Before undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs) face-off in a 12-round welterweight showdown on Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles they met Wednesday for a press conference at the Conga Room at L.A. Live to formally announce their primetime battle. Garcia and Guerrero will headline the televised action on the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes fight card beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Here is what the participants had to say at today’s press conference:
DANNY GARCIA
“I want to thank California for accepting me and giving me the chance to showcase my skills at STAPLES Center.
“Training camp has been going well. We already started sparring. I feel a lot stronger at 147-pounds. The world hasn’t seen the best of Danny Garcia yet, but they’ll see a fresher, faster, stronger and smarter fighter on January 23.
“I’m from Philadelphia, but I feel like California is my home because they say this is where the stars come. And I’m a star.
“I’m going to go out there and set the tempo. I’m going to back him up. If I have to move around and use angles I will. I’m going to stick to the game plan.
“I’m looking to fight anybody at 147. I believe I will be a champion in this new weight class. This is another step for me towards taking over the welterweight division.
“There are always going to be critics. It’s not a source of motivation. My motivation is to go out there, train hard and win the fight. I want to make my family proud and be the best person I can be.
“Anything can happen on any day. I have to prepare myself for all of the outcomes. The way I prepare myself, I feel like nobody can beat me.
“I represent all Latinos. In order to be a star you have to come here and do it. No matter where you come from, great fights are what you want.
” Come January 23 I’m going to go out there and give the fans a great fight.”
ROBERT GUERRERO
“It’s a blessing to be in the position that I’m in. This is going to be a great fight. We know that Danny comes into every fight ready to win.
“A lot of people are writing me off, but I’ll come in 100% prepared to take the win on January 23.
“This isn’t do or die for me, but it is a big fight. The fans love fighters and that’s what I am. As you saw in my fight with (Keith) Thurman, I come to fight.
“I’ve got to take advantage of this opportunity. If I want to get back on top then this is step one. This is a pivotal point in my career.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Danny and Angel, but on fight night I’m coming ready to do business. We can be friends after. I’m excited to fight on FOX.”
ANGEL GARCIA, DANNY GARCIA’S FATHER AND TRAINER
“We’ve got to take Robert Guerrero very seriously because we know he’s coming to win against Danny.
“Danny is 31-0 and I’m going to make sure nobody takes that zero away from him.
“The Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry will heat up. Danny is the best Puerto Rican fighter out there and we’re excited for the chance to prove it January 23 at STAPLES Center.”
RUBEN GUERRERO, ROBERT GUERRERO’S FATHER AND TRAINER
“We’re having a strong camp. This is going to be a war.
“Danny Garcia is a good fighter. He can punch. So we’ve got to be ready for all of the things that he’ll bring to the table.
“We have a good game plan and are looking forward to facing Danny at STAPLES Center. We just want to put on a great show on FOX and prove to the world what we’re capable of.”
