Showtime Final Press Conf Miranda – Abraham

06/19/2008135

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
ARTHUR ABRAHAM & EDISON MIRANDA

Thursday, June 19, 2008,
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel And Casino, Hollywood, Fla.

In one of the most eagerly awaited rematches in years – and the most anticipated since Vazquez-Marquez II — undefeated middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (26-0, 21 KOs) and explosive, hard-hitting Edison Miranda (30-2, 26 KOs) will clash in the main event live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday, June 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Abraham, an Armenian based in Germany, outlasted Miranda, a Colombian who lives in Puerto Rico, in their amazing first fight, winning a hotly disputed decision on September 23, 2006, in a slugfest in Germany that was rife with drama, incredible two-way exchanges, a broken jaw, multiple head butts, low blows and controversy. Saturday’s 12-rounder will be contested at a catch weight of 166 pounds.

SHOWTIME will re-air Abraham-Miranda I tonight/Thursday, June 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO2 and this Saturday, June 21, at 6 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®.

In the SHOWTIME co-feature, undefeated middleweight Giovanni Lorenzo (26-0, 18 KOs) of New York, by way of Dominican Republic, will face Raul Marquez (41-3, 29 KOs) of Houston, Texas, by way of Mexico, in an IBF world title elimination bout.

The doubleheader will originate from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and is promoted by Seminole Warriors Boxing and Sauerland Event in association with The Seminole Tribe of Florida.

ARTHUR ABRAHAM
“I’m very happy to be in America and to fight in America. I’m only in the beginning of my American career. I want to develop myself in America and fight here more.

“We (my team) don’t have a big mouth. but we have strong fists and I will show him Saturday. I am absolutely convinced I will win. I’m sure I will win. I never fight without my confidence and I am absolutely convinced I will win this fight.

(When asked what he would say to Miranda if they were face to face) “My eyes say more than his words. I wouldn’t need to say anything. I’m not interested in talking to him or hearing what he has to say.

“This will be a very interesting fight for the fans. People will see me, the man who beats Miranda and will beat Kelly Pavlik down the road. I will beat Oscar De La Hoya. I want to fight him. I don’t want to do it for money. I will do it for free. His name means more to me then the money. His name is bigger than the money.’’

EDISON MIRANDA
“I want to ask Abraham a question: Do you remember me? (looking at Abraham) Do you want me to do the same?

“I know it was a controversial fight. They took it from me and disrespected me in Germany. (But) Not just me, but the sport of boxing.

“To have Abraham here in America; well, God is helping me. Taking this fight is the most important thing for my career. I know Abraham will come to fight. (looking at him) Are you (Abraham) going to come to fight? I hope you come to fight.

“The only stupid king I know is King Arthur. Are you ready king? I am ready.

(Referring to Abraham when he said he had nothing to say to Miranda) “Of course he doesn’t have anything to say. I destroyed his mouth.

“I feel in perfect condition. No problems in my camp. What has surprised me about him is that he is an idiot. Didn’t you see how nervous he (Abraham) was up there? He was talking like a little girl. He knows I destroyed him. His trainers lied to him. His trainers don’t care about him otherwise they wouldn’t have brought him here. I care more about him then his trainers do.’’

RAUL MARQUEZ
“This is an important fight; a do or die fight for me. He (Lorenzo) is young and undefeated but I’m older, wiser than him. I’m hungry for this. I know if I don’t win here my career is over. My father and I have been working hard for this. It will be a great fight. We’re both warriors.”

GIOVANNI LORENZO
“It is my turn now. I will show you Saturday what I can do. My dream was to fight Raul Marquez. I’ve got him and Saturday I will show you what I can do.’’

PROMOTER WILFRED SAUERLAND
“Arthur always wanted his rematch with Miranda. He wanted to go to America. He has defended his title several times and competition is getting thin. He wanted to come fight Miranda. I could have talked him out of it but I wanted to see a rematch. As a true boxing fan I want to see this.’’

ULLI WAGNER (Abraham’s trainer)
“This is a big success for boxing. We will see a great fight on Saturday.

JOSE BONILLA (Miranda’s Trainer)
“I just know one king. The only king I know is God.’’

Photos: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME

IMG_9926: The four talented, world-class fighters who will compete this Saturday on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) pose after Thursday’s press conference at Hollywood, Fla. Left to-right: Arthur Abraham, Giovanni Lorenzo, Raul Marquez and Edison Miranda.

IMG_8817: In an eagerly anticipated rematch, undefeated middleweight champion Abraham (left) will face Miranda in Saturday’s main event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at Hollywood, Fla. The 12-rounder will be fought at a catch weight of 166 pounds.