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Today in New York, the undercard fighters for Saturday’s Anthony Joshua-Andy Ruiz Jr DAZN show spoke at their final press conference, building up to the big fight card this weekend at Madison Square Garden.
Here’s what some of the key figures had to say. (Marco Antonio Periban and Ray Robinson were absent.)
Tommy Coyle
“I’m going to shine like a diamond. It’s the right time for me. I’ve improved as a fighter, I’m really coming into my own now. I keep laughing to myself — I’m waiting for somebody to tell me this is a prank. It’s happening. I’m here, and it’s going off.”
“This is a very winnable fight. Chris Algieri is a fantastic fighter, he’s a better dresser, I like his style. But I think this is a fight where I can really look good. I think the styles will gel fantastically, and I know I’ve got too much inside.”
Chris Algieri
“This is a huge opportunity. This is exactly why I came back to the sport. I want to be a world champion, this fight puts me back in that position. I want to not only win, but look impressive.”
“I have an opponent in Tommy Coyle that gets me excited to go out there. I really think it’s gonna be a fantastic fight.”
“Tommy Coyle is a blood and guts guy, trains really hard, gives it his all when he fights. That’s exactly what I need to get up and train hard and go out there and give me a perfect foil for a great performance on a great card.”
Joshua Buatsi
“It’s a good opportunity. (Marco Antonio) Periban is a well-known Mexican fighter. He brings experience to the table. It’s up to me to go out there and put on a good show.”
“I’m prepared to do 10. If it goes the distance, cool. But if I sense any vulnerability or opportunities, I’m there to take them.”
Josh Kelly
“I feel blessed to be here, to get a chance to perform on a world stage like this. Not many kids from Sunderland get this chance, so I’m taking it with both hands. I’m ready for this step up. I’m here now and I’m ready to put on a performance on Saturday. I really can’t wait to get in there. I’m gonna dance underneath them lights. It’s a bit surreal, but I’m going to enjoy it.”
“The last fight (Ray Robinson) had was against (Egidijus) Kavaliauskas, and he was ranked highly, he was a tough opponent. A lot of people thought (Robinson) won that fight, so this is a big step up. I can’t be complacent in there Saturday.”
Delfine Persoon
“I think New York is bigger than the country of Belgium. The boxing scene in Belgium is not recognized. If I can win the fight, I think I’m the first Belgian boxer who can make history and take all the belts. This is my passion. I am prepared for this fight. My trainer has been looking for this fight for two years, we didn’t think we’d get it. We’re getting the chance and I’m ready.”
“I expect a tough fight. She has a lot more experience in amateur fighting. I was only in the amateurs for one years. Boxing in Belgium was not big, there was no national team. There was no possibility for me to go to the world championships or Olympic games. She is an Olympic champion. So I can compete with the Olympic champion and hopefully defeat the Olympic champion. I never had that chance. For me, that’s very important.”
Katie Taylor
“The minute I turned professional, I wanted to be the undisputed champion. This was always my goal. Boxing at Madison Square Garden, it can’t get any bigger than this. I’m just ready to make history and perform Saturday night. This is what I’ve always wanted.”
“Delfine Persoon is a fantastic champion and this is exactly what boxing needs, champion versus champion and the best versus the best. I’m definitely expecting the toughest test of my career. We’re both here to make history for our nations, as well. We’re both here to perform.”
Hassan N’Dam
“We have a good relationship as friends. I saw (Callum Smith) grow up in this sport with Joe Gallagher, who has helped make him a good career. He’s helped me, I’ve helped him. My trainer told me, you tell me every day you want to face the best in the world. Make your dream come true. So I said, OK. I put this friendship out and go to fight Callum Smith. He has something that I want, to be champion. It will be a fight between two hard workers. Don’t miss it.”
“I don’t know how I’m going to feel, but I feel good. I have experience for this kind of fight and this kind of event.”
Callum Smith
“I feel good, I’m excited. It’s always a dream to become a world champion. Now it’s about how much more I can achieve, and no better place to start than Madison Square Garden. It’s going to be a special night for myself.”
“We’ve talked massive names in the future, but to secure them fights I’ve got to put on a good performance and win, most importantly. I want to maximize my potential and achieve as much as I can, and that all starts on Saturday.”
“(N’dam) is a good fighter, he’s very experienced, mixed up at the highest level. Only the best have beaten him, and I believe I’m the best super middleweight in the world. That should be enough to beat him and beat him well.”