Photos by: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
IMG 3318: Sergio Mora addresses the media during a press conference Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York, while promoter Gary Shaw and Vernon Forrest (far right) look on. Forrest will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Mora this Saturday live at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
IMG 3327: Vernon Forrest shares his thoughts with the media at the podium Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House as promoter Jeff Wald and Sergio Mora (far left) listen in.
IMG 3336: Carlos Quintana (right) counters the four-inch height advantage of his upcoming opponent Paul Williams (left) by standing on a chair at Gallagher’s Steak House Thursday. To kick off the world championship doubleheader this Saturday on SHOWTIME, Quintana will attempt to retain his WBO welterweight belt against Williams, the boxer he dethroned in February.
IMG 3343: Paul Williams (left) and Carlos Quintana (right) stare each other down at Gallagher’s Steak House while promoter Gary Shaw (middle back) observes the festivities.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER
VERNON FORREST vs. SERGIO MORA
CARLOS QUINTANA vs. PAUL WILLIAMS II
June 7, 2008 ● LIVE ON SHOWTIME ● Mohegan Sun
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
VERNON FORREST vs. SERGIO MORA
CARLOS QUINTANA vs. PAUL WILLIAMS
Thursday, June 5, at Gallagher’s Steak House, New York, New York
On Saturday, June 7, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will present a world championship doubleheader as Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) defends his WBC super welterweight title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), while Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs) live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
VERNON FORREST
“The fight is what it is. I’m going to put up a great fight, and it will be a great night. I will see you all there.”
“Jeff [Wald] stated today that he didn’t like me. I don’t know him and he doesn’t know me, so he wouldn’t have the knowledge to make that statement. I don’t even know what he means by that. He liked me, and now he doesn’t. I don’t know what that means.”
“I’m a heterosexual. This is no high school sweetheart thing. I’m like a jilted boyfriend. Whether Wald likes me or not, his fighter has got to fight me. All he has to do that night is pull out his pom pons because his fighter will be the one fighting.”
SERGIO MORA
“All of these fights are going to be exciting. As for me and Forrest, we don’t know how to lose. We’re both prideful, and we don’t back up.”
“I come to box, fight, bleed, whatever it takes to win. I don’t back down.”
“I’m excited about where I am, but I would have gotten here with or without ‘The Contender.’ God blessed me to be on that show and it gave me a head start. Because of it, I got here [world title opportunity] a little faster. But, I would have been here eventually.
“Forrest is a hell of a fighter. I know that I have to prove myself. I will prove myself.”
“I see the fight going the distance. I’ve never been down, and I don’t plan on going down. It’s going to the late rounds. We’re both arrogant fighters.”
(When asked about Forrest’s power and knockout history): “Power doesn’t matter. I worry about his right hand, but I’m the biggest guy he’s ever fought. I’m smarter than the others. I’m younger. These are the things that will be what changes the fight.”
CARLOS QUINTANA
“I want to thank SHOWTIME and all of the promoters. I prepared myself better this time around. Williams is good, he throws a lot of punches, but I am better prepared and I will win on Saturday.”
“I will be here with my belt for a long time. Williams said he wasn’t really himself for our last fight on February 6, but, this time, I am so prepared that even if he brought his best game, I can handle it.”
PAUL WILLIAMS
“I had an off night [during the first fight against Quintana]. I want to get back in the ring on Saturday night and get my title back.”
“My confidence level is through the roof. I can’t wait to get out there Saturday. I will show up. In February after they said I lost, I didn’t think about it anymore. I left it behind. That wasn’t me. The real Paul Williams will show up, and when he does, he will punish Carlos Quintana.”
GEORGE PATTERSON (Williams’ Manager/Trainer)
“We had fun in this training camp. We were more relaxed. It was different from the last camp. We have worked hard, done a good job, and we plan to get our title back.”
LOU DIBELLA (Promoter)
“I want to especially thank Ken Hershman and SHOWTIME for making this fight. I respect Paul Williams. Everyone was afraid to fight him. Quintana wasn’t afraid for the first fight and he’s not afraid of Williams this time.
JEFF WALD (Promoter)
“I can guarantee that Mora will not run. He has never run from anybody. He would rather die than run.”
“This is a hell of a night of boxing, and it is great for television. Forrest and Mora always bring it.”
CONTACT: Showtime Networks Inc.
Chris DeBlasio Annie Van Tornhout
(212) 708-1633 (212) 708-1663
Chris.DeBlasio@Showtime.net Anne.vantornhout@showtime.net
Brener Zwikel & Associates, Inc.
Dan Clavadetscher John Beyrooty
(818) 462-5602 (818) 462-5601
Danc@bzapr.com Johnnybey@aol.com