on DAZN, starting here on Friday night.

“We have a tremendous main event with a great undercard, one thing about our Mexican shows is that they always deliver entertainment time after time and the fighters always go in there and give it their all. From an early stage in their careers, fighters in Mexico develop early and they are put into tough fights from the start.

“Every fight with Rocky Hernandez is entertaining and we just extended our deal with him. He came so close to winning a World title and we believe there are many more opportunities for him down the road and we’re excited for what is to come. He’s got a real test against Thomas on Friday night, and I think he knows that.

“Rocky looks in great shape here, last time out he probably didn’t have the time in camp, but he’s taken this camp very seriously, he knows what’s ahead of him and the opportunities there for him beyond Friday night. If he can get through this fight, World title shots aren’t far away, but what it comes down to is entertainment and these guys are going to deliver that on Friday and kick off an unbelievable weekend of boxing for Mexican Independence Day with this event and then Edgar Berlanga taking on Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas all live on DAZN.”

Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez

“Last time out against Daniel Lugo was a great night for me, I got the win, and I won the hand of my future wife, so it was almost like a double victory.

“I am really happy and motivated going into this fight to show what I am really made of. Nothing keeps me away from my family, but I have had to o that, so there is no way I am giving up the belt for free. This belt belongs to my children and my wife, and I am not about to give it up.

“We come into this fight to win, that’s what it’s about - winning and getting on that road for a World title again. By getting a victory, it will put my name on that list in contention for a World title.

“I never underestimate any opponent, that’s why I have always been categorized as someone who is always in good fights. Whatever he says, I’m not going to understand it as I don’t speak English!”

Thomas Mattice

“I’m excited, it’s a great opportunity way away from home. But I’ve been to other guys’ cities in the US and came out on top, and I’m going to do it again. It doesn’t matter the country, US, Mexico, Brazil, it’s the same outcome.

“My experience isn’t going to make the difference, what will be what I do when I get in there. I’m prepared to go the distance, I’m in great shape and we had a great camp. I’m no stepping stone, this is real work.”

Sergio Mendoza – fights Angel Ramos Serrano over 10 rounds at Flyweight

“I feel really excited and motivated, especially given that my family is here, it’s a huge opportunity. I am a fighter that when i go into the ring, I have a lot of hunger, and this will be no exception.

“All opponents are different, and styles make fights. Everyone looks for the KO and this will be no different, I’m going in there to give everything.

“This is a great show and ours will be a fight. You’ll see a lot of shots thrown but also a lot of quality. Angel is a great fighter too and he wants to get the win to move forward, we both do, and we’ll both give everything to do it.”

Angel Ramos Serrano – fights Sergio Mendoza over 10 rounds at Flyweight

“I feel like going into this fight I’m ready and experienced, but he has experience too and that KO power, which is something that excites me. I feel really ready to go and can’t wait for Friday to show the fans in the arena and those watching at home what I can do.

“It’s a huge motivation this fight, winning fights like this can take me onto bigger things. I have to 100 per cent take advantage of these opportunities and I know victory will put me in a position to go and fight for a World title.”

Julio Porras – defends his WBC Youth Silver Super-Middleweight title against Isaac Torres

“It feels fantastic to be here among my people and to be able to fight on such an important date as this, it motivates me even more.

“All the training camps I’ve had with Jose Benavidez Sr have always been really tough, we go into them with the mind on fighting over more than ten rounds, so we’re really focused on the job.

“I know that if I win this fight, victory will be a big moment and move me onto big things in my career.”

Isaac Torres – challenges Julio Porras for the WBC Youth Silver Super-Middleweight title against

“I won’t go into my strategy too much for this fight, but I am very sure mentally, and that’s something that no-one can take away from me, so hopefully, God willing, everything goes well.

“He’s the favorite as he is fighting at home, but that spurs me on and will bring out the best in me. I am here working on a promise I made to my mother who I am sure is looking down on me from the skies, and this spurs me on to give even more to get the victory.

“My plans are to one day become a World champion, that’s what I have in my mind. This is a Youth World title, so that motivates me a great deal. If you want to be the best, you have to face the best, and that’s what’s in my mind right now.”

Leonardo Rubalcava – faces Jesus Castorena over six rounds at Super-Lightweight

“I’m really happy to be here in Hermosillo and I want to thank Matchroom and DAZN. We’re prepared to go out there and put on a show on Saturday.

“We’re going to go into it looking to win every round of the fight. If the knockout comes, we’ll take it, but we’re going to give absolutely everything, we’ve trained really hard in a tough camp, and we’re ready for this.

“I want to show my talent but also represent Teocatiche and all the ranches over there, and show the hard work we’ve put in and how ready I am for this night.”

Jesus Castorena – faces Leonardo Rubalcava over six rounds at Super-Lightweight

“It’s a huge moment for me going into this fight. We have had a really good camp and we’re ready, it’s about waiting for the moment now and showing what we’re made of.

“It’s going to be a difficult fight. We have put a strategy together with my team, but we know it will be difficult, but we’re prepared for whatever waits for us in the ring. It’s going to be a great fight; you can bet on it being a war. I will put my body on the line in there.”




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Shark attack in Florida Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Making waves on Feb. 19
    , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • 19-1 Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga returns on February 21 to Atlantic City
    , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Women's Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Filipino child prodigy Asher Judd Sy tops the 3rd King’s College Bangkok Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Chaos in Liverpool: Figueroa Silences Echo Arena with 12th-Round Fireworks
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 08 Feb 2026
  • Gabriel Santisima Stuns Unbeaten World Ranked and WBO Asia Pacific Champion Subaru Murata to Capture WBO Asia Pacific Title at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
    , Sun, 08 Feb 2026
  • Lucky "Batang Quiapo" Salvador defeats Rhaky "Roj" Constantino
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 08 Feb 2026
  • Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 07 Feb 2026
  • Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
    , Fri, 06 Feb 2026
  • Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 06 Feb 2026
  • WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
    , Fri, 06 Feb 2026
  • Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
    , Fri, 06 Feb 2026
  • Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 05 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.