A press conference was held Thursday for Saturday’s “Knockout Kings II” show at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. In the main event, former world champion Andre Berto faces all-action Jesus Soto Karass. The undercard features two interim world title clashs, with Omar Figueroa vs. Nihito Arakawa for the interim WBC lightweight title, and Diego Chaves vs. Keith Thurman for the WBA interim welterweight title.
This is what they had to say:
ANDRE BERTO, Former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion:
“Everything has been going well. I have a new team with Virgil Hunter and we’ve been putting in good work. San Antonio asked for me and we’re here. Saturday night is definitely going to be something to tune into.
“Soto Karass is a tough opponent, but I’m here to represent and give these people a real good show.
“Our styles match up well. It sets up for an exciting fight. He’s a tough veteran that keeps going and brings the action and I’m one of the top guys that like to dish out punishment. This fight sells itself.
“I feel like I just need to go in here and do what I know how to do. I’m positive that I can do the things that I know how to do. If I do that, it might be a short night. It’s called Knockout Kings, baby.”
JESUS SOTO KARASS, Veteran Welterweight Contender:
“I’m getting into the ring to kick my opponent’s ass. That’s my game plan.
“I’m ready. I’m two pounds away [from making weight]. The weight is not a problem. I can’t wait until Saturday night. The Mexican fans here motivate me and I’m going to show why I’m the champion on Saturday night.
“I want to tell fans to come support and help Jesse James Leijah and Mike Battah in their campaign to support breast cancer awareness. I’m a part of it. Please come and donate $10. It’s cheaper than a six pack.”
OMAR FIGUEROA JR., Undefeated Texas Rising Star & Number Three Rated WBC Lightweight Contender:
“This is it. This is what we’ve been working so hard for.
“I live only four hours away, so this totally feels like home. Texas has the best fans in the world and I’m glad to be a Texan.
“My plan is to go in there and give a great fight. He’s a great guy and he’s ranked number one for a reason. I’ve prepared really hard for this fight and I’m ready to go 12 hard rounds.
“This is what it comes down to. It’s the bottom of the ninth, two outs, full count. There’s no room for butterflies.
“This is what we’ve been working for 17 years for and it’s finally here. I’m not going to let it slip.”
NIHITO ARAKAWA, Number One Rated WBC Lightweight Contender:
“It’s great to get this opportunity for a world title. I’m going to bring the world championship back home with me.
“I don’t care what people say. I’m just happy to have the chance to fight. I know he’s the favorite here in Texas, but I’m ready. I’m ready to get in the ring.”
ABOUT “KNOCKOUT KINGS II”
“Knockout Kings II,” featuring former Two-Time Welterweight World Champion Andre Berto facing tough Mexican veteran contender Jesus Soto Karass in a 12-round main event for the vacant NABF Welterweight Championship, takes place Saturday, July 27 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the 12-round co-featured attractions, Weslaco, Texas’ undefeated rising star Omar Figueroa Jr. squares off against Japan’s Nihito Arakawa for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with Teiken Promotions and undefeated power-puncher Diego Chaves faces fellow unbeaten knockout artist Keith Thurman for Chaves’ WBA Interim Welterweight World Championship in a fight promoted in association with KO International. The tripleheader will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME® at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT