‘Ortiz Vs. Lopez’ Live This Saturday, June 23, From STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, At 9 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME®
LOS ANGELES (June 20, 2012) – Former World Champion Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO’s) of Ventura, Calif., contender Josesito Lopez (29-4, 17 KO’s) of Riverside, Calif., former Three-Time World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto and hard-hitting, top rated contender Lucas Matthysse took part in a final media workout on Wednesday at Fortune Boxing Gym in Hollywood, just days before they do battle on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, June 23 live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
The vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Welterweight title is on the line in the 12-round Ortiz vs. Lopez bout while Soto (59-7-2, 34 KO’s), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, will battle Trelew, Argentina native Matthysse (30-2, 28 KO’s) in another 12-round co-featured bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight title.
Photo Credit: Esther Lin / SHOWTIME
Tickets priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50 are available online at www.staplescenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800)745-3000 or at STAPLES Center box office.
Here are what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:
VICTOR ORTIZ:
“Fans can expect a great show on Saturday night. There haven’t been many changes in this camp. I have always had a goal to be one of the greatest fighters of all time and that goal is still there. I have trained hard for a good fight and I am ready.
“Josesito is a hell of a fighter. I’m not taking anything away from him, but right now he is stepping into the wrong den at this point in time. I will show it Saturday night.”
JOSESITO LOPEZ:
“I just recently started watching tapes. It does make a difference. I used to just let my coach watch, but it does give a clearer idea about what you have to look forward to. Training has been going great. I moved up in weight and it’s given me that much more energy. I’ve had the energy, power, and strength throughout camp to not have to slow down.
“I am at a position where there are bigger things I want to achieve, and that’s motivation right there. On Saturday it all starts. On Saturday the smarter fighter will win.”
Regarding the Ortiz Vs. Canelo Alvarez announcement:
“I find it disrespectful to announce the fight ahead of time, but if anything it gives me more motivation to achieve what I want to achieve. I think (the result) is going to surprise everyone.”
HUMBERTO SOTO:
“I am a very professional fighter. I feel very good at 140 pounds. Whoever said I lost speed and power, well that’s not true. I proved with my last three fights in this division that I can handle it.”
With regards to his game plan:
“Things change in the ring. I have my game plan, but once the bell rings I am going to see what’s in front of me, but I always prepare to win. I know Matthysse has as well, so it’s going to make for a very good fight.”
LUCAS MATTHYSSE:
“I expect to win by KO. I think I was robbed against Zab Judah and Devon Alexander in the United States, so expect a KO. I don’t want it going to the judges on Saturday, so expect a good fight.
“I respect Soto because he was a three-time world champion. He comes from lighter divisions and my strength will help me win.
“I trained in Junin, Buenos Aires, for two months. I sparred with nine sparring partners. I am in the best shape of my life.”