OLEKSANDR USYK VS. RICO VERHOEVEN PRESS CONFERENCE LIVESTREAM

[0:02] he strikes starts as you mean to go on but this is the danger of the top two guys and that [0:13] nuclear weapon that is hello goodbye in the back of the net and shoots score [0:26] of seria action will bring you so much of it here on the zone magnificent that is tremendous [0:41] catching up on any nfl game is easier than ever before champions again the zone is the home of [0:58] boxing really suppose one gets you going let's make history pure hell there's no way from this [1:07] surely the road to greatness is long but greatness isn't just forged from within it has to be proven [1:24] on the greatest stage of all so happy that the old gang is back together you haven't aged a day [1:56] you've aged like a million days that's this many fingers smelly genitals ghost face is still killing [2:02] someone's cleaning those handprints off the mirror and it isn't me [2:07] i can't feel my face you cook son scary movie true the following program is recommended for those 16 [2:23] and over as it contains sporting violence possible bad language and flashing imagery [2:56] they said that this wouldn't happen in egypt but it is it certainly is happening and it certainly is a [3:05] spectacular backdrop as well glory and giza we're at the press conference the grand egyptian museum [3:11] will host something very spectacular in the next 30 seconds or so i'm a little deep on [3:16] on stage with a couple of really serious heavy hitters here former world title challenger malik [3:20] scott and former k1 and strike force champion alistair ovary and a couple of heavy hitters have just [3:27] entered the building as well there you go look at that face of alexander who's hit ricover hoover [3:33] now that's a serious face off that's the face off of two guys that haven't tasted defeat for many many [3:39] many many years and don't expect to taste defeat on saturday alistair as you see that you see enrico [3:45] here he looks focused he looks ready to go very focused um definitely has a plan to win he's coming [3:51] to win um and he has actually showed his entire behavior calm composed yeah looking fit they've had [4:01] yeah they've had a couple of face-offs they had one yesterday malik in front of the pyramids [4:04] that one seemed more intense i guess because we are counting down the hours now to when these guys [4:09] start to throw leather and i feel like both of them understand now the magnitude of what [4:13] is in front of them yes and you have to realize uh as as big as this is the scenery the opponent [4:19] that the magnitude of music fighting the kickboxer king basically is just another day at the office [4:25] for him but he's intense he's not taking rego lightly at all and i plan i plan on seeing him doing [4:31] a great job on saturday it is an incredible backdrop isn't it really is and look at olexander [4:35] usig always dresses to impress doesn't he always has a different type of outfit now would never [4:40] just come in a normal suit that isn't really not at all tons of taste yeah tons of taste he have uh [4:44] he's a one-of-a-kind individual even the way he speaks uh even the way he moves like he's a universal [4:49] everyone is attracted to him and you know everyone loved this guy he's the undisputed heavyweight [4:54] champion of the world and usually when the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world is known as [4:59] that he's not considered the best fighter in the world no usig is the heavyweight champion of the world [5:03] and he's the best fighter in the world so rico has his hands full alistair before we throw it [5:08] down from a kickboxing perspective what's the kickboxing fraternity saying about what they're [5:13] expecting on saturday is everyone behind rico is everyone expecting rico to maybe cause one of the [5:18] biggest upsets not just in boxing in sport i do know that the kickboxing world is very proud of rico [5:23] he is on a stage that very few have accomplished they're behind him but the mountain is very high as [5:30] everybody realizes yeah the crowd by the way has really swelled here all the world's media and [5:35] press are here as well ready to get this press conference underway let's throw it down to the [5:39] greatest emcee of them all mr michael buffer well ladies and gentlemen good evening and welcome to [5:52] the grand egyptian museum for the final press conference for glory in giza an evening of [6:01] world-class professional boxing for your entertainment and it's all on saturday may 23rd live from the [6:09] pyramids of giza egypt we will turn the page to a new chapter in the history of the sport of boxing [6:18] with our main event of the evening 12 rounds of boxing for the universally recognized heavyweight [6:27] championship of the world and it's all presented by the bible of boxing the ring [6:34] cella eddie hearn for matchroom boxing gold star promotions and ready to fight and our great sponsors [6:43] for this evening white bit scary movie box raw and just eat big thanks to our very special partners [6:52] and sponsorship now this event is sold out but everyone worldwide can see it live on the zone exclusively [7:02] worldwide that's on the zone go to the zone.com to purchase it d-a-z-n.com so ladies and gentlemen [7:12] the main event of the evening saturday night 12 rounds of boxing for the heavyweight championship of the [7:22] world let's meet challenger and champion first from hausner netherlands the challenger an international [7:33] combat sports legend from 2013 to just a few months ago when he vacated the title he was undefeated in the [7:43] ring so ladies and gentlemen presenting at this time to the stage the former undisputed kickboxing [7:52] heavyweight world champion the king of kickboxing ricardo rico his opponent ladies and gentlemen [8:25] he captured olympic gold in 2012 he comes to us from kiev ukraine and he's fighting for all the ukrainians [8:35] around the world his professional record is a perfect one 24 fights 24 victories 15 big wins by knockout [8:45] he's a two division world champion the former undisputed undefeated cruiserweight world champion [8:54] the reigning defending ring world boxing council world boxing association universally recognized [9:03] undefeated heavyweight champion of the world olexander [9:09] so at this time ladies and gentlemen i'd like to turn it over to our host he is the new sja award winner [9:44] the presenter is mr jamie ward thank you michael buffer the greatest in the house mr michael buffer [9:52] as always thank you for the introduction and a very good evening everybody a good evening to everyone who [9:58] has traveled over made the trip here to cairo egypt to cover and report on a very historic night of [10:05] boxing coming our way on saturday night and of course an extended welcome to all those who join us around [10:11] the world good morning good afternoon and good evening to you and the reason i address you like [10:16] that is because i have no doubts that on saturday night the entire world of sports and combat sports [10:24] in particular will have their eyes on cairo in egypt as two kings from their respective discipline two [10:32] kings from their respective craft meet in the boxing ring two modern day legends collide on ancient land [10:39] in the shadow of the great pyramids of giza here in egypt it is olexander usik versus riko verhoeven [10:47] for the world heavyweight championship and it's all live exclusively around the world only on the zone [10:55] just before we hear from the fighters and the many familiar faces up here on the top table this evening [11:03] we now give a warm welcome to the man whose incredible vision has brought boxing fans some of [11:09] the most historic fight nights in recent history and indeed all history of this wonderful sport including [11:17] this saturday's history making event here in egypt please give a warm welcome to his excellency [11:25] turkey al-al-sheikh bismillah rahman rahim first of all i thank everyone to come here in this special event [12:03] and this special conference for the first time in this special place one of the most beautiful museum in [12:14] in the world i thank the manager of the museum dr ahmad and all who's working here in the museum to give [12:23] us this opportunity to do to do this special conference for the special event we have today first of all [12:33] i want to thank the crown prince prince muhammad bin salman bin abil aziz you need to know something [12:46] important uh we cannot do what we do in boxing as a real season as a ring as a saudi federation of boxing [12:58] without his vision and without his support and without his trust i think you see what's the revolution of [13:08] boxing happening in the last three four years and how many undisputed fights have how many big fights [13:18] the fans dream about this fighters became like a brother for me i i care about them i feel what they [13:32] suffered and i try my best to do everything for them for that this event is special this event is [13:43] different it's the idea became from one close friend he's a famous actor just in statement and he said to [13:55] me and show me when we are in vagus in the big fight between crawford and canelo i feed you two minutes [14:06] show me this man and he say he think he have a chance to be one of amazing fighters in boxing like what [14:19] he do in his legacy in kickboxing i like the idea for that also i want to thanks this great legend to give [14:32] us this opportunity and accept this challenge this is important for that i think with my team to do this [14:41] event in special place because we are special sports we are sport from more than seven thousand years [14:48] and we care about our sports for that we came to place that history beginning from more than seven [14:56] thousand years you are to after tomorrow have event in place thousands of thousands of years and people go [15:07] around it special place for the first time have like this kind of event in this kind of unique place [15:17] i don't want to talk about example about another people thinking about places that is is iconic but [15:26] nothing like this ever will be happy before and after without us and without sila and without the ring [15:36] magazine without the zone i thank and have a special thank to the president of egypt mr abdel fatah sisi god [15:47] bless him and his support to give us this opportunity and to give us all the support logistic support to do [15:59] this event in this amazing place president abdel fatah thank you from my heart and i hope [16:08] in saturday we deliver to egypt one of the biggest event in history of boxing what can i say to you [16:19] i want big fights in saturday but for six times i see this man beating all the champions of england [16:29] maybe in this time we have a different chance to see something different and maybe not let's see [16:39] what's i promise you and i promise raiko now winning or losing that's he will continue with us [16:50] in special events in the future it will be pleasure for us to have him again with us because he's a [16:58] champion he's a legend and it is honor to have him with us in the future in the future card winning [17:04] or losing of course the price of course the price will be different if you if you win of course and [17:13] about this legend i get bother dreaming someone beat him all the times for that i will not think until i [17:25] see saturday what's he have still in his inside uh we are planning for something now to give to [17:40] ozyk in the future we are thinking and i know he doesn't want to talk about the future but uh we [17:48] are planning and we are i want to give you a small secret we are planning to do something amazing [17:55] in in istanbul heard us the people in istanbul and the government in istanbul to do something amazing [18:03] uh near ayah sofia next year inshallah the last things i want to say and because egypt is very [18:14] special for me and i want the reporters at the generalist uh from egypt to hear me uh write well and [18:23] get uh very attention about what i'm saying now we finish today something between us and mr [18:34] hisham talat and sila special uh surprise for egypt in next year about some events sports events [18:48] next year it will be one of the biggest event in sport of history of egypt in the last 100 years [18:56] for sure we will announce it soon something incredible and it will be something amazing [19:06] we are in the process now to take the permission and the god blessing from the mr president abdul fattah [19:15] assisi and uh and uh and the government here and in the right time we will announce it i hope you're [19:24] enjoying inshallah what we are doing in saturday imagine we are building everything from scratch [19:31] silla and and with the here in egypt building everything from scratch for this event uh good [19:40] luck for the two legends and i hope to see a great fight in saturday and thank you everyone thank you [19:51] your excellency we cannot wait for saturday night promises to be so special i have a video for two [20:03] minutes for the father of eddie it's amazing video i want to eddie to one time to to heard it i will [20:10] send it to eddie to give him motivation you know to take lesson from his father what do you think [20:17] about that eddie herm eddie do you need motivation from from barry for this i'm so happy it's finally [20:24] been up here speaking that was a great speech and uh now we can get started thank you thank you your [20:29] excellency okay let's hear before we work our way down the respective tables i think it's right to go [20:35] straight to the fighters both sides of the main event the great olexander usick and the great rico [20:42] verhoeven as well olexander i want to come to you first you've been in this sport for so many years [20:49] you've boxed in amazing arenas and stadiums all around the world you've never boxed beside the great [20:55] pyramids of giza i just wonder for you how does it feel and what does this mean to be a part of such a [21:03] historic event like this on saturday night hi everyone today for me great day press conference [21:14] but first this is my religion celebrity who who believe jesus christ today the ascension of the lord [21:25] congratulations i'm happy to be here for me it's first time you know it's history time i think [21:33] uh today you know first uh face face off we're going pyramid you know when we go in a close i say wow [21:44] this is amazing my first time you know sometimes my people my team uh another was here but i'm not [21:54] it's a great i thank you so much for turkey alay sheikh because it's here organization great i'm happy [22:04] i'm happy every time bro great to hear alexander great to hear uh rico let's bring you in as well [22:10] straight away olexander mentioned the first face off there earlier in the week it was special to [22:15] watch and you said it gave you goosebumps when you came face to face with olexander at the pyramids [22:21] for yourself as well you've used that word thankful quite a lot in the build-up what makes you proud [22:27] and thankful rico to be a part of such a special night like this no 100 so uh the beautiful country of [22:34] egypt already brings so much history with it and then being so close to the pyramids that have [22:41] been here for thousands of years and now we're in 2026 and still egypt is writing history and me and [22:52] alexander are a small part of that history with us headlining this main event uh on this card so [23:00] that's why i say i feel so thankful um and thank you to his excellency and the whole organization [23:08] of course thank you to uh to alexander usick for accepting this challenge so like i said i feel i feel [23:16] blessed i'm excited i put everything i have into this so i can't wait for saturday night and you've [23:22] said in the build-up as well rico let's talk about the similarities with yourself and usick as great [23:27] champions rather than the differences you're two gentlemen it's been classy in the build-up but [23:34] what do you respect deep down about the man you share in the ring with as a character and a fighter [23:39] no 100 i think just in general if we look at the world we are more looking at what makes you different [23:49] from me instead of what do we like have in yeah like together what do we what do we have in common [23:57] like me and usick we we both we both are fathers uh i like kickboxing he likes boxing oh but it's [24:04] martial arts so we both love that so this man is an undisputed champion for years he did it in the [24:10] cruiserweights uh now he's done it in the heavyweight so i respect every opponent so either way if whatever [24:17] feeling you would have against an opponent i know what it takes and what you have to go through to [24:23] step into the ring and now being among all these boxing legends here mr crawford also a boxing legend [24:31] boxing icon so it's for me like a true blessing to to be here and alexander one to you just in the [24:37] middle of your selfie video there before we work down for the teams the same question for yourself [24:42] alexander you know what it takes to reach the top but not only that to stay at the top for so many [24:48] years like rico has done as a challenge as an athlete a competitor what do you respect about the [24:54] man next to you on the stage here tonight listen uh i respect all my rivals because i know how is [25:04] because who who training boxing kickboxing wrestling you know fights uh it's amazing guys and the crazy [25:12] guys yes i respect all my rivals but it's uh it's uh hard sport bro you training boxing i had one spot and [25:25] that was it so please please uh go try one training one round the real sparring i'll try yes i'll try i [25:36] respect all my uh rivals bro yeah yeah i need to look after my nose don't worry i'll be out of the [25:42] job protect caps no problem thank you come my camp can i yeah of course okay no problem i'll take you [25:49] up on that offer thank you alexander let's work our way down the table then i can't quite see him [25:54] down there but i'm sure he looks wonderful as always mr versace himself rick reno um rick [26:01] firstly to you you there can you lean forward i can't see you down the end there there you are [26:05] rick brilliant great to see rick reno in the house uh rick what a special night we've had so many [26:10] special nights haven't we with the ring magazine we've really been spoiled so far in so many [26:15] magnificent venues all around the world but where does this one rank what makes this so special for [26:21] you and for the ring magazine you'd have to you'd have to rank uh you'd have to rank this one you know [26:31] right up there at the top at least for me i mean it's a fantasy matchup in a very iconic setting [26:38] um we first discussed the concept of this event and the concept of the fight there were a lot of [26:43] people who thought it wouldn't happen that it was just a figment of our imagination it wouldn't come off [26:50] and now we're only a few days away from the event taking place and you know it's one thing when you [26:56] look in like history books when you're a kid and you look at the the sphinx and the pyramids but when [27:03] you look at it up close it's like you get blown away it's it's like an unbelievable setting and you [27:12] know when you match up the undisputed king of heavyweight boxing against the king of heavyweight kickboxing [27:20] it makes for a special matchup uh you know rico is an icon and a legend in his sport and it takes a lot [27:29] of guts to go into a fight in boxing against a guy like usik was at the top of his game uh and has been [27:39] just beating the very best of his weight class you know rico feels confident that he could pull off [27:46] one of the biggest upsets and i think it would be the biggest upset in boxing history uh usik has [27:53] other plans so this is an unbelievable event i mean just look at the turnout with all of the media [28:01] um people are talking about it all over the world and i look forward to it thank you rick as do we let's [28:08] bring in another familiar face up here promoter eddie hearn eddie i said this at the launch press [28:13] conference a tricky question to ask you when rico verhoeven is sat in such in distance but based [28:19] on your knowledge of boxing based on the pedigree in the sport of boxing and boxing only what are the [28:25] big questions but how do you believe this fight should look on saturday night well firstly um thanks [28:31] for this incredible turnout tonight i mean the media turnout here in egypt is quite sensational and that [28:37] shows you the magnitude of this event um i think what turkey has done and i know [28:43] some people that praise him always get criticized of over praising him and and we like to have our [28:49] backwards and forwards but the reality is is turkey has been bringing a lot of high profile high level [28:55] sport to saudi arabia for a long time but now he's bringing it to egypt and i think everybody here [29:02] particularly from the egyptian media needs to understand this is one of the biggest sporting moments [29:07] this country has ever seen you've got one of the most iconic seven wonders of the world where [29:13] on saturday night the world heavyweight championship the ring magazine the wonderful wbc championship [29:19] the wba championship will be contested at the foot of the pyramids and these guys turkey seller [29:26] all of those people have had the vision to make that happen i think used a good word thankful [29:31] this is the first time i've seen it in my life and i wouldn't be here without boxing and boxing's given [29:36] a lot of people so much so thank you to everybody involved with that on the fight the fight on paper [29:44] is an impossible mountain to climb for riko verhoven oh no i'll rephrase that for the normal man [29:51] but the reason that he's accomplished what he's accomplished and the reason that he's done what [29:56] he's done is because he's not a normal man i think olexander rusik is one of the greatest not just [30:02] fighters of our generation but the greatest examples to any young fighter to any young athlete [30:09] in terms of the work ethic and the mindset i mean i've had the opportunity and i thank alex and his [30:14] team for allowing aj into that camp because what i've seen up close is the reason that he's undefeated [30:22] the reason that he's still top of the game and tomorrow night this guy this giant of a man whose arms are [30:29] like the normal man's thighs has an opportunity to let's be honest forge one of the greatest upsets [30:37] in the history of boxing it might not be to him but it will be on paper on saturday night if he was to [30:43] do it and he's not just coming into the boxing code with a fight he's coming in not just to fight the [30:48] best in a division he's coming in to fight the pound for pound number one but i'll tell you something [30:54] if there was ever anything dramatic ever anything strange to happen it's going to happen at the foot [31:01] of the pyramids in egypt so it's a mountain to climb for this man but i'll tell you what he is [31:07] a mountain he's a man mountain and he's full of heart he's full of power and i know how bad he wants [31:13] it and listen may the best man win because they're two icons two legends of their respective sport and [31:19] what an undercard as well i know we have the undercard press conference but this whole event on the [31:23] zone will be one that people tune in around the world and just firstly visually say what am i [31:29] watching here this is in the pyramids in egypt one of the greatest sporting events ever in this country [31:35] and we're delighted to be a part of it thank you to frank smith all of our team because by the way [31:40] they'll be banging in nails at 5 pm to get this ready on saturday night it will be done and it will [31:46] be a spectacle and a sight to behold great words eddie thank you very much let's hear from the [31:50] respective teams then on either side a round of applause ready herne that is rare that doesn't [31:55] happen in the uk that must be an egyptian thing he'll milk that one uh firstly to peter fury trainer [32:01] of rico verhoeven pete you've known rico for a long time for the work he's done in in the fury [32:07] camps over the years but as a full package as an athlete as a man what makes him so special in your [32:13] opinion well we'll see saturday night but he is a special individual he's a he's an incredible athlete as [32:19] well and he's put such a camp in you know this has been a six month training camp so you know we [32:27] want him to do as best as possible obviously and whatever the outcome is it is but there's one thing [32:32] for sure he's ready he's going to put his best foot forward and i think he's going to surprise uh a [32:39] few people as well onlookers because this is an incredible athlete and he's he's definitely very [32:45] impressed me and the lead up to this and fight week you know normally you see fighters where they [32:52] get tense a little bit excited like you know the tensions there he's totally totally relaxed he's [32:59] super happy he gives us all the respect in the world as i do myself the incredible champion and um [33:06] we're just looking forward to an incredible display an incredible night and believe me [33:12] i'll second what eddie said this is one amazing event i'm 58 years of age and i've never been [33:18] here before ever so to see this to go around the period of minutes and have a look it's got biblical [33:23] history you know amazing an amazing event thank you peace here and a quick word as well down the [33:31] end here from long-term manager of rico as well down here kareem urja kareem welcome great to have [33:37] you back on the top table here this evening like i say similar to peter you've worked with rico for so [33:42] many years behind the scenes have you seen though despite all of his experience in the world of [33:47] kickboxing something different a different fire in the mind in the belly of rico verhoeven coming in [33:53] to this cauldron what it's going to be on saturday night in his attempt to shock the world actually the [33:58] opposite of what i would have expected uh this guy is so relaxed um i look at the pictures uh taken [34:06] the whole week and i see all smiles so yeah that's what surprised me the most that he's so relaxed for [34:13] such a huge fight in an epic location let's work our way down the table then in here from team music as [34:20] well sir he lapping down there as well over to our right you've been a part likewise of team alexander [34:26] rusik's camp for so long you've seen him reach the top but i just wonder still every day in training camp [34:33] what makes it still so enjoyable amongst the hard work for you all every day hello everyone thank you [34:44] turkey ali sheikh thank you dr rakan thank you jip it amazing show we hard work last three months you [34:56] know and i know i could know alex more 25 years you know this guy very strong strong big big computer you [35:11] know you know now is what's name new computer quantum this quantum computer in boxing and uh hard work [35:21] in team in professor one we have three maybe four in professor a camp and i know with uh very strong [35:30] camp in rico team i know with peter fury is strong man very smart man you know uh we see saturday [35:42] it's very nice show amazing show in pyramid and first show in the world boxing show thank you thank [35:53] you and a quick word from jacob jerky as well up there in the end also a big part of the team jacob [35:58] olexander is a great champion and a very humble man what do you believe makes him such a wonderful [36:04] inspiration to so many young fighters around the world first of all thank you for having me here [36:11] as always is a big pleasure to be here you know at this stage of alexander career [36:18] as a team we focus on the training process yeah preparation in every area physically mentally [36:28] technically we respect all opponents we respect rico and the future opponents of alexander but [36:35] uh the priority the priority for us is maintaining his performance as long it's it's possible and [36:46] as alexander always says motivation coming first and we we believe him we believe him and [36:58] we exit we executed every single day during the camp out of the out of the camp [37:05] uh because we know that this is the only one way we can see him now and in the future in the best [37:20] in the best performance we went the great camp alexander trained with with aj and for 100 percent [37:30] uh this new energy in the camp uh is very good for for both uh for both of them we are ready i'm very [37:40] excited before the saturday night and i can't wait thank you jacob let's hear from both sides of the main [37:50] event rico let me come to you first as a competitor who's achieved as we keep saying so much in the world of [37:56] kickboxing but as a human being how curious are you use that word curious in the sense of what you [38:03] can push your body to really what is in the realms for rico to achieve is there an element of curiosity [38:09] in your own mind ahead of that opening bell on saturday night of course it wasn't only the opening bell [38:15] that's coming but it was also the whole mindset of thinking about a transition from a sport i've been [38:25] doing since i was a kid i was kickboxing since i was six years old and now um i was 36 when i started [38:37] transitioning into boxing so that was the end of last year and of course i was boxing but i was boxing [38:42] to kickbox and for peter was a lot of fun because he he was training me to box to kickbox but now he's [38:51] training me to box so he's having a lot of fun he had a lot of fun and especially for me it was [38:59] to be open-minded and to test myself and like you said the curiosity of can i still do that at this age [39:07] and how can i emerge myself in the sport of boxing and how can i transition into that and is that even [39:14] possible at this age as you have so many yeah things that are so common to throw kicks and etc but [39:24] um i think i think we did a we did quite a good job and i'm gonna showcase that to to the world on [39:30] saturday alexander rico says the reason he beats you on saturday night is because he brings something [39:37] that you haven't seen before do you believe he can bring something that you possibly haven't seen before [39:42] in a boxing ring what are the big dangers now it's only words this is press conference and we speak [39:49] a lot of but my my language you will be in the ring you know maybe it's possible maybe it's not [39:58] we'll see it's god's will what's your answer to that rico what do you believe you can bring [40:03] that this man hasn't seen before sorry what do you believe you can bring and you do do that [40:08] olexander usick hasn't seen before like you spoke about 100 because i'm bringing something [40:13] what he hasn't seen before because he's only facing he only faced boxers and that have been boxing their [40:19] whole life and i haven't so it's just like a whole different approach and like he said it's uh it's god's [40:27] will so we'll see you on saturday may the best man win and in terms of a prediction for alexander [40:34] is it any means necessary for yourself or for boxing will you be disappointed if this fight goes [40:40] 12 rounds many experts are picking you to win this fight when you choose how do you believe you win [40:46] this fight on saturday i have no idea you know how many rounds this is fight i'm not sad if 12 rounds [41:09] it's it's normal but i don't know when when i have chance i do it for you rico i know you've seen this [41:19] so many times in your mind the fire and your motivation you spoke about all week how do you [41:25] believe you win this fight on saturday what is the what's the best way for you to be olexander [41:28] rusik on saturday for me the first objective is to win and how we're going to win we'll see if it's [41:34] a knockout it's a knockout if it's a decision it's a decision so and if it would come to a decision and [41:41] then i get the win wow then i face the best pound for pound fighter in the world for years and years [41:51] and i beat him in 12 rounds then he tried everything and he couldn't beat me so that would be like the [41:57] ultimate okay well one thing we can guarantee is this is going to be a very very special main event [42:03] on saturday night a crossover clash for the ages i believe we are now going to bring the great olexander [42:09] usik and the great ricover huven together for a face-off at the front of the stage thank you [42:14] gentlemen there you go um i love what olexander usik said alisa to almost close the show there by saying [42:27] this is a press conference you know i'll do my talking on saturday in the ring enough talking let's [42:32] fight i believe he sees it as an energy battle and uh he doesn't want to give anything away of his uh [42:39] of a strategy of his game plan but it's all about chipping away at that energy and uh can't give any [42:45] predictions on that because he doesn't have any table there's something special malik about both [42:49] of them wearing white i don't know why it's almost growing on me the fact that both of these guys [42:53] almost like they've been told to wear a uniform but it works it does colors right yes and i would [42:58] almost bet this is not intentional no i really don't believe this is intentional at all but i [43:03] also believe when it comes to this white and the gold trim from usik i believe it has something to [43:08] do with the bible i believe it's a religious thing and i believe like that has been a lot of [43:12] his driven motivation his belief in jesus christ and not just that when he came here the first thing [43:17] he did was go to church and he's been saying it the whole time doing this whole promo you know there's [43:22] something i've been lucky enough to have sat down with rico a few times now in the lead up to this fight [43:27] when he talks he makes you believe him he speaks with such assuredness such authority why obviously [43:35] look he's a big underdog but you believe that something crazy could happen because of the way [43:39] he talks well there is mental power there and let's not forget he has displayed that 12 years glory [43:43] champion uh defeating opponents after another facing adversity overcoming adversity and um yeah that [43:52] kind of creates confidence right so he speaks with confidence i think that's what's resonating and [43:56] ultimately malik he gets he gets kicked in the face i mean this guy is used to knees and kicks i mean [44:02] there's no there's no fear factor of rico rico's coming in there as he says uh an undefeated long [44:09] reigning champion he's coming in there to do some damage yes and he one thing you just said i didn't [44:14] make a lot of sense he get kicked in the face a lot right and just being a kickboxer so you'll say well [44:18] he should be able to handle a punch but the punches that come from alexander usig are the punches you can't [44:23] see he he hit you with the blindsided shot so yeah rico may have seen a bunch of kicks a bunch of whole [44:28] different punches but he's never seen nothing that's going to be coming from the direction of shots [44:31] the way how alexander usig though punches this is very different for rico i'm guessing alistair for [44:36] his last 10 years he walks into the ring in kickboxing as a favorite he goes in there and we expect him [44:42] to win this will be the first time in a long time he's walking into a ring and nobody here expects him [44:48] to win and that can be his uh his beneficial factor yeah that can work out for him yeah that might be [44:57] good for him that could be good because um yeah nobody's you know even um just being able to take [45:06] it to the long to the later rounds that would be uh yeah a win for him yeah um a spectacular turnout by [45:11] the way here i mean hundreds and i mean hundreds of media members here this is something very very [45:17] different we don't have we don't have boxing here that much let alone big time heavyweight boxing like [45:22] this and it is a stellar undercard yes as well which we are going to get to there's going to be [45:25] three parts of this press conference we are going to hear from the prelim guys uh in about 10 minutes [45:31] and then obviously the likes of hamza shirez frank sanchez richard torres are going to join us as well [45:36] eddie hearn talking to alexander i wish i wish i knew what they were saying yes me too but i'm sure [45:41] whatever it is eddie is giving him the respect because of who he is the undisputed heavyweight champion [45:46] of the world and not just that we all know alexander usig character is everything as well [45:50] he's a well-mannered man he's never hopped out of character he strictly wanted to become the best in [45:56] the division and he did that alistar i thought you were the king of the world around 2009 to 2012 [46:03] when you were just dominating you were ubering that was what you were back then if someone knocked on [46:09] your door back then and said alistar we want you to fight who was the champion back then vladimir klitschko [46:14] would you have done it would be a step out of the box for me but uh but who knows nobody did no one [46:21] did no one did at the time and then you know i already was making the jump from mma into kickboxing [46:27] became k1 girl a grand prix champion and then i kind of went back into mma into the ufc so there was [46:33] big opportunities there which i took out of time i think this is the first time everyone's seeing you [46:37] on camera alistair overfim uh there you go former strike force champion k1 grand prix champion as well [46:42] and the great malik scott one of the greatest minds in the game a former world title challenger now [46:46] one of the best trainers in the business as well the energy here is insane fantastic it is isn't it [46:52] it really is yes great energy well done to jamie ward talking to champions by the way come in look [46:58] look who's joined us hey look who's joined us what's up the great terence crawford in the building [47:02] how are you what's going on what's going on what's up chilling chilling chilling [47:07] this must excite you a lot i'm not going to say you're coming back i'm not going to ask that question [47:10] yeah but when you see things like this when you see events all over the world and you look at the [47:14] numbers terrence here people are floating this must get the juices flowing a little bit now [47:19] no i just i'm just happy for the sport yeah you know um to do something of this magnitude [47:26] is this is just a great feeling to be a part of it and to be here to witness it it's a big big big [47:32] ask for rico i mean you respect olexander usick a lot you see how good olexander usick is it's been [47:38] you and him fighting for that number one pound for pound for it feels like the last three or four [47:41] years can he can he shock the world could he do something i don't know with his experience i don't [47:47] know i've never seen the guy fight so i can't testify to you know what he's capable of doing but [47:54] i know usick and i know what level he's on and i think he's up for it he's going to put on an amazing [48:00] show come saturday night and i just wish them both uh the best and you know hopefully both of [48:08] them can leave the ring safely and sound malik i never normally when a fighter goes yeah oh my [48:15] phrase is get in get rich get out yeah i need this man back for one moment i need him back for one [48:21] more just one more he's at his rest now he's at his rest with the canelo victory he did so many [48:26] beautiful things he got guys like us like no come on get some more of that but you know he put his [48:30] hard work in and if anyone deserves to retire on all the work he put in it's a problem are you enjoying [48:35] your retirement bud you're traveling the world enjoying it i see the kids a few kids with you as [48:39] well and i'm i'm enjoying the fruits of my labor man i've been boxing for 30 years you know and i always [48:46] said i was going to suffer while i was training right and then live better later on in life and now i'm [48:53] being able to live and train and i have to worry about you know boxing getting punched in the head [48:59] and who i'm gonna fight next and it's just a it's a great feeling that's the opposite your thing go [49:04] ahead go do you ever look at the fight of canelo and the job that you did just how great that [49:10] performance was and how imposing he was on him do you ever look at that fight and say it's so good i [49:15] have to do it like just specifically that fight do you ever look at your own performance but and say [49:20] no i gotta do this one more time it's like even you looking at it oh really you know i didn't i [49:25] didn't think it was a uh that much great of a performance that i know i'm capable of no for [49:32] real like i i know what i'm capable of and i'm telling you that i'm capable of doing better but i got [49:40] the job done i'm i'm satisfied i'm happy i'm happy with how my career went i'm happy with you know [49:47] the victory that i got and you know i've accomplished everything that i need to accomplish [49:52] in the sport of boxing yeah no doubt you guys must know jeff you must know about his work i know [49:57] honestly you know about both but um what i believe is is that after you've accomplished everything it [50:02] becomes about maintaining what you have and just being happy you said maintaining what you have and [50:08] just being happy of course staying in health of course you know and luckily for me is [50:15] i boxed because i wanted to box you know the things that i set up prior to the canelo fight [50:22] the spence fight let me not having to focus and depend on boxing you know so i'm blessed you are [50:31] blessed uh we're gonna have a canelo press conference here on the weekend canelo versus [50:35] christian and billy what'd you make of that one i think it's gonna be a great fight if i know and billy [50:40] put on a lot of pressure you know canelo we're gonna see what type of shape he's gonna come in [50:46] in this fight and you know canelo is an all-time great and i'm looking forward to seeing how he [50:50] bounce back and i'm excited to watch the fight are you surprised he's still wanting to do more canelo [50:56] a bit like yourself has achieved everything he's gonna go down as one of the all-time greats are you [51:00] surprised that he still wants to continue of course uh knowing canelo he don't want to end his career [51:06] on a on a loss like like like he did with me so i can see canelo wanting to come back and prove [51:12] himself and be back champion and do things that he wanted to do in the sport of boxing and leave on [51:19] his own terms before i let you go hamza shiraz fights for your title against alan bagage what'd you [51:24] make of hamza hamza good fighter you know he's a good boxer tall rangy uh like to work the distance [51:32] and you know that's another good fight for canelo as well but i really want to see you back but it's [51:37] okay we don't we don't it's good it's good thank you very much bud crawford in the house all right [51:41] let's remind you of the fight god i mean look at this in terms of spectacular venues it doesn't get [51:46] much better than this does it and it really is a good fight card now this is the prelim side of things [51:50] basem magdu versus jamal tally sultan al-mohamed takes on daddy imprah mohammed mubarak takes an [51:57] ali sarankuma omar hika omar hika by the way he's dad actually fought and beat olexander [52:04] usik way back when any amateurs he takes on michael kaleila and this is it this is the card that we've [52:13] been waiting for daniel lapin takes on benjamin mendez uh tani mizuka ruta who is i think almost [52:20] had a coming out party last year four fights and was the ring recognized best female fighter on the [52:25] planet she takes on the egyptian born now based in australia my solomon frank sanchez the boogeyman no [52:31] one seems to want him richard torres says i will fight him ibf final and limitate in the heavyweight [52:36] division shakam giasov unbeaten world to eight fantastic amateur takes on jack catrell hamza [52:43] sure as you just heard bud crawford say how good he is chance for him to win a world title for the [52:47] second time at this time and i think he's best weight 168 pounds he takes on alem bekic unbeaten [52:54] versus unbeaten and then we saw both of these guys just on the stage now olexander usik the recognized [53:00] best heavyweight on the planet one of the best heavyweights of all time takes on probably the [53:04] greatest kickboxer of all time rico verhoeven what of all those fights malik which which one excites [53:13] you the most removing the main event which one excites you the most i have two okay i wish i only [53:17] have one i have two i have richard torres and frank sanchez but then i also have um uh hamza i'm more [53:26] i'm so interesting to see how hamza performed for his first world title actually i believe it was him [53:32] adamus for the forward this is the second second part but the first at 168 yes and he's actually [53:37] with andy lee this time for a while so he's been looking good he looked great against belenga but i [53:42] want to see what he do with this opportunity here in gizzer before we do throw to thomas triber in [53:47] terms of rico and the way he's going to be feeling right now obviously this is it tomorrow's waiting [53:51] day what's going through his head right now is it just a case of get to the hotel chill out block out the [53:56] noise um go back to the hotel get your rest tomorrow another busy day right the way in [54:02] i think he's going to stick to his routines he should be after he has 90 plus fights something [54:07] he has a strong routine it's also a strong team that's going to keep an ending routine so it's all [54:11] about sticking to the the game now alice it's been great to you don't go anywhere by the way it's been [54:15] great to have you with it always great to have you with us as well malik all right here we go this is [54:18] now the prelim undergar we are going to hear from a few fighters let's throw it down to your mc [54:23] mr thomas triber ladies and gentlemen the press conference continues for glory in giza it's world [54:35] championship boxing usik versus rico this saturday may 23rd live from the pyramids of giza in egypt [54:47] brought to you by ring magazine sella eddie hearn for matchroom boxing gold star promotions and ready [54:55] to fight along with their great sponsors white bit scary movie box raw and just eat a big thanks to [55:07] those great sponsors well a few reminders ladies and gentlemen this historic event is now sold out but [55:17] you can watch it live worldwide exclusively on dazone by now at dazone.com let's now welcome [55:32] our prelim fighters to face off competing saturday in a four-round middleweight contest let's welcome [55:41] from tanzania michael kalia leah and from egypt omar heichel you know when you see a guy like michael [56:25] kalia leah have a record of three four and two you probably think he's not going to bring much to the [56:30] ring on saturday i've done quite a lot of fights in tanzania they have built different malik these guys in [56:36] tanzania they come to fight they're strong they're rugged and he'll look at this as well as a really big [56:42] opportunity to come and do something on a big stage yes absolutely it is and you have to realize [56:46] something too when these guys get these opportunities on this type of stage i believe [56:51] it brings out a different effort in you out of you know what i mean it's almost this is not like a [56:55] local show and then even if it is just the stage that is on usig is the main event turkey ala [57:00] chic is behind this so you can expect these guys to give a day off i believe we are going to hear [57:04] from omar hika again uh he's claims of glory at the moment he's claimed to fame is that his dad did [57:10] beat alexander usig in the amateurs he's now wanting to carve out his own career let's hear [57:14] from him on stage with mike coppinger hey omar all right so obviously your father amateur boxing [57:20] legends defeated alexander usig twice defeated triple g what does it mean to fight at the pyramids [57:25] especially as the son of a fighting legends like abu kiza iani astora from us [57:32] and then of course what are you hoping to prove in this big opportunity [58:03] do you want me to translate what you're saying so he said first of all he would love to proceed to [58:23] exceed what his dad has accomplished for egypt it's a historical moment a very big chance [58:29] and on saturday he will prove to the world that egypt has a lot of talent and uh he's going to be [58:35] the first to accomplish that well thank you so much omar and best of luck tomorrow night or sorry [58:40] saturday night and back to you thomas competing saturday in a scheduled four round super lightweight [58:49] contest his opponent not here at this time but let's welcome from egypt mahmoud mubarak [58:58] uh pro debut pro debut pro debut for him he's going to be shadow boxing by himself his opponent's not [59:18] here yet but will be here on saturday pro debut on this card malik i mean everyone else pro debuts in [59:25] front of a man and a dog he pro debuts in front of thousands live on the zone what an opportunity [59:30] absolutely and i believe he's facing an opponent that has two wins three losses something like that [59:34] and that says a lot that he's not just going against a guy that have no fights like him [59:39] in in a pro debut way is kind of stepping up already if you know what i'm trying to say [59:43] i mean like he's going in with guys that's that's already been in the ring and that goes to show he's [59:47] trying to get experience right off the rip in his professional debut yeah let's hear from mohammed [59:52] mubarak he's with mike coppinger all right here with mahmoud mubarak mahmoud this is going to be an [59:58] incredible opportunity obviously fighting at the pyramids how excited are you for this [1:00:02] he's very proud and very happy to have this first debut fight by the pyramids and he's very proud that [1:00:32] this event is taking place in egypt and he can't wait for the fight night and of course you're going [1:00:36] to be fighting on the undercard of the heavyweight championship fight of a boxing legends when you [1:00:41] think about saturday night what are you envisioning and you're going to play on the card there's [1:00:45] he's a very chi you basicск clues in egypt that jesus će is how are you doing continues to [1:00:53] i'm willing to come to check that that day's мед alors you said any time i know i'm sure we are [1:00:55] west of or so yön we live in a hut that the southern part of tehnika medias [1:00:57] is very sparing at them but i'm sure that he has been russianаты for the north and he has [1:01:01] He thanks his excellency Turkey for discovering the talent in the Arab world and for encouraging [1:01:20] them and giving them the platform to fight on. [1:01:23] And he wants to represent the entire Arab world and not only Egypt. [1:01:26] All right. [1:01:28] Well, thank you so much and best of luck. [1:01:30] And back to you, Thomas. [1:01:33] Our next two fighters to face off competing Saturday in a scheduled four round featherweight [1:01:40] contest from Indonesia, Dedi Impra and from Saudi Arabia, Sultan Al Mohamed from Saudi [1:02:03] Arabia, three and oh, two knockouts and I mean, I guess Malik, this is kind of what Turkey's [1:02:09] been looking for, right? [1:02:10] It's a case of, yes, putting all these big events on in Saudi, but let's grow Saudi boxing. [1:02:15] And this is the start of it. [1:02:16] Seeing kids coming through, getting opportunities to get to number one on Saturday. [1:02:20] Yes. [1:02:21] And the good thing with Sultan, this stage right here, he may not have been on before, [1:02:25] but he was on Fury Makhdudev undercard, Benavidez Yardi undercard. [1:02:29] And like I said, he may not be used to this stage here in Egypt, but he's been on some high [1:02:34] level undercards that he was on the undercards. [1:02:38] So like we could see it in his attitude and his energy, he's ready to put on another performance [1:02:42] and stay undefeated. [1:02:43] Yeah, let's see what he can do against the man, Dedi Impra from Indonesia. [1:02:48] Who's going to come, he's going to fight, he's going to give it a go. [1:02:50] But ultimately, he's been chosen to give him rounds as opposed to chosen him to win. [1:02:55] So let's see what he can do. [1:02:56] Yes. [1:02:57] All right, let's hear from Sultan Al-Muhammad. [1:02:59] He is on stage with Mike Coppenter. [1:03:01] All right, we are here with Sultan Al-Muhammad. [1:03:05] And Sultan is, of course, his Excellency Turkey, Al-Sheikh's dream to crown Saudi Arabia's [1:03:10] first boxing champion. [1:03:11] How do you take another step toward that on Saturday night? [1:03:14] You know, thanks for his Excellency to put me in this card. [1:03:17] And thanks for him to believe in me. [1:03:19] And thanks for Real Season to make this really a big fight. [1:03:25] And thanks for his Excellency. [1:03:27] That's it. [1:03:28] And of course, you're trained with the legendary Abel Sanchez. [1:03:31] And Abel told me that you love to scrap and you can't wait to get in there. [1:03:34] What do you love so much about fighting? [1:03:37] You know, I love fighting. [1:03:38] I love boxing. [1:03:38] That's why. [1:03:39] And, you know, wait for the fight. [1:03:42] I will knock him out. [1:03:44] Easy. [1:03:46] All right. [1:03:46] Well, we look forward to the knockout. [1:03:48] And thank you again. [1:03:49] And best of luck on Saturday. [1:03:50] Thank you so much. [1:03:52] All right. [1:03:52] Back to you, Thomas. [1:03:55] Yeah, good luck to all our prelim fighters on Saturday. [1:03:58] So much big-time boxing coming your way on DAZN. [1:04:00] Make sure you stay locked in. [1:04:02] Good, all good? [1:04:03] How you doing? [1:04:03] On DAZN, the fights never stop. [1:04:06] With the biggest nights in boxing all year long. [1:04:10] Never been victory. [1:04:14] And join us ringside. [1:04:27] Incredible. [1:04:28] Undisputed global home of boxing. [1:04:31] Watch only on DAZN. [1:04:33] Yeah, that's just one of one. [1:04:36] World-class fights coming your way on DAZN. [1:04:39] Part of your DAZN subscription as well. [1:04:40] May 30th, Unified Light Heavyweight Champion, Dimitri Bibble, returns to the ring. [1:04:45] Then we have Josh Padley versus Fiaz. [1:04:48] Aki Fiaz, that one Saturday, June 6th. [1:04:51] Jesse Bam Rodriguez takes on Vargas. [1:04:54] That one Saturday, June 13th. [1:04:55] Jesse Bam Rodriguez, by the way, going up to Bantamweight. [1:04:58] Now only one way away from Inouye. [1:05:00] And Garner, Ryan Garner, has his dream fight at St. Mary's. [1:05:04] He takes on Manganese. [1:05:05] That one Saturday, June 20th. [1:05:08] All of that as part of your DAZN subscription. [1:05:12] We've done a bit of a shuffle inside the studio. [1:05:14] One of my favorite fighters on planet Earth is here. [1:05:17] The unbeaten Devin Haney. [1:05:18] Devin, how are you looking? [1:05:19] Woo, look at this. [1:05:20] Jeez, you're looking good, Devin. [1:05:21] You are looking good, brother. [1:05:23] How are you? [1:05:23] Good to be here? [1:05:24] Yeah, I'm happy to be here. [1:05:25] This is a crazy event. [1:05:28] I'm excited to see how the fights go. [1:05:30] And I'm excited to be here. [1:05:31] Yeah, I mean, it's always good, isn't it? [1:05:32] Obviously, look, we love the big fights in Vegas, Madison Square Garden. [1:05:35] I always think boxing wins when we go abroad. [1:05:37] When we try stuff different. [1:05:39] Whether it be in Africa. [1:05:40] Whether it be here in Africa or in Egypt. [1:05:42] Whether it be in Saudi. [1:05:43] So for you to be here almost puts a bit of gold magic dust on it as well for me. [1:05:47] Yeah, I mean, I'm happy that these type of events are happening. [1:05:50] I was happy to be a part of one in New York City, Times Square. [1:05:54] And these things are great for boxing. [1:05:55] And, like I said, I'm happy to be here. [1:05:57] Are you two friends now? [1:05:59] Are you guys friends? [1:05:59] I mean, we don't talk. [1:06:00] I'm asking. [1:06:01] Are you guys friends? [1:06:01] I'm asking, Devo. [1:06:02] Me and Bro. [1:06:03] Bill Haney, my dog. [1:06:04] Listen, man. [1:06:04] We got to talk. [1:06:05] No, listen. [1:06:05] We cool, but we got to talk. [1:06:08] He told me. [1:06:09] He said, come on, bro. [1:06:10] You'd be killing me, though. [1:06:11] So me and Devo are going to talk. [1:06:12] But he's one of the most purest boxers in the world. [1:06:14] I've always said that. [1:06:16] And Bill Haney is my OG. [1:06:18] So it's all up. [1:06:19] It is all up. [1:06:20] When do we get an announcement, Devin? [1:06:21] I want to see you fight again. [1:06:24] I mean, your last time, last performance I thought was incredible. [1:06:27] And now you've captured another belt at World to Wait. [1:06:29] I want to see more. [1:06:30] What's going on? [1:06:31] Yeah, I'm going through some things right now. [1:06:33] I'm negotiating. [1:06:35] You know, we don't know when I will be back in the ring, [1:06:37] but I'll be back in the ring soon. [1:06:39] Yeah, well, I think I listen to the public. [1:06:41] They want to see Ryan Garcia. [1:06:42] Yeah. [1:06:42] That's what they want to see. [1:06:43] For me, that's a big one. [1:06:44] It's a unification fight as well. [1:06:46] Yes, and this is what the world want to see. [1:06:47] And I believe even Devin, even Ryan, these guys want to fight. [1:06:51] But it's a huge B-word in boxing. [1:06:53] It's called business. [1:06:54] And now they both have to level that their business ain't right. [1:06:57] These guys, they're not really interested. [1:06:58] The business have to make sense. [1:07:00] Can I ask you what you make of Rico here? [1:07:02] Obviously, this will probably be one of your first times seeing him. [1:07:05] I mean, this would be the biggest upset. [1:07:07] I said in sports. [1:07:09] Forget boxing. [1:07:09] I mean, this could be as big as anything we've seen in sports [1:07:11] if Rico gets it done against Usyk. [1:07:13] Yeah, I mean, I don't know much about him. [1:07:14] But I know that kickboxers, when they come to boxing [1:07:16] and they work on their stand-up, they're difficult. [1:07:20] They're tough. [1:07:20] So I know that he can go in there. [1:07:21] He can be tough. [1:07:22] I don't know if he can win the fight on skill. [1:07:24] But I think that if he can go in there and he lands a good shot, [1:07:28] just boxing, anything can happen. [1:07:29] And we have seen a lot of kickboxers transition to boxing. [1:07:32] Like, Vitaly was a kickboxer. [1:07:34] Jerrell Miller was a kickboxer. [1:07:35] I mean, they have that kind of wide stance [1:07:37] where they can do anything, right? [1:07:39] You just don't know what's going to come. [1:07:40] Yeah, but what I would hope is that the first thing he want to do [1:07:43] is impose himself on Usyk. [1:07:44] What he can't do is sit back and think, [1:07:46] because what he's not is a better boxer than Usyk, [1:07:48] like we all know. [1:07:49] He got to go in there and pose. [1:07:50] And if he's smart, he would take the Derek Chisora route. [1:07:53] Go right to Usyk, make it uncomfortable for him. [1:07:56] In the clinches, use your forearms. [1:07:57] Be very physical and make it uncomfortable for him. [1:07:59] Do you know Richard Torres well? [1:08:02] Yeah, I mean, in the amateurs, [1:08:03] you know, when I was going out, he was coming up. [1:08:07] So I'm familiar with him, but not too much. [1:08:09] The reason I was asking, [1:08:09] because every time in the U.K. [1:08:11] I talk about Moses and Talma is the future, [1:08:13] because I think Moses is crazy. [1:08:14] I get a lot of American people DM him, [1:08:16] he's saying, no, no, no, watch out for Richard Torres. [1:08:18] Like, Richard Torres is coming. [1:08:19] Do we look at Richard Torres as that guy [1:08:21] that could make a big jump in the next 12 months? [1:08:23] He's an overachiever, in my opinion. [1:08:26] For his size, he has done a lot, [1:08:28] and I believe he's going to do more. [1:08:29] He's one of the hardest working young men in boxing. [1:08:32] And I believe he has the ability to make it uncomfortable [1:08:34] for any fighter in the heavyweight division. [1:08:36] He's a southpaw, he gets to the target [1:08:38] the same way Usyk do with the lead hand, [1:08:40] the magic wand type of thing. [1:08:41] He's not a real all-rough, flat-footed guy. [1:08:44] He's pretty much heading for any heavyweight in the world. [1:08:46] You know, earlier, I think we might have shown it, [1:08:48] I don't know if we did, [1:08:48] the Ring Magazine current pound-for-pound rankings. [1:08:51] And I think it had Inoue above Usyk now. [1:08:54] Usyk was number two, Inoue was number one [1:08:56] after that win against Nakatane. [1:08:57] You're on there, obviously. [1:08:58] You have to be on there. [1:08:59] Like, do you guys agree with that? [1:09:01] Do you guys agree that Inoue has now jumped Usyk? [1:09:05] No, I don't. [1:09:05] Me, personally, I didn't think that. [1:09:07] I think that Usyk is the best fighter in the world. [1:09:09] He went from cruiserweight, dominating cruiserweight, [1:09:11] to heavyweight. [1:09:12] He didn't just jump, you know, a few pounds. [1:09:14] He jumped 20, 30 pounds against much bigger guys [1:09:17] and, you know, was dominating. [1:09:19] So I think that Usyk is the best fighter in the world. [1:09:22] And then Inoue. [1:09:23] Yeah, I agree. [1:09:24] I mean, Fury, 60-pound difference. [1:09:26] Yes, AJ twice. [1:09:27] Fury twice. [1:09:28] Drew Broad twice. [1:09:28] Derek Chesore. [1:09:29] He had made a reign in the heavyweight division. [1:09:31] I don't know how he's not number one. [1:09:33] And if you really want to be honest, [1:09:35] I think they gave, he was put number one over Usyk [1:09:38] off of one win off of Nakatane. [1:09:40] Obviously, he have a history of other good wins. [1:09:42] But off of the win off of Nakatane, [1:09:44] I don't think that has him to be deserved over top of Usyk. [1:09:47] Where you got Devin? [1:09:49] Top six, seven. [1:09:51] Top six, seven. [1:09:52] I'm waiting for his next fight. [1:09:54] Yeah, yeah. [1:09:55] Yeah. [1:09:55] Yeah, yeah. [1:09:56] The score's in a bit of trouble. [1:09:57] The score's in a bit of trouble. [1:09:59] So many good fights on the card. [1:10:00] Hamza Shiraz is probably taking his place as well there. [1:10:02] I can see him next to Rick Reno. [1:10:04] He fights for the WBO title. [1:10:06] Obviously, title vacated by Terrence Crawford. [1:10:08] Hamza, I think, stock is really high now. [1:10:10] That Edgar Belanga knockout. [1:10:12] I agree. [1:10:12] But Edgar Belanga is still saying he thinks Hamza cheated. [1:10:14] That's how good that knockout was. [1:10:15] That's a really, really good win. [1:10:17] Yes, it was a real good victory. [1:10:19] And also, the changing coach was noticed immediately. [1:10:23] He got with Andy Lee. [1:10:24] He always fought like a tall fighter. [1:10:26] But when he fought Belanga, he really got long. [1:10:28] And he really made sure that the right hand was turned over. [1:10:31] And when it was finish time, he went right in for the kill. [1:10:33] Did a great job. [1:10:34] Okay, we're ready to start the press conference. [1:10:36] The final part of the press conference as well. [1:10:38] Let's hand it over to your MC, Mr. Thomas Treiber. [1:10:46] Ladies and gentlemen, we now welcome our glory in Giza. [1:10:51] Under card fighters already seated. [1:10:54] From the United States, Jamar, no mercy tally. [1:11:01] From Egypt, Bossom, the black tiger, Mamdua. [1:11:11] From France, Benjamin Mendez, La Pantera Tani. [1:11:20] From Ukraine, Daniel Lapid. [1:11:25] From Egypt, now fighting out of Australia, May, the Egyptian queen Solomon. [1:11:38] From Japan, Mizuki Mimi Hiruta. [1:11:48] The United States, Richard Kiki Torres Jr. [1:11:57] Cuba, now fighting out of the United States. [1:12:06] The Cuban Flash, Sanchez. [1:12:10] England, El Gato Caterol. [1:12:21] From Uzbekistan, Chakram, Wonderboy Giyasov. [1:12:29] Germany, Alam Begid. [1:12:37] Hamza, the quiet storm, Iran. [1:12:45] Also welcome the CEO of Ring Magazine, Rick Reno. [1:12:54] Mr. Spencer Brown of Gold Star Promotions. [1:13:01] Chairman of Matchroom Sport, Mr. Eddie Heard. [1:13:05] And now we hand things back to your host, Mr. Jamie Ward. [1:13:14] Thank you, Thomas, and welcome back, everybody. [1:13:16] Thank you for your patience. [1:13:17] Great to have you here with us, of course, now for the undercard portion of this evening's press conference here in Cairo, Egypt. [1:13:24] And as has become, I think, fairly customary with these Ring Magazine cards, a stellar undercard supports Usyk versus Rico on Saturday night. [1:13:35] So much opportunity for all the fighters up here on this stage to cement their name in the history books forever. [1:13:40] The opportunity for many to further their careers, for some to become world champion. [1:13:45] And we look forward to hearing from them all up here on this stage this evening. [1:13:49] Firstly, a quick word to Versace back here behind the ring belt, of course, Mr. Ring Magazine himself, Mr. Rick Reno. [1:13:57] Rick, a word on this card. [1:13:59] As I said there, it's a fairly common feature now that these Ring cards are particularly special. [1:14:04] But what do you think about this one? [1:14:06] It's an unbelievable loaded undercard. [1:14:09] I mean, there's so many facets and so many angles to the card. [1:14:15] You know, I don't think the Egyptian government knew that the king of New York would be arriving to fight on this card. [1:14:22] And Hamza Shiraz, he went from being the prince of Pakistan last year. [1:14:27] He traveled to New York to become the king. [1:14:29] And now he's got a tough fight in front of him, another undefeated guy in Bezik. [1:14:35] And Hamza's been in a world title position before. [1:14:39] And he came very close, didn't go his way. [1:14:41] It wasn't the outcome he wanted. [1:14:43] And I've been talking to him this week. [1:14:45] He's very confident that second time is the charm. [1:14:50] He wants to grab that gold. [1:14:51] But he's got another undefeated guy who doesn't know how to lose. [1:14:56] And someone's O is going to go. [1:14:59] We got the big boys, the heavyweights, you know, Richard Torres, unbeaten Olympic pedigree. [1:15:07] He's got the look. [1:15:08] He's got the background. [1:15:10] He's got the mustache. [1:15:11] He's all decked out today. [1:15:14] And he's got a really tough task in front of him with Frank Sanchez. [1:15:19] You know, knows how to box, knows how to fight. [1:15:23] You know, Frank has a lot of experience. [1:15:25] He's turned back other undefeated guys like Efe Adjogba. [1:15:28] He's only been beaten once by Caballel, who's regarded as one of the most avoided heavyweights out there. [1:15:34] And I think if Richard Torres pulls it off, he has to be in the conversation with the top heavyweights [1:15:40] and should be getting a heavyweight title shot, you know, by the end of the year, if not the beginning of 27. [1:15:48] Won't be an easy fight for either guy. [1:15:50] But like I said, the winner should definitely go on to a world title shot after this. [1:15:54] And, of course, I can never forget about my man, Jack Catterall, who I've put into this position. [1:16:02] Not Eddie Hearn, but Eddie Hearn's going to take his taste. [1:16:05] I don't take a taste from Jack, but Eddie does. [1:16:09] And, you know... [1:16:10] You've got no taste. [1:16:11] That's the problem. [1:16:12] I've got more taste than you. [1:16:13] You really think? [1:16:14] And a bigger Corey. [1:16:15] Oh, dear, oh, dear. [1:16:16] Well, I don't know how you said that, when you need a cushion to sit up there. [1:16:19] Well, look at it. [1:16:22] Hamza's taller than you, and he needs a cushion to sit up there. [1:16:25] Family show, gents. [1:16:26] Family show. [1:16:26] Come on. [1:16:27] You know, Jack, similar to Hamza, he was in a world title position before. [1:16:34] Got robbed on the cards. [1:16:36] I think there's no disputing that. [1:16:37] He's now back in position again for the WBA regular belt. [1:16:41] He's got a very tough fight with Geyasov. [1:16:44] Again, another fight where it won't be easy for either guy. [1:16:46] And I think, you know, this is the time is now for Jack. [1:16:53] If he's going to pull it off, he has to pull it off now. [1:16:55] The winner will move on to a world title shot with Rolly Romero, who currently holds the belt. [1:17:01] And we also have Mizuki, one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in the world, [1:17:08] the Ring Magazine champion. [1:17:11] And she has a tough fight ahead of her with May, who has one split decision loss, [1:17:18] has won nine in a row, has knocked out her last few opponents. [1:17:21] And she's looking to have a fairytale ending. [1:17:24] She's in her homeland, wants to pull it off in front of her people. [1:17:30] But she has an exceptional, exceptional fighter in front of her. [1:17:34] And Mizuki was one of the best, like I said, pound-for-pound fighters in the world. [1:17:38] And I'll turn it back to you. [1:17:41] Hopefully, I know I'm leaving a few people out, but I don't want to take up too much time. [1:17:46] And I want to let Eddie get a couple of words in. [1:17:48] Yeah, Eddie, let's bring you in straight away then. [1:17:50] Thank you, Rick. [1:17:51] A big moment, a great card once again. [1:17:53] We've already previewed the main event, but what about this card? [1:17:56] Because it is a big night for a lot of fighters that you represent as well for Matrim. [1:18:00] No, listen, Rick's already said it all, really. [1:18:01] But, you know, I'll do it properly now. [1:18:06] Everybody's talking about the event. [1:18:08] Everybody's talking about the occasion, the history in this country. [1:18:11] The fact that there is the World Heavyweight Championship at the foot of one of the seven wonders of the world. [1:18:16] But, of course, what we have up here is some phenomenal talent and actually one of the best undercards I think we've seen in a Ring Magazine Riyadh season event. [1:18:24] For us, obviously biased. [1:18:26] We have two fighters facing off against each other. [1:18:29] We don't normally like that, but this is a brilliant opportunity. [1:18:32] I want to thank Gilberto Mendoza as well from the WBA for officially confirming today the order that the winner of this fight will fight Roley Romero next. [1:18:41] And it's a massive opportunity for Jack Cattell, who we know should have been undisputed champion, but now has a chance to win this regular world championship and be in a big fight with Roley. [1:18:51] Shakram Giyasov is a tremendous fighter, a great amateur as well. [1:18:54] And shout out to Vadim and World of Boxing and Andre Rybinski for our everlasting partnership with those guys. [1:19:02] As a fan, there's so much I want to see as well. [1:19:04] Of course, Hamza Shiraz, part of the other stable, but someone we're very fond of. [1:19:09] And obviously an opportunity for a Brit to win a world championship in an illustrious division at 168 pounds. [1:19:16] I love Torres against Sanchez as a fan. [1:19:19] You know, I think Richard Torres has been moving very, very quickly. [1:19:22] It's a big step up against Sanchez, who is a classy operator, but it's a crossroads fight for those guys. [1:19:29] And the winner gets to become the mandatory to Alexander Usyk. [1:19:32] So a great night of boxing on what will be a historic moment. [1:19:35] And of course, one more time, shout out to DAZN, the global home of boxing, because it still makes me smile that they wrote us off all those years ago. [1:19:43] And now we really are the daddies. [1:19:46] There is no doubt about it. [1:19:48] But everybody's either on it or wants to be on it. [1:19:51] The global home of boxing, DAZN. [1:19:53] Enjoy a historic night in Egypt on Saturday night. [1:19:56] Thank you. [1:19:56] And just a quick word as well from Spencer Brown of Gold Star. [1:20:00] Spencer, a word on the man to your left. [1:20:02] What a night this is potentially in store for Hamza Shiraz. [1:20:05] It's been a fairly good week for him as well, as far as the football's been concerned with his beloved Arsenal. [1:20:09] But what do you make of this opportunity for him to make history? [1:20:12] It's been a long time in coming. [1:20:14] You know, he's had his disappointments in the past that we feel now that, you know, we're going to have a new world champion come tomorrow, Sunday morning. [1:20:27] And the kids work so hard. [1:20:31] His team's worked so hard. [1:20:33] You know, I've got to give a mention to Eddie for this unbelievable card you put on here. [1:20:42] It's been fantastic. [1:20:43] Turkey a la shake. [1:20:45] Sela. [1:20:46] And, of course, DAZN. [1:20:48] It's unbelievable. [1:20:50] But this man, this man here, I'm telling you, come tomorrow morning or Sunday morning, he will be the champion of the world. [1:20:57] And he will rule the super middleweight division for a long time. [1:21:04] Inshallah. [1:21:05] Thank you, Spencer. [1:21:07] OK, now time to give all the fighters on here their moment then. [1:21:10] Of course, a big moment for them all on the big stage. [1:21:13] Plenty to get through here. [1:21:14] First fighters we are going to hear from. [1:21:16] Six rounds in the cruiserweight division on Saturday night. [1:21:20] Egypt's Bassem Mamdu faces the unbeaten American Jamar No Mercy Tally. [1:21:25] Jamar, 6-0 now. [1:21:27] Welcome. [1:21:27] Let me bring you in first. [1:21:29] Every time I've seen a clip of you in the build-up to this fight, you've had a huge smile on your face. [1:21:34] What does it mean to you to be on a stage like this? [1:21:37] And what are you planning on showing the world live on DAZN on Saturday night? [1:21:41] It means a lot, man, to be able to go out here and showcase my talents and show why I'm, you know, next upcoming champ, man, from the United States. [1:21:49] So I had a long, you know, great training camp. [1:21:52] And the hard work pays off, man. [1:21:54] So it's time to go out here and showcase my talents. [1:21:57] And Bassem for you as well, big night in Egypt. [1:22:00] You have a young, hungry, unbeaten opponent in front of you. [1:22:04] What are you willing to do to have your hand raised on Saturday night? [1:22:08] First of all, he's welcoming everyone in Egypt in front of great pyramids that he will be presenting the Egyptian nation and he promised everyone that he will make every Egyptian nation. [1:22:21] proud of him because, like, he's going to do his best at this night. [1:22:24] Okay, thank you, Bassem. [1:22:25] Wish you the best of luck on Saturday night. [1:22:28] And looking at the landscape as well, so many great landscapes across so many great divisions up here. [1:22:33] On the stage, but of course, also in that light heavyweight division, the 175 pound weight division. [1:22:39] Because the man down here to my right, Daniel Latpan, built up a very healthy 13-0 unbeaten record in front of great pyramids that he will be presenting the Egyptian nation and he promised everyone that he will make every Egyptian nation proud of him because, like, he's going to do his best at this night. [1:22:50] Okay, thank you, Bassem, wish you the best of luck on Saturday night and looking at the landscape as well, so many great landscapes across so many great divisions up here on the stage. [1:22:59] But, of course, also in that light heavyweight division, the 175 pound weight division, because the man down here to my right, Daniel Latpan, built up a very healthy 13-0 unbeaten record now, which has seen him ranked in the top 15 with all four of the governing bodies. [1:23:14] And he faces Benjamin Tarny on Saturday night, who is 9-1 as he manoeuvres his way towards a big fight, perhaps at the back end of this year as well. [1:23:23] But he's back on the big stage. [1:23:24] Benjamin, firstly down there on my left to you. [1:23:28] What do you believe a victory over Daniel Latpan could change for your career and change for your life on Saturday night? [1:23:35] Bonjour Benjamin, qu'est-ce que tu penses qu'une victoire contre Daniel Latpan pourrait changer auprès de ta vie et pour l'avenir? [1:23:43] Bonjour Egypte, je m'appelle Benjamin Mendestani, je suis d'origine africaine et pour moi c'est une grande chance d'être là, de combattre dans cette terre-là qui fait partie de mon continent et de mes origines et pour moi c'est un grand plaisir et merci à tout le monde de l'opportunité et samedi soir ça va être un beau combat, attendez, attendez, retenez bien mon nom, c'est tout. [1:24:09] All right, so hello Egypte, I'm very pleased to be here and part of that organisation. [1:24:17] I'm from France but also from Africa and it's a big honour to fight on that continent. [1:24:21] I just can say that I'm very thankful for everything and being part of such event and just tune in on Saturday, you're going to see what I can bring and what I can bring to the future. [1:24:35] Thank you Benjamin, wish you the best of luck on Saturday night and down the other end of the table is that man who I just mentioned Daniel Lapham back on a big card with his good friend Alexander Usyk, once again big part of the team behind the scenes. [1:24:48] Daniel you're ranked in the top 15 now with all four governing bodies but what makes this time in your career and this fight an important one? [1:24:57] Daniel, good to be here and this shoot again on your beautiful main stage and again on the back of the screen. [1:25:08] Thank you so much for your good friend Alexander Usyk. [1:25:09] In the top 15 in the reitings of the key players in the boxers. [1:25:14] Your first round is unique to you. [1:25:16] Hello everyone. [1:25:32] Hello everyone. [1:25:35] One second. [1:25:51] Thank you very much to Egypt. [1:26:00] Thank you very much to Ring Magazine. [1:26:02] Thank you very much to Saudi. [1:26:04] You're going to see a big fight on Saturday night. [1:26:08] And back to the question. [1:26:11] Every fight is important. [1:26:13] Every fight is unique. [1:26:15] But this is another step to the champion of the world. [1:26:19] Okay, well, Daniel, we wish you the best of luck on Saturday night. [1:26:23] As I say, ranked in all four of the governing bodies, [1:26:26] closing in on a big fight in that 175 pounds weight division. [1:26:30] Plenty of world title action to look forward to on Saturday night. [1:26:34] Firstly, ten two-minute rounds in the women's super flyweight division [1:26:38] as unbeaten champion and Ring Magazine fighter of 2025 for a stellar year. [1:26:43] Mizuki Haruta defends her Ring Magazine and WBO World Championships [1:26:48] against May Solomon, who, of course, born right here in Cairo, Egypt. [1:26:54] Now residing, though, in Sydney, Australia. [1:26:56] We're going to bring May straight in. [1:26:58] Because, May, I believe there's a certain dream that you had a few years ago [1:27:02] involving some pyramids and what it might look like to win a world title. [1:27:06] Just tell us about that and how this all feels for you now in reality. [1:27:10] I just want to say hello to everyone and now welcome to Egypt. [1:27:13] I'm just very grateful to be here. [1:27:17] Like you said, I did have a dream about three years ago. [1:27:20] And, you know, it's surreal being right here and fulfilling my dream. [1:27:25] You know, seeing myself fighting in front of the pyramids in that dream [1:27:28] and given the opportunity by His Excellency Turkel Esheikh [1:27:32] to fight for a world title, it's a full circle moment for me here [1:27:38] to go from Egypt to Australia and back here for my very first world title shot. [1:27:43] And Mizuki is the world champion, picked by many to be a real emerging star [1:27:48] in women's boxing right now. [1:27:49] The accolades speak for themselves. [1:27:51] But what do you believe you can do in this fight, May, [1:27:54] to bring that world title home on Saturday night? [1:27:56] How do you see yourself winning? [1:27:57] I see everything. [1:28:00] Again, like I said, it's already been written. [1:28:03] It is destiny for me. [1:28:04] Okay, May, wish you the best of luck on Saturday night. [1:28:06] Let's hear from the champion then, Mizuki. [1:28:09] Welcome. [1:28:10] What a time and what a period it is for Japanese boxing at the moment. [1:28:13] Of course, we've just seen the super fight with Inoue and Nakatani [1:28:16] at the Tokyo Dome. [1:28:17] How proud does it make you to be flying the flag for Japan [1:28:21] in front of the world on Saturday night? [1:28:23] I'm very happy and honored. [1:28:42] I'm really grateful. [1:28:44] And I want to enjoy every moment. [1:28:50] Thank you. [1:28:52] You said in the build-up as well, Mizuki, full focus on your challenger here [1:28:57] who has her dreams in front of her. [1:28:59] But you've also talked about a potential super fight down the line [1:29:02] if the weights can align with Gabriela Fundora. [1:29:05] Is that a fight you want? [1:29:06] Have you got a message for her tonight as well? [1:29:08] She's watching. [1:29:09] Right now, I focused on this fight. [1:29:15] So for now, all I can say is, [1:29:21] Hundora, you are Chingona, but I am Chingona too. [1:29:27] I love Hundora. [1:29:30] Okay, thank you very much. [1:29:31] Enjoyed that one. [1:29:32] Great fight to look forward to on Saturday night. [1:29:35] And it's not just the main event as well [1:29:37] that you have to wait to watch the big boys in action. [1:29:40] There's nothing quite like the unpredictability, is there? [1:29:43] The sheer drama, the emphatic excitement [1:29:46] from boxing's blue ribbon division. [1:29:49] This one, a final eliminator [1:29:51] for the IBF World Heavyweight Championship [1:29:53] held, of course, by Mr. Oleksandr Usyk. [1:29:57] So all eyes on the winner of this one [1:29:59] on that main event on Saturday night. [1:30:01] And what a brilliant match-up it is as well. [1:30:02] The Cuban flash, Frank Sanchez, [1:30:04] been out the ring for a little while now, [1:30:06] needs to get back in the groove. [1:30:08] This is chance to make a big statement and lock in a shot. [1:30:10] But the man standing in his way, [1:30:12] the charismatic, the confident Olympic silver medalist, [1:30:15] the Southpaw, with all the pedigree behind him, [1:30:18] Richard Torres Jr. here himself [1:30:20] to make a big statement in this heavyweight division [1:30:23] and cement himself as the number one challenger [1:30:25] with the IBF. [1:30:27] Frank, let's come to you straight away. [1:30:30] Been out the ring for a little while, [1:30:32] been a frustrating period in your career. [1:30:35] But do you see this as an opportunity [1:30:37] to remind the heavyweight division exactly who Frank Sanchez is? [1:30:42] Frank, it was a little bit of frustration, [1:30:47] without the fights. [1:30:48] But you have the opportunity to return to the ring. [1:30:52] What do you think about this fight? [1:30:54] And what are you going to do? [1:30:56] What do you think about this fight? [1:30:58] It's going to be a good fight. [1:30:59] It's going to be a good fight. [1:31:00] It's going to be a good fight. [1:31:01] I'm going to win. [1:31:02] And I'm going to take the position I deserve. [1:31:05] And I'll be the first Cuban champion in the heavyweight. [1:31:09] I just want to get back to where I belong, [1:31:12] get back to my spot, [1:31:14] and be the first Cuban heavyweight champion. [1:31:17] And Frank, what do you think of Richard Torres Jr.? [1:31:19] What do you think of the confidence? [1:31:21] But how do you see yourself beating him [1:31:23] on Saturday night in the ring? [1:31:25] Frank, what do you think about your opponent, [1:31:28] Richard Torres? [1:31:29] And how are you going to win on Saturday? [1:31:31] Richard Torres is a very aggressive boxer, [1:31:36] but he's not a technique. [1:31:38] I have all the technique and the style [1:31:41] to defeat him on Saturday. [1:31:44] He's a great boxer, [1:31:46] but I'm a most technical boxer, [1:31:48] and I'll show that on Saturday. [1:31:50] Okay, thank you. [1:31:51] Frank might come back to you [1:31:52] just for a final prediction [1:31:53] or maybe not if we don't get time. [1:31:54] Let's bring in Richard Torres Jr. [1:31:56] Richard, I think fair to say [1:31:58] that the fight was meant to happen [1:31:59] earlier on in the year. [1:32:00] Been a little bit of a frustrating period [1:32:02] for you over the last six months, [1:32:04] but here we are back on the big stage. [1:32:05] I talk about fighters who have had [1:32:07] a smile on their face all week. [1:32:08] You've been up to all sorts, [1:32:09] doing magic tricks in the media day room, [1:32:12] but ready now to rock and roll on Saturday night. [1:32:15] A hugely important fight this [1:32:17] in your career and your story. [1:32:18] Yeah, you know, [1:32:19] I think the hard work's been done. [1:32:22] I've been in camp since January. [1:32:24] I've been in camp for five months [1:32:25] and I can't wait to get in the ring. [1:32:28] I couldn't wait in March [1:32:29] and that got postponed, [1:32:30] but now it's very much so time [1:32:32] to show what I've been working on [1:32:34] and how hard I've been in this camp. [1:32:36] And I think the original quote [1:32:37] that you made in the press release [1:32:39] when the fight was first made [1:32:40] is that a fight with Frank Sanchez [1:32:42] allows you to show your true style [1:32:44] at its best, tenacity and grit. [1:32:47] Why do you think all of those things [1:32:48] are going to be important for you [1:32:50] if you are to beat a fighter [1:32:51] like Frank Sanchez on Saturday? [1:32:53] Well, I think in order to show your skill, [1:32:55] you have to go against someone [1:32:56] that's also skillful. [1:32:57] I'm not in the game [1:32:58] to just try to beat up on someone. [1:33:00] I want the hard fights. [1:33:01] I want to be able to show [1:33:02] that I'm supposed to be here [1:33:03] and be on top of the world. [1:33:04] And I think that Frank Sanchez [1:33:06] is a formidable opponent [1:33:07] who's been there [1:33:08] with some incredible competition. [1:33:10] And I want to show [1:33:11] that I'm right there with them. [1:33:12] And how do you believe it ends, Richard? [1:33:14] 30 knockouts between you. [1:33:15] We love the drama [1:33:16] of the heavyweight division. [1:33:17] What is in your mind [1:33:18] the perfect way [1:33:19] to lock in your shot [1:33:20] at the World Heavyweight Championship? [1:33:21] You know, I never go into the fight anymore [1:33:23] trying to go for the knockout [1:33:24] because if I go for it, [1:33:25] it never comes. [1:33:26] So what I'm going to do [1:33:27] is I'm going to go and I'm going to show [1:33:28] and I'm just going to perform. [1:33:29] I'm going to be the best Richard Torres [1:33:30] I can be come Saturday night [1:33:31] and that's going to be enough. [1:33:32] Okay, thank you, Richard. [1:33:33] Do not blink in that one. [1:33:34] A final eliminator [1:33:35] for the IVF World Heavyweight Championship. [1:33:38] Frank Sanchez. [1:33:39] The Cuban Flash. [1:33:40] 28-1 with 18 knockouts [1:33:42] against the unbeaten Southpaw. [1:33:43] 14-0, of course. [1:33:44] Olympic silver medallist [1:33:46] flying the flag for USA [1:33:48] here in Egypt this weekend [1:33:49] in the heavyweight division. [1:33:51] Richard Torres Jr. [1:33:52] What a brilliant matchup that is. [1:33:54] And also on the card this weekend, [1:33:56] the WBA regular world welterweight title [1:33:58] is on the line in this one [1:34:00] between two slick operators [1:34:02] at the top of their game. [1:34:04] It is, however, [1:34:05] match room versus match room. [1:34:07] So it seems only fitting [1:34:08] to grab a quick word [1:34:09] from promoter Eddie Hearn. [1:34:11] Eddie, as you said at the start there, [1:34:12] you don't typically like [1:34:13] putting your fighters in together. [1:34:14] But as I just said as well, [1:34:16] this is two top operators [1:34:17] at the top of their game. [1:34:19] May the best man win. [1:34:20] Yeah, it's a brilliant matchup, [1:34:22] an unexpected matchup, [1:34:23] because it's two guys [1:34:24] that have really lost their patience [1:34:26] in waiting. [1:34:27] I mean, Shakram Giyasov [1:34:29] has been waiting and waiting. [1:34:30] He's been the number one contender. [1:34:32] You know, firstly, [1:34:33] he allowed Boots to fight Stanionis, [1:34:35] then was set to fight the winner. [1:34:37] Obviously, Boots moved up to 154 pounds. [1:34:39] They should have ordered Roley [1:34:41] against Giyasov. [1:34:43] He was trying to make a fight [1:34:44] with Devin and others. [1:34:45] And then all of a sudden, [1:34:47] Jack Catrell, you know, [1:34:48] we know the history, [1:34:49] should be an undisputed champion, [1:34:50] was already number one [1:34:51] to Devin Haney. [1:34:53] I don't think he's listening. [1:34:54] So obviously, Devin didn't [1:34:55] won that fight [1:34:56] because he thought it was too difficult. [1:34:57] And, you know, [1:34:59] both guys basically said [1:35:00] that we're avoided. [1:35:02] And Shakram Giyasov [1:35:03] and Jack Catrell [1:35:04] are avoided fighters. [1:35:05] So they're fighting each other. [1:35:06] And I think they need [1:35:08] a lot of credit for that [1:35:09] because they don't want [1:35:10] to hang around. [1:35:11] It's easy to wait six months [1:35:12] for a governing body [1:35:13] to call a mandatory. [1:35:14] But why mess around? [1:35:16] Just get the fight made. [1:35:17] And the winner of this, [1:35:18] we got the order today [1:35:20] from the WBA, [1:35:21] will fight Roley Romero. [1:35:22] So it's a brilliant fight. [1:35:24] You know, [1:35:25] Jack is a world-class fighter. [1:35:27] Shakram was one [1:35:28] of the top amateur fighters [1:35:29] from Uzbek. [1:35:30] He's a hero in that country. [1:35:31] Undefeated as a professional as well. [1:35:33] You know, [1:35:34] it's a really, [1:35:35] really high-level matchup. [1:35:36] Okay, let's hear from [1:35:37] the fighters then. [1:35:38] Firstly to Shakram Giyasov [1:35:40] with our translator Max here. [1:35:41] We welcome you as well. [1:35:42] Good to see you. [1:35:43] As always, [1:35:44] my friend. [1:35:45] Shakram, [1:35:46] how motivating is it? [1:35:47] And how exciting is it [1:35:48] that you are now [1:35:49] so close to achieving [1:35:50] your dream of becoming [1:35:51] world champion, [1:35:52] a dream that [1:35:53] is so important to you? [1:35:54] Shachram, [1:35:56] приветствую тебя, [1:35:57] насколько ты [1:35:58] мотивирован [1:35:59] и [1:36:00] вот уже близок [1:36:01] этот [1:36:02] сбывшийся мечта [1:36:03] возможно [1:36:04] стать чемпионом мира. [1:36:06] Насколько это важно [1:36:07] для тебя? [1:36:09] Са-ла-малякум, [1:36:10] guys. [1:36:11] I am happy to be here. [1:36:12] I am... [1:36:13] I have a more motivation. [1:36:15] I have... [1:36:16] I... [1:36:17] I waiting a long time. [1:36:18] I waiting eight years. [1:36:20] This day, this fight, [1:36:21] this belt, you know. [1:36:23] I am ready, [1:36:24] Inshallah. [1:36:25] I do it, Inshallah. [1:36:26] And you have said this week, [1:36:27] Shakram as well, [1:36:28] that you have chased [1:36:29] Roley Romero [1:36:30] for a long time. [1:36:31] In your opinion, [1:36:32] why has this fight [1:36:33] not happened yet? [1:36:34] I don't know. [1:36:40] I think he's scared of me. [1:36:43] Scared of me, you know. [1:36:44] He's run, run, run. [1:36:46] Okay. [1:36:48] Scared of Shakram Gears, [1:36:49] of a man who has told us all week [1:36:51] that is certainly not the case [1:36:53] for him is El Gato himself, [1:36:55] Mr. Jack. [1:36:56] Catterall. [1:36:57] Jack, similar question to you. [1:36:59] In the eyes of many, [1:37:00] you've already been to the top of the sport [1:37:02] in the world of boxing, [1:37:03] but this is it now. [1:37:04] These are the legacy fights [1:37:05] for Jack Catterall [1:37:06] against Shakram Gears, [1:37:07] here on the world stage [1:37:09] on Saturday night. [1:37:10] Where do you believe victory leads you [1:37:12] and what makes this [1:37:13] an important fight in your story? [1:37:15] Yeah, first off, [1:37:16] very grateful to be here [1:37:17] and fighting on Saturday [1:37:18] on such a brilliant card. [1:37:19] And this is a massive fight for me [1:37:21] on Saturday. [1:37:22] A great opponent in Shakram, [1:37:24] but one that I've worked too hard for. [1:37:25] to be denied that belt on Saturday. [1:37:28] What do you rate about him, Jack, [1:37:29] as a fighter, [1:37:30] Shakram Gears, [1:37:31] all round as a package? [1:37:32] Yeah, I think he's a good fighter. [1:37:34] I don't think he's had [1:37:35] the breakout performances [1:37:37] against top level guys. [1:37:39] He's obviously achieved a lot [1:37:40] in the amateurs, [1:37:41] but I've prepared hard, [1:37:42] I've trained well [1:37:43] and no matter what he brings Saturday, [1:37:45] I'm taking that belt. [1:37:46] And second half, [1:37:47] and second half, [1:37:48] what do you believe makes you [1:37:49] the superior fighter? [1:37:50] And like I say, [1:37:51] how do you see yourself winning as well? [1:37:53] Just the hard work [1:37:54] that's putting in camp. [1:37:55] I believe in myself, [1:37:56] my skills, my ability. [1:37:58] When it comes down to it, [1:38:00] I'm better in all the departments. [1:38:03] Shakram, Jack says he's better [1:38:04] in every department. [1:38:06] Do you believe this is the toughest test [1:38:07] of your career to date so far? [1:38:09] Yeah, yes. [1:38:10] Maybe, yeah. [1:38:11] It is for me, [1:38:12] good experience. [1:38:13] It's for me. [1:38:14] He's a good fighter. [1:38:16] He's a good boxer. [1:38:18] Good man. [1:38:19] I respect him. [1:38:21] But I'm also ready. [1:38:22] I'm a long time [1:38:24] fighting this fight. [1:38:26] I'm all my life, you know. [1:38:28] I'm 100% ready. [1:38:30] OK, Shakram Gears, [1:38:32] against Jack Cattrall. [1:38:33] What a brilliant matchup [1:38:34] that is in the welterweight division. [1:38:36] And of course, [1:38:37] on Saturday night, [1:38:38] that will lead us in nicely [1:38:39] to the chief support. [1:38:41] The vacant WBO World [1:38:42] Super Middleweight Championship [1:38:44] is on the line [1:38:45] between Hamza Shiraz [1:38:47] and Alam Begic, [1:38:48] as well, of Germany. [1:38:50] A belt held by so many [1:38:51] great fighters. [1:38:52] Of course, Canelo Alvarez. [1:38:53] But most recently, [1:38:54] the man in the front row down there, [1:38:56] Terence Bard Crawford, [1:38:58] in attendance here as well [1:38:59] this evening. [1:39:01] Here we go, then. [1:39:02] What a great fight this is. [1:39:03] And what a great opportunity [1:39:04] this is for Hamza Shiraz [1:39:06] to follow in the footsteps [1:39:07] of many British fighters, [1:39:08] British fighters this year. [1:39:09] So far in 2026, [1:39:10] who have had very special nights. [1:39:12] The likes of Dalton Smith, [1:39:13] Josh Kelly, [1:39:14] and of course, [1:39:15] Daniel Dubois, [1:39:16] recapturing heavyweight gold. [1:39:18] Here we go, Hamza. [1:39:19] This is it. [1:39:20] I mean, I joke to Spencer Brown there. [1:39:22] What a week it's been. [1:39:23] Arsenal, [1:39:24] recapturing the Premier League title. [1:39:26] Sorry, Spurs fans. [1:39:27] But for you as well. [1:39:28] When you think about the young lad [1:39:30] who walked into that boxing gym [1:39:31] at eight years old, [1:39:32] to be on a stage like this [1:39:33] with a chance to achieve greatness [1:39:35] and become world champion. [1:39:36] Is this pretty much the fairytale stuff? [1:39:38] Yeah. [1:39:39] First and foremost, [1:39:40] I'd like to thank the Almighty Allah [1:39:41] for giving us the opportunity [1:39:43] to be here today. [1:39:44] I'd like to thank His Excellency [1:39:46] always and forever grateful to him. [1:39:49] But yeah, listen, [1:39:50] this is what dreams are made of. [1:39:52] You know, [1:39:53] this is what dreams are made of. [1:39:54] Inshallah, [1:39:55] capturing my first world title [1:39:57] Saturday night [1:39:58] with the help of Andy Lee, [1:40:01] my team, [1:40:03] and everyone involved. [1:40:04] You know, massive thanks to them. [1:40:05] And yeah, man, [1:40:06] let's make history. [1:40:07] And you said there as well [1:40:10] about Andy Lee. [1:40:11] You can become Andy Lee's first world champion [1:40:14] as a trainer [1:40:15] in his brilliant career so far [1:40:16] that's unfolding. [1:40:17] But it seems like [1:40:18] an improved version of Hamza Shira [1:40:20] is not only up at 168 pounds, [1:40:22] but the work you've been doing [1:40:23] with Andy Lee. [1:40:24] We saw that against Edgar Belanga as well. [1:40:26] Why do you believe this is [1:40:27] your time now, Hamza? [1:40:29] Because it's just [1:40:30] it's just one of them things. [1:40:31] There's timings, you know, [1:40:32] I feel like the stars are aligned [1:40:33] and I feel like it's a meant to be moment. [1:40:34] And everything we're doing in the gym, [1:40:36] we're keeping it simple. [1:40:38] It's working as well. [1:40:39] So just got to listen to him, [1:40:41] use my imagination [1:40:42] and yeah, just crack on, man. [1:40:44] Alem, welcome. [1:40:45] What a massive opportunity for you as well. [1:40:48] You're 36 minutes away from achieving greatness yourself. [1:40:51] Can you find the words to tell everyone here, [1:40:53] tell the world watching live on DAZN [1:40:55] what it will mean to you [1:40:56] to become world champion on Saturday night? [1:40:59] First of all, I want to thank you guys [1:41:02] being here supporting us [1:41:03] in this beautiful place of history in Egypt [1:41:06] and many thanks to His Excellency, [1:41:09] Scylla Sports, Egypt [1:41:12] and the amazing Egyptian people here. [1:41:15] I had the opportunity to visit an hospitality [1:41:18] for children of cancer [1:41:20] and there I could spend some, [1:41:22] change some words with the people who live here [1:41:25] and they have trouble with some other situations in their life [1:41:31] but I have to be ready and I'm happy to be here on this stage. [1:41:37] What do you think, Alem, of the man in the opposite corner? [1:41:40] Hamza Shiraz, very well thought of in the UK. [1:41:43] What do you believe you're going to have to do [1:41:45] to become world champion on Saturday? [1:41:47] When it comes to Hamza, Hamza's a world-class talent, [1:41:50] world-class boxer and the future of boxing [1:41:53] and believe it or not, love him or hate him, [1:41:56] he will definitely be world champion one day [1:41:59] but from my side Saturday will be my moment to shine [1:42:03] because I worked so hard this year, [1:42:05] these years, yeah, [1:42:08] for this moment to get the opportunity to be here. [1:42:11] I never could imagine to perform on this stage, yeah, [1:42:16] in this beautiful place, on this card, [1:42:19] supporting or being with these top elite fighters, yeah? [1:42:24] Also, sitting next to Eddie Hearn, yeah? [1:42:30] The king of banter. [1:42:32] So, but yeah, unfortunately I could see Frank Warren anywhere [1:42:37] so I think he's still celebrating Arsenal winning the Premier League [1:42:42] or picking some curtains by IKEA, I don't know. [1:42:46] So, yeah, I don't know. [1:42:48] But anyway, when it comes to Hamza, yes, I will be ready [1:42:51] and exciting to share the ring with him on Saturday night. [1:42:55] For you, Hamza, I know you give every opponent the respect they deserve, [1:42:59] but ultimately when it comes to it, [1:43:01] I know you're not one for trash talk either, [1:43:03] but in all honesty, [1:43:04] what do you believe this man won't be able to live with [1:43:06] in the ring on Saturday? [1:43:07] Just everything I do. [1:43:08] Everything I do. [1:43:09] Listen, when it comes to fight week [1:43:13] and you're seeing your opponent or whatnot, [1:43:15] everyone's confident when they see me [1:43:17] because I'm not really an intimidating fellow looking at me, [1:43:19] do you know what I mean? [1:43:20] Which is his skin and bones, [1:43:21] but as soon as you get in the ring, it's a different story. [1:43:24] It's a different story [1:43:25] and, yeah, he'll find out Saturday night for sure, inshallah. [1:43:29] And in you, man, let's go. [1:43:31] Okay, can't wait for that one. [1:43:32] Your chief support on Saturday night, [1:43:34] Alan Begic of Germany against Hamza Shiraz [1:43:37] for the vacant WBO World Super Middleweight Championship. [1:43:40] We are now going to bring all the undercard fighters to the front of the stage for a face off. [1:43:44] That was the press conference. [1:43:45] Thank you very much for joining us. [1:43:46] We'll see you tomorrow at the weigh-in. [1:43:48] Thank you. [1:44:03] There you go. [1:44:04] Well done to Jamie Ward as well, by the way. [1:44:06] Not one, not two, but I guess in three press conferences. [1:44:09] You're up there as well, Mike. [1:44:10] Mike Coppinger is with us in Shudu doing your stuff, [1:44:13] interviewing some of the prelim fighters. [1:44:15] Malik, I want to bring you in. [1:44:16] Yeah. [1:44:17] On Hamza Shiraz. [1:44:18] I mean, I think he has absolutely everything. [1:44:20] And I think the switch to Andy Lee, which is never easy to switch trainers, [1:44:24] you know, to realize, okay, I need something else to be added to my arsenal, [1:44:27] but then to go and do what he did against Edgar Belanga in Queens. [1:44:31] I feel like the 168-pound division is wide open for business now, [1:44:35] and he could be in a super fight very, very soon if he wins on Saturday. [1:44:40] Absolutely. [1:44:41] I believe, Adi, that Saturday is about not actually to see what type of level that Hamza is on [1:44:46] because we all know he's a good fighter, [1:44:48] but it's actually to see how he's going to handle this opponent. [1:44:51] This championship fight, the stage is set for him to take. [1:44:54] We want to see if he's able to do it because, like you just said, [1:44:56] there's so many bigger and better fights out there for him. [1:44:59] Yeah, all the fighters here are going to face off, Mike. [1:45:01] On Hamza, we're going to talk a bit about Canelo later. [1:45:05] I guess that's almost a character that's being dangled in front of Hamza's face, isn't it? [1:45:09] If you win, obviously Canelo and Bealee potentially in the autumn, [1:45:14] you could be in the Canelo sweepstakes. [1:45:16] Yeah, absolutely, Adi, because that Canelo Alvarez fight was being set up for Hamza [1:45:20] before he fought Edgar Berlinga and before Canelo was upset by Terrence Crawford. [1:45:24] So that went away. [1:45:25] But there's no reason why he can't be revisited next year with a win over in Bealee. [1:45:28] And 168 division right now is stacked. [1:45:31] I mean, Jose Iglesias is the boxing boogeyman, in my opinion. [1:45:33] Yeah. [1:45:34] You have a lot of really good fighters there right now. [1:45:36] Jaime Munguiz had a nice win. [1:45:38] So I think it's one of the best divisions in boxing. [1:45:40] Yeah, Diego Pacheco, young Diego, who we want to see go. [1:45:43] Yes. [1:45:44] He could be one in line as well. [1:45:46] Daniel Lapin here, part of Alexander Usyk's team. [1:45:49] I almost feel like he was on almost a steamship, like a spaceship. [1:45:54] And then he fought Louis Edmondson. [1:45:56] I remember at Wembley. [1:45:57] And it wasn't the best performance. [1:45:58] And I feel like they've slowed it down a little bit, Mike. [1:46:00] Yeah. [1:46:01] Yeah, they really have. [1:46:02] And, of course, you know, his father trains Usyk. [1:46:04] His brother, Sergey Lapin, Usyk's advisor. [1:46:07] He has the pedigree there. [1:46:09] And anytime you're fighting alongside Usyk in his cards, you're going to get a lot of backing, right? [1:46:14] He's going to be on a lot of big events going forward. [1:46:16] He has to capitalize now. [1:46:17] And Usyk puts a lot behind him, too. [1:46:19] He actually gives this kid passion. [1:46:21] He teaches him. [1:46:22] He wants the best for him. [1:46:23] And I spent a lot of time with him in Dubai. [1:46:25] He trains hard. [1:46:26] But like you said, against Emerson, it was, to me, I would say a D-plus performance. [1:46:30] But after that, he came back and got a first-round knockout, I believe, two months ago. [1:46:33] So he's back. [1:46:34] And we're going to see what he'll do Saturday. [1:46:36] I almost feel like a lot of the boxing fraternity didn't know who Mizuki Hiruta was until they [1:46:41] saw her collect the Ring Magazine Female Fighter of the Year Award. [1:46:44] And everyone started to do their Googles. [1:46:46] And everyone realized just how special she is, Mike. [1:46:48] I mean, you guys voted her as the Female Fighter of the Year. [1:46:51] And there are a lot of contenders. [1:46:52] I know why you did. [1:46:53] Yeah. [1:46:54] And she caught everyone's attention at the Ring Awards with her speech. [1:46:56] Yeah. [1:46:57] And she has star power. [1:46:58] You see the appeal. [1:46:59] There's some swag to her, right? [1:47:00] Yeah. [1:47:01] And she has a great fighting style. [1:47:02] She's always in exciting fights. [1:47:04] And fighting an Egyptian at the pyramids, great opportunity for her. [1:47:08] We were trying to work out if Maya Solomon is the younger sister of Sam Solomon. [1:47:13] We still haven't worked it out. [1:47:14] We'll let you know tomorrow. [1:47:15] The big boys. [1:47:16] I feel like every single card has to have a heavyweight fight. [1:47:19] Yes. [1:47:20] Yes. [1:47:21] And this is two guys that are on the cusp of, I think, that top ten discussion. [1:47:24] Frank Sanchez and Richard Torres. [1:47:26] Malik, this is your form of division. [1:47:27] Take it away. [1:47:28] I'm very, very big on Torres. [1:47:30] I think this fight. [1:47:31] But I'm also, I respect Sanchez too. [1:47:33] But I haven't seen Sanchez look too good since his fight against Effie Ajapa. [1:47:38] That's a long time ago. [1:47:39] And then he fought junior five. [1:47:40] He had a good fight against junior five. [1:47:42] But I believe Richard Torres' style, he's an overachiever. [1:47:45] He do a lot for his size. [1:47:46] He's a southpaw. [1:47:47] He get to you with the lead hand the same way Alexander Usyk do. [1:47:50] There's a lot of feigning going on. [1:47:52] I believe he's a pain in the butt for any heavyweight in the world. [1:47:55] If Richard Torres wins, there's only one way to go. [1:47:57] You can't go backwards anymore. [1:47:58] He cracks into that top ten. [1:47:59] It's big fights. [1:48:00] It's tough fights. [1:48:01] Yeah. [1:48:02] Actually, right now, Richard Torres is the only American in the ring magazine's top ten in heavyweight. [1:48:06] Wow. [1:48:07] So, he's saying that he actually wants to fight Moses. [1:48:09] Everyone else does not want to fight him. [1:48:10] I actually believe Torres. [1:48:11] He has the pedigree, Olympic silver medalist. [1:48:14] Really fun style. [1:48:15] Always coming forward. [1:48:16] I think he has the opportunity here to take out Frank Sanchez in similar fashion to the way Agui Caballel did. [1:48:21] They're actually both pressure fighters. [1:48:23] It's a really good welterweight fight, this one. [1:48:25] Shaka Amgiyasov. [1:48:26] Yes. [1:48:27] Very good amateur, unbeaten Jack Cattrall, who should have been undisputed at 140. [1:48:30] That's the story for another time. [1:48:32] Moves up to 147. [1:48:33] Really good win over Ekko Usman Malik. [1:48:36] This will be the big one, though. [1:48:38] You win this, you get a regular title, and everyone starts talking about you maybe having a real world title crack. [1:48:43] Absolutely. [1:48:44] And it's always, like, everything that is missing from Cattrall, that he's never became a world champion yet. [1:48:49] I believe he's going to take full advantage of this opportunity. [1:48:52] His opponent is a very tough guy. [1:48:54] He's scored two or three or four southpaws, and he fights southpaws very well. [1:48:57] This may be fight of the night, possibly. [1:49:00] This fight right here may have the potential to be fight of the night. [1:49:04] Yeah, two unbeaten fighters. [1:49:06] Both of them, the only blemish is both have draws. [1:49:08] Hamza Shiraz, who almost just, I think, is taking the world by storm at the moment, [1:49:13] because he speaks well, he fights well. [1:49:15] Alan Begich, we don't know too much about, but he's unbeaten and we have to give him the respect. [1:49:19] Yeah, you do, but, you know, Hamza Shiraz, this is really about getting a title, right? [1:49:22] I mean, he had one opportunity to fight for a title at 160 against Carlos Adamas. [1:49:26] Controversial draw. [1:49:27] Everybody thought Adamas won. [1:49:29] And, Hamza, I don't know how this guy ever made 160 out of it. [1:49:32] Look at the size of this guy. [1:49:33] I don't know how he made 154. [1:49:34] I mean, he'll be at 175, if not higher, one day soon, I think. [1:49:38] And, like you said, he has all the ingredients to be a superstar. [1:49:41] He has the look, he's, you know, he's a great talker, he has a great fighting style, [1:49:45] and he can punch, and he needs another knockout here on Saturday. [1:49:47] Yeah, he certainly does. [1:49:49] So many big fights come in your way on DAZN in the coming weeks and months. [1:49:52] The best way to watch them all is to sign up to DAZN Ultimate. [1:49:55] The first rule of DAZN Ultimate. [1:49:58] The first rule. [1:49:59] The first rule. [1:50:00] The first rule. [1:50:01] The first rule. [1:50:02] The first rule. [1:50:03] You do not pay-per-view. [1:50:04] You do not. [1:50:05] Pay-per-view. [1:50:06] The ultimate fight night is here. [1:50:08] Second rule, DAZN Ultimate is. [1:50:10] The second rule is you don't pay-per-view. [1:50:12] Because Ultimate gives you a minimum of 12 pay-per-view fights a year. [1:50:17] At no extra cost. [1:50:19] You do not pay-per-view. [1:50:22] Join us ringside, and welcome to DAZN Ultimate. [1:50:30] Yeah, best way, sign up to DAZN Ultimate now so you don't miss any of these, [1:50:33] and you save a couple of quid in your back pocket as well. [1:50:36] Alexander Usyk versus Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids this Saturday. [1:50:39] Can't wait for it. [1:50:40] And then what? [1:50:41] This one. [1:50:42] Tommy Fury versus the former World's Strongest Man, Eddie Hall. [1:50:45] I mean, that's crazy. [1:50:46] It's fun. [1:50:47] I'm going to tune in for it. [1:50:48] I'm certainly tuning in for this one. [1:50:49] Xander Zayas versus Boots Ennis. [1:50:51] What an incredible fight in the 154-pound division in New York, June 27th, [1:50:56] around the World Cup time. [1:50:57] So New York's going to be buzzing. [1:50:59] And then AJ is back. [1:51:00] He takes on Christian Prenger as he leads on to, fingers crossed, a fight with Tyson Fury. [1:51:05] That one Saturday, July 25th. [1:51:08] All right. [1:51:09] Mike, as I said, is in studio because we're about to talk about another big superstar returning to the ring. [1:51:14] I feel like we were spoiled with Canelo. [1:51:16] We had September, May, September, May, September, May. [1:51:19] He takes out May, and I'm like, where is Canelo? [1:51:21] We feel like he will be back against Christian Mbili sometime in New York. [1:51:25] No date specified yet, but Canelo is back. [1:51:27] Yeah. [1:51:28] I mean, he's not just a superstar. [1:51:29] He's the superstar. [1:51:30] He is. [1:51:31] He's the face of boxing even after the loss to Terrence Crawford. [1:51:33] And with Canelo Alvarez, you know you're going to get action every time. [1:51:36] You're going to have a really big event. [1:51:38] And this fight with Christian Mbili, I mean, it's a fantastic action fight. [1:51:41] I'm talking about a guy in Christian Mbili who's pressure, pressure, pressure. [1:51:44] He's going to try to break Canelo down. [1:51:46] And Canelo loves that, right? [1:51:47] He can lay on the ropes, counter like James Toney. [1:51:49] I love this fight. [1:51:50] See, Canelo, what is, what's the goal now, Malik? [1:51:53] I mean, it's the guy that has more money than sense. [1:51:55] It's the guy that has more belts than I've got real belts, right? [1:51:58] Yes. [1:51:59] He's got everything. [1:52:00] What is the aim now? [1:52:01] Is it, okay, I'm going to go and collect them all one by one again and become undisputed? [1:52:04] I wish I could have a better answer for you besides the word legacy. [1:52:07] But even considering legacy, he's already a legend. [1:52:10] He's already had a mean legacy run. [1:52:12] But one thing I wanted to point out is everybody, when it comes to Mbili, he came on the show, [1:52:17] Inside the Ring, right? [1:52:18] So when he comes on the show, I ask him, what did he learn from the Leicester fight? [1:52:22] And you know what he said? [1:52:23] I learned that I have to put more pressure. [1:52:25] I said, what? [1:52:26] Wow. [1:52:27] So that goes to show his mentality going against Canelo. [1:52:30] He's not, he don't have an identity crisis. [1:52:32] He's going to be himself. [1:52:33] And by him being himself, that's going to make the fight a money-guaranteed barn burner. [1:52:38] I'm looking forward to it. [1:52:39] What we have said with Canelo, when you think of the defeats, he's always been able to kind [1:52:43] of re, sort of refocus and come back again. [1:52:46] Floyd Maver went on a run. [1:52:47] Bivol went on a run. [1:52:48] And now you're thinking Terrence Crawford, could he, even at this later stage in his career, [1:52:53] go on another run? [1:52:54] I don't see why not. [1:52:55] I mean, Canelo Alvarez, he lost to Terrence Crawford, who's a great fighter. [1:52:58] I know he moved up two weight classes. [1:53:00] I didn't think Canelo looked that diminished in there. [1:53:02] No. [1:53:03] He still was firing shots. [1:53:04] He's still throwing combinations. [1:53:05] And I want to see more combinations from Canelo. [1:53:08] And look, I just think it's what Tom Brady says, right? [1:53:10] If you love something that much, you just do it as long as you can. [1:53:13] Canelo loves boxing. [1:53:14] He's been doing it as a pro since 15 years old. [1:53:16] Yeah, we're almost spoiled, aren't we, like Canelo is back. [1:53:19] And that's the reason I was trying to say to Crawford, come on one more time, Crawford. [1:53:22] Yes, yes. [1:53:23] Because I still feel like that is the fight we still need to see again. [1:53:26] I'm not mad at seeing that again. [1:53:28] Maybe Canelo, maybe you get a couple of big wins. [1:53:30] You tempt Crawford out of retirement, and then we run that again. [1:53:33] Yes, I think that's more easier said than done in theory from us, right? [1:53:38] I never, tonight, I looked into Crawford's eyes. [1:53:41] And out of everyone in my life that have told me they retired, I've never believed no one more than him. [1:53:46] I wouldn't be shocked if he's really done with it. [1:53:48] We won't see him back in the ring. [1:53:50] And granted, it's really deserving. [1:53:52] All his life he's put into boxing, the crab, the tears, the pain, everything. [1:53:57] So he deserved it. [1:53:58] And him leaving, I don't know no one that left on more of a higher horse than Buck Crawford. [1:54:05] Like, he really did. [1:54:06] A win against Canelo like that, and it's not that he just won. [1:54:09] It's how he did it. [1:54:10] And it's the way he did it with humility and then left off right into the sunset. [1:54:14] Very impressive. [1:54:15] Very impressive indeed. [1:54:16] Canelo has touched down in Egypt. [1:54:18] There is a press conference scheduled for Saturday. [1:54:20] That is in the future. [1:54:22] The now is Oleksandr Usyk versus Riko Behoeven. [1:54:25] Today was the press conference. [1:54:26] Tomorrow is weigh in. [1:54:28] Fight night on Saturday. [1:54:29] We're going to the pyramids, people. [1:54:31] And it's going to be a crazy event. [1:54:33] We'll see you tomorrow. [1:54:34] Breaks them all. [1:54:39] Two disciplines. [1:54:43] One question. [1:54:44] Who the champion of champions. [1:54:47] Usyk, the master technician. [1:54:50] Greatest kickboxer of his generation. [1:54:54] A new legend will be fought. [1:54:57] Usyk, 23rd. [1:54:58] Watch only on DAZN.