The final press conference for Showtime's Saturday night bantamweight doubleheader was held today in Anaheim. Here are the final thoughts from WBA titlist Anselmo Moreno, challenger Vic Darchinyan, and Darchinyan's promoter, Gary Shaw
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ANSELMO MORENO
"I am happy to be fighting in the United States. It was always a dream to fight here for the biggest promoter in the world.
"I'm looking forward to showing my intelligence and style of boxing to the fans at the arena and watching on television.
"I'm here to make a name for myself and to make a huge statement."
VIC DARCHINYAN
"I want to thank everybody who helped get me on this card, including my promoter, Gary Shaw, and it is always nice to be back on SHOWTIME again.
"Moreno doesn't come to make exciting fights. He likes to move and grab and just wants to do enough to win a round. He's scared to get hit. I'm going to do what I do best and show my skills and fight smart, but I'm not going to mess around. I'll jump on him and pressure him like no one he's ever fought before and I'm going to try and knock him out in the first round.
"I will destroy him. I can't see this fight going the distance. You'll like what you see. I'm here to bring the excitement.
"Mares and Agbeko say they are moving up to 122 after this fight. After this fight, I would love to fight Mares at 122.''
Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
PROMOTER GARY SHAW (Gary Shaw Productions)
"One thing about Vic Darchinyan: he fights only the best, and wants to fight only the best. He, too, has some unfinished business with Mares because of the low blows. I hope after Vic wins Saturday that fight is made again.
"Another possibility (if Darchinyan is triumphant) is that he will retire and follow in the footsteps of Kimbo Slice, and go into MMA."
Editor's Note: Unless we're counting backyard boxing, Kimbo Slice absolutely didn't go from boxing into MMA, and I don't think it's very likely that Darchinyan will leave boxing to be paid less in MMA. But a great way to mention Kimbo Slice, since nobody cares anymore. That's PROMOTING! - Scott