QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM KICK-OFF STOP OF 11-CITY PRESS TOUR
THE ONE” we’ve been waiting for, Floyd “Money” Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez, was formally announced at a press conference in front of thousands of flag-waving, enthusiastic fans on a hot, summer Monday in Times Square in New York City. The streets were lined with camera-clicking fans for hours, while others watched the first stop of an 11-city, two-country, nine-day media tour that continues Tuesday in Washington, D.C. from their office windows high above “The Crossroads of the World.”
The fighters were introduced individually, posed for the fans and news cameras, produced an intense face-off and spoke at the podium.
What Mayweather and Canelo as well as executives Leonard Ellerbe, Richard Schaefer, Oscar De La Hoya, Stephen Espinoza and Canelo’s trainer, Chepo Reynoso, said Monday:
Floyd Mayweather, Eight-Time And Five-Division World Champion
“Canelo, I appreciate you for taking this fight. Let’s give the fans what they want to see on September 14.
“Mexico has produced some legendary champions. I take my hat off to them. I respect the country of Mexico, but something I’ve always enjoyed about the sport of boxing is that my fans can’t fight for me and his fans can’t fight for him.
“I’m truly thankful to the fans, without the fans I wouldn’t be where I am.
“Golden Boy Promotions, we love working hand-in-hand with you guys. Mayweather Promotions, our company is still building. We’ve got young champions on the rise. I have to thank SHOWTIME; we’re going to do some record-breaking things. I have to thank CBS. To all the executives, I want to thank you all for believing in me and my skills.”
“I want to thank Canelo’s fans, you guys have stood behind him. He’s a true champion, a young, strong champion and he’s earned his right to be up here with me. He’s done something right to get to this level.
“I can’t wait to go out there and perform. I’m about to go to camp. Physically I’m always ready, but I’m looking for an exciting fight on September 14.
“It has truly been an amazing ride. I’m blessed to be in the sport of boxing and be at the top for 17 years.
“There’s no city like New York City. As a matter of fact, they should put a ring right here in Times Square and let us do it today.
“On September 14, all we want to do is give the fans excitement. That’s what it’s all about. I just want to give the fans a hell of a fight.
“Canelo is a young strong champion. He’s obviously done something right to be at this level. He’s a guy that I can’t overlook. I’ve got to go out there and fight the best fight.
“When guys face me, it’s a totally different level. I’m sure he’s going to be in tip top condition and give the fans a great show.
“Come September 14, it’s the best versus the best. ‘THE ONE.’ He’s a guy I know I can’t overlook, but I’ve been here before. I have a lot of experience. One thing I don’t do is play into the crowd. I understand that this is my job. I know what it takes in a fight of this magnitude and I’m going to continue to dedicate myself to my craft and be the best that I can be. I dedicated my whole life to be at the pinnacle and to face the best.
“The earth is my turf. You can put me in any ring and I’ll always come out victorious. The car won’t stop now. Let’s keep the car rolling. It’s gong to be a hell of a fight on September 14.”
Canelo Alvarez, Super Welterweight World Champion
“Good afternoon, New York. Thank you all for being here and for your support. With this fight, everybody’s going to win. In boxing everybody has their time, and this is my time. Everybody knows that Floyd’s the best without question, but it’s my time. We’re going to win.
“I’m younger and bigger, which are very important keys, but you must remember that Floyd is a very intelligent fighter, but I’m going to have the right game plan.
“Obviously, this is my biggest fight, but I’ve visualized it and I’ve prepared my mind for it for a while.
“I appreciate all the fans for all of their incredible support. I always have. I’m very gratified to be here today, to see this turnout and to have so many fans supporting for me. I’ll be ready on September 14 and give them all what they want to see.’’
