SUNDERLAND PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AS PAT McCORMACK TARGETS STATEMENT WIN IN FRONT OF HIS HOME FANS THIS SATURDAY
| Pat McCormack warned rival Miguel Parra that he will not let the tough Mexican derail his journey towards a future World Title shot as the pair shared a tense stand-off at their final Press Conference in Sunderland on Thursday.
On Saturday, the pair collide at a sold-out Sunderland Live in an Eliminator for the WBA World Welterweight Title. The stacked undercard sees Mark Dickinson defend his Super-Middleweight Title in a North East derby with Troy Williamson. Plus, another local lad in Cameron Vuong is looking to extend his flawless record. Sandy Ryan returns to the UK as she meets a game Jade Grierson, as wonderkids Leo Atang, Adam Maca and Tiah-Mai Ayton all look for victories in their respective second professional bouts. Here’s what the fighters had to say at today’s Press Conference, with the quotes in full below. |
| PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Matchroom Boxing CEO, Frank Smith: Conah Walker is a tremendous fight for Pat, but you can’t look past Miguel Parra. Pat needs people who are going to push him and I think Conah walker is a fight will we see one day but it’s all about Saturday night. It’s an exciting card. You’ve always got to be looking towards the future. We’ve had great stars who are coming to the end of their careers. Now we’ve got these young stars who are really building for the future and becoming global stars. These fighters will be looking to push themselves inside and outside the ring and become headliners. You’ve got to work with the fighters who are going to believe in themselves. We need dedicated and hungry young fighters who will go in there and deliver big performances – but who are also willing to make the effort and put themselves out there outside the ring too.” Pat McCormack He’s a very good fighter, a tough Mexican, but I believe I’ve got the skills to beat him. All that matters is winning and looking good. The British Title is what I want next or European or Commonwealth. The British against Conah Walker is the fight that everyone seems to be talking about so I’m happy to have it next. But I need to get through Parra first. I’ve got to keep winning, and then I’m just about there. My prediction? Pat McCormack win. And I’ll look good doing it.” Miguel Parra: I’ve had a lot of preparation for this fight. Originally, it was set for 10 rounds but now it’s 12 rounds and I’ve had to really work hard in my training for it. Mexican fighters are Mexican fighters. I’m going to enjoy this fight and do the very best I can.” Mark Dickinson: I don’t see myself as a Champion yet. This Title is a stepping stone to where I want to be. I wouldn’t box if I didn’t think I could be a World Champion. I need to learn my stripes and become a British champion by next year, if I can. You’d pay to watch us spar, so this will be a cracking fight.” Troy Williamson: I’m a big dude and it was killing me to make the weight, but I believe I’ve got a lot left to give and you will see that on Saturday night. Eight years on and I’m back at this weight, my ambition is higher than ever. Some of the best fighters have lost many times on the bounce. I feel great and I’m really excited to get the ball rolling again on Saturday night. I need to do exactly what I’ve been doing in the gym. Sandy Ryan: You learn in every fight. For me this fight is the get-back to the old Sandy and that’s what you’ll see this Saturday. I’ve got really good rounds in with Terri [Harper] this camp. We laugh and joke about sharing the ring and that’s the good side of boxing you don’t get very often. I respect her massively. You know me, I’ll take any fight. We’ve got Jade in front of us and she seems very game and confident. It should be a good fight, but I don’t ever think she’s been in a deep waters fight. I’ll get past this fight, get back into winning ways and there are some big fights out there for me. “ Jade Grierson: Anytime would be a good time to fight Sandy regardless of her coming off two defeats. It’s great for my career. I believe I will set the pace, pick my shots and you will see what I’m capable of on Saturday night. Not many people know but I’ve competed in martial arts since I was six years-old. The amateur game never suited my style. Sandy talks about ‘deep waters’ but who knows until they’re actually in there? Every one has their own motivation. But I’ll do anything for my daughter and this is for her. I hope you haven’t overlooked me, Sandy.”Cameron Vuong: |