With Zsolt Erdei officially pulling out of his New Year's Eve light heavyweight title fight on Showtime against Tavoris Cloud, the hunt is indeed on for a replacement opponent. Without that fight set, a press conference in Anaheim did go ahead with the scheduled co-feature fighters, super bantamweight titlist Rico Ramos and his opponent, Cuban amateur legend Guillermo Rigondeaux. The two fighters and promoters Dan Goossen and Don King spoke yesterday about the event.
To note, Gabriel Campillo is in California, is in shape, and is ready to face Cloud. If that winds up the replacement fight, that's no joke. Campillo is a legit contender and no easy out for anyone.
(All photos courtesy Goossen Tutor Promotions)
Don King
"I think Tavoris Cloud is the best light heavyweight in the world and the only way to do be the best is to fight everybody and anyone."
"We're not going to quit on this. Dan and I will find someone to replace Erdei in the event that he decides to escape like a thief in the night."
Dan Goossen
"As a promoter, I strive to give the fans competitive fights, and if you don't know much about these two fighters I promise you are in for an incredible treat."
"We know that Rigondeaux is a very competitive opponent with an outstanding amateur career, but he is going to be stepping into the ring on New Year's with a world champion in Ramos who has a lot more experience as a professional fighter."
Rico Ramos
"I worked hard for this title. I'm working hard and I'm very dedicated to doing whatever it takes to win. Watch out on Dec. 31, because I'm going to keep this belt and stay undefeated."
Guillermo Rigondeaux
"I'm not here to talk a lot. I'm ready, I've had a great camp and I'm ready to fight 100 percent on Dec. 31 and show everyone that I am the champion. I'm going to walk out of the ring with the belt. "