O'SHAQUIE FOSTER VS. RAY FORD PRESS CONFERENCE LIVESTREAM

[0:08] To score a goal like that, you can see what it meant to me personally. [0:12] All to play for, which is so exciting. [0:21] These teams have to come in here and give it their all. [0:24] Have a real nice tempo. [0:37] Goes baseline, watch out. [0:39] Oh, my! [0:40] Oh, baby! [0:42] Oh, down the run for a big-time throwdown. [0:53] Fight Week on the Zone is non-stop action. [0:56] Access all areas of the biggest fights, even before the bell rings. [0:59] I hope you guys enjoy this fight as much as I will. [1:10] The drama keeps continuing, Sally. [1:13] This is just brilliant. [1:21] This is boxing. This is life. [1:24] It's not, uh, it's not joking. [1:27] No politics, no fluff. [1:29] Just first glory and a little bit of history. [1:32] Cheers to that. [1:39] Of Serie A action will bring you so much of it here on The Zone. [1:47] Magnificent. That is tremendous. [1:57] The Zone is the home of boxing. [1:58] Really spurred you on, gets you going. [2:00] Let's make history. [2:02] Pure power. [2:03] There's no way back from this, Shirley. [2:21] The road to greatness is long, but greatness isn't just forged from within. [2:27] It has to be proven on the greatest stage of all. [2:32] So happy that the old gang is back together. [3:00] You haven't aged for dead. [3:01] You've aged like a million days. That's this many. [3:03] You think you're smelling genitals. [3:05] Ghostface is still killing folks. [3:08] Someone's cleaning those handprints off the mirror, and it isn't me. [3:11] I can't feel my face. [3:16] You cook, son. [3:17] The following program is recommended for those 16 and over, as it contains sporting violence, [3:30] possible bad language, and flashing imagery. [3:40] The fighters are ready. [3:41] The fighters are ready. [3:42] The boxing world is ready. [3:45] The fight! [3:57] Down. [4:06] Live on The Zone. [4:07] And we are deep in the heart of Texas, Houston, Texas, to be more precise, at the Fertitta Center here on the campus of the University of Houston, where it is hot outside. [4:23] But the action is going to be white hot here on Saturday night. [4:28] Inside the Fertitta Center, Chris Mannix alongside Sergio Moore, where we have a 130-pound title fight that everyone has been anticipating for weeks. [4:41] Oshaki Foster defending his WBC version of the belt against former 126-pound champion Raymond Ford. [4:48] Sergio, first, let me say congratulations for making it back from Egypt. [4:51] I didn't think you were going to do it. [4:52] It's actually surprising that you're functional right now. [4:55] Egypt was great. [4:56] I can't wait. [4:57] But Houston, great city, and it's going to be a great fight. [4:59] And you've already had a good night so far in this town. [5:02] Let's talk about this fight, because this is exactly what boxing is all about. [5:06] A 50-50 fight between two top guys. [5:09] Oshaki Foster won 14 of his last 15 fights, a verified champion at 130 pounds. [5:15] Raymond Ford, 3-0 since moving up to 130, and has looked great since. [5:20] Look, it sounds cliche, 50-50 fight, but this is truly one of these fights that the winner of this fight, [5:25] can move up to be a real star, someone that can actually sell tickets, especially in this area. [5:30] Oshaki Foster is a hell of a champion. [5:32] I think he's a slight favorite in this fight. [5:34] But Ford, we know what he did at 126. [5:37] Can he do it at 130? [5:39] That's a problem that I think Ford's going to be facing, a bigger, stronger, naturally 130-pound fighter. [5:44] Excellent matchup between two snipers. [5:46] All right, let's talk about Foster for a moment there. [5:48] As I mentioned, 14 of the last 15 wins. [5:50] The only loss against Robeson can say, Sal, he came back and avenged that fight. [5:54] What have you seen from him at this championship level? [5:56] That he stays within his self. [5:59] You know, he doesn't go out of character. [6:00] He stays within his temperament. [6:02] He's an excellent boxer, everything behind the 1-2. [6:04] And he does it from the southpaw stands or the orthodox stands. [6:07] That's what makes him great. [6:09] The fact that he doesn't make mistakes. [6:11] He makes his opponent make the mistakes. [6:13] So he stays in character, and he does it from 1 to 12. [6:16] That's the thing. [6:17] These guys aren't punchers. [6:18] This is going to go for the distance. [6:20] So I think in a distance game, that's where Shockey's a master. [6:23] I don't know. [6:24] Kolmatov, there are some guys that might disagree with you. [6:27] Rocky Hernandez might disagree with you. [6:29] They're not being punchers. [6:30] Raymond Ford, we saw him be a champion at 126 pounds. [6:33] Now he's up here at 130, coming off a win over in Saudi Arabia against Abraham Nova. [6:37] What have you seen from him as he's moved up in weight? [6:40] He got meaner. [6:41] He got more confident. [6:42] The thing about the Savage, you know, we've been calling this fight since his pro debut. [6:45] He's been evolving, not only as a champion, but as a puncher. [6:49] He believes in his power. [6:51] And I think at 130, not sacrificing gives him that edge. [6:54] But he's in it with Foster, man. [6:56] This is one of these fights that we're going to show who's elite. [6:58] They're going to be put on an elite level. [7:00] Maybe not pound for pound just yet, but one of these fighters is going to prove to be the goods. [7:04] We've seen both these guys fight in high-level fights. [7:07] Both these guys show power, latent fights. [7:09] Both these guys showing the ability to have spectacular finishes. [7:12] It's going to be a tremendous show here on Saturday. [7:14] And all part of an action-packed card from the Fertina Center on Saturday, live on DAZN. [7:20] It should be excellent from start to finish, all the way down to the bottom, straight up to the top as well. [7:26] Some great fights, some great undercard fights to look at. [7:28] You've got Julian Montalvo taking on Maximus Moya. [7:31] That is going to open up our preliminaries. [7:34] Frank Espinosa, he takes on Bryce Blackwell in a six-round fight. [7:38] Jaden Franklin Britton, he takes on Najee West, also in a six-round fight. [7:43] The top of the prelim, Zaquin Moses, the cousin of Shakur Stevenson, rising star. [7:48] In his own right, he takes on Travis Crawford. [7:55] As we move up to the televised event, Miguel Flores looking to make one more run at a world championship in the featherweight division. [8:01] He takes on Javon Woodward. [8:03] Omari Jones, the former Olympic medalist, he gets another crack fighting just two months after his last win. [8:09] And looking to become prospect of the year in 2026, he takes on Diego Osuna. [8:15] And then the co-main event, Charlie Sheehy, rising lightweight prospect. [8:19] He takes on Nikkei Theron. [8:21] And the main event, Oshaki Foster, Raymond Ford, WBC super featherweight world title on the line. [8:28] A true 50-50 fight in our main events. [8:32] All right, without further ado, let's go up to the stage and get this press conference started with Eddie Hearn. [8:39] Well, thank you, gents. [8:43] And thank you, ladies and gentlemen. [8:44] Delighted to be in Houston, actually, for the first time for matchroom boxing. [8:49] And what a fight card it is. [8:50] What a main event it is, as the boys said. [8:52] One of the top fights in boxing. [8:54] The buildup has been sensational. [8:56] Everybody's talking about it. [8:58] Oshaki Foster defends his WBC title against Raymond Savage Ford. [9:02] Live and exclusive on The Zone around the world from Houston. [9:05] Three press conferences for you today. [9:08] The upsetters, I think we can call them to my left. [9:11] Bryce Blackwell, Najee West, and Travis Crawford. [9:14] And the guys, the young prospects that everybody's talking about. [9:16] Frank Espinosa, Jaden Britton, and, of course, Saquon Moses. [9:20] This whole fight card matched nice and tough. [9:24] Kevin Rooney, insistent on testing our young prospects. [9:27] And first up, we're going to talk about a fight that, a lot to my left, have got a lot to say about. [9:31] Bryce Blackwell. [9:32] Well, Frank Espinosa makes his matchroom debut with us on Saturday night. [9:37] I saw the comments from you. [9:38] We've made a big mistake. [9:40] This is your time. [9:41] You fancy your chances against this young prospect? [9:44] Yes, sir. [9:45] I feel like this is going to be one of the best fights on the card. [9:49] You know what I'm saying? [9:49] I know Frank is a two-time national champion, but me, I'm coming in here to win, too. [9:55] So, that's just how I'm feeling about it. [9:58] You feel like the pressure's on Frank Espinosa, the big build-up, a lot of people talking about him. [10:03] But you're confident you can come in and get your name on that roster on Saturday? [10:08] Yes, I'm very confident. [10:10] I put in the work. [10:11] You know what I'm saying? [10:11] I put in the time. [10:12] And I came to win. [10:14] So, I'm very confident. [10:17] Frank, welcome to the team. [10:19] Good to hear people talking like this. [10:21] This is what you want, right? [10:22] So, we're going to see the best of you, widely regarded as one of the best young prospects in the sport. [10:27] We expect to take you to the championship as well. [10:29] But you've got to get through challenges like this. [10:31] And this young man's got a lot to gain. [10:34] Not for sure. [10:34] You know what I mean? [10:34] I'm ready. [10:35] You know what I mean? [10:36] I'm going to go in there and do my thing. [10:38] And tell us a little bit about what the fans should expect. [10:40] Big puncher, yourself as well, all action style. [10:43] And it's going to be a lot of noise in there on Saturday night in the Fatita Center. [10:47] Yeah, no. [10:49] You know what I mean? [10:49] You just expect a good fight. [10:51] You know what I mean? [10:52] I'm going to go in there, show my skills, and prove to everybody why I belong here. [10:56] Well, we look forward to that. [10:57] And we look forward to a lot of noise from Jaden Britton. [10:59] Jaden, massive support for you on Saturday night here in Houston. [11:04] A few of them here today as well. [11:05] It's going to be a big crowd. [11:06] Again, our first time here. [11:08] This place is going to be completely packed out. [11:10] A lot of hometown support for you. [11:12] Tough fight against Najee West, but excited. [11:14] You've been plaguing us for a long time to get on our shows. [11:17] Yeah, it's been a long time coming, you know, but the time is perfect right now. [11:22] This is the perfect time for me, my career, and for y'all to see my talent. [11:27] And I'm comfortable in the ring now, so I'm ready to showcase it. [11:33] How does it feel to have big-time World Championship boxing back in Houston? [11:37] A lot of buzz from the fight community as well. [11:40] Great fight card as well, and pleased to be a part of it. [11:43] It feels great. [11:45] Thank Foster and Ford for coming together and making this fight happen. [11:49] I wouldn't be on this card without them, you know, so making it happen. [11:52] And I'm thankful that I can be on something that's going to be history, you know. [11:57] And I'm just ready, but I'm coming to steal the show for sure. [12:01] Najee, obviously a lot of pressure on this man. [12:05] Big crowd support as well, but confident you can come in and upset the odds. [12:10] Definitely coming from out of town. [12:12] I don't feel no pressure. [12:13] I'm just ready to show my work and that I belong here and that I belong on more shows from you. [12:19] When you fight on these cards, obviously, you know, you've got great experience as well. [12:24] But coming in here, you know that an upset, we have the kind of winner-stays-on mentality at Matchroom. [12:29] Definitely. [12:29] Not just, listen, not just a win, but a great performance as well is going to see you back on televised shows. [12:34] But a win can really change the trajectory of the career. [12:37] Changes everything for me. [12:38] So I'm definitely here. [12:39] I didn't come to lay down. [12:40] Didn't come to lose. [12:41] I came to fight. [12:41] I came to win. [12:42] Good. [12:43] Well, that's what we want. [12:44] And this is another great fight. [12:45] Travis Crawford against Aquin Moses. [12:47] Travis, same thing that I said to Bryce as well. [12:50] We've seen your comments. [12:51] You think that this is a mistake by us as well. [12:54] Aquin Moses is a young man, a great talent as well. [12:56] He's been out a little bit with a hand injury. [12:59] But you fancy the upset on Saturday night? [13:02] Yeah, I do plan on pulling out on an upset. [13:04] But I just don't know what comments have been made online because I haven't been online for the past training camp. [13:09] Is that a conscious decision? [13:10] Keep yourself offline? [13:12] No, not really. [13:13] I just don't like making comments on social media. [13:16] I overheard that you had told Zay Quinn that I said some stuff about him, which is not true because I'm all out of a big respect. [13:22] Do you know what? [13:23] That was actually a joke that I like playing on Zay Quinn. [13:26] I told him that you said you were going to beat his ass. [13:28] You were going to knock him out and around. [13:29] And Zay Quinn was going crazy. [13:31] He was like, and I was actually not going to tell him because I thought it would have been out of respect for you two. [13:36] I had to tell him that I was joking. [13:38] So you seem like a respectful guy, though. [13:40] But you're going to come to fight on Saturday. [13:42] No, yeah. [13:42] I'm coming here to fight. [13:43] I mean, I'm big on respect, and I just want to give respect, and I want to get respect. [13:48] And as long as that's held, then that's my point of view on it. [13:53] Well, Zay Quinn, unfortunately, he didn't say that. [13:55] But he is coming to fight, and that's what you want, right? [13:59] You know, you've had that education now. [14:01] We know you've been out a little bit with a hand injury. [14:04] But expect a strong opposition here in Houston. [14:07] Of course, home for your training camp as well. [14:09] I mean, yeah. [14:11] First and foremost, I want to thank God to be here because nothing would be possible without him. [14:16] I mean, like you said, man, I'm ready to perform, man. [14:19] I can't wait to Saturday. [14:21] I mean, I can't wait to beat somebody up, man. [14:23] Too bad I got to be him. [14:26] I mean, it was respectful, you know. [14:29] I'll take it how it is. [14:30] I mean, you're the one that got the pressure on you. [14:33] I ain't got no pressure on me. [14:34] That's what you're supposed to do. [14:35] What's the mentality for someone like you going into this fight? [14:38] You know, this is a big card. [14:39] I know you've fought around the country, and this is a big opportunity. [14:44] You take his O, and then, as I said to Najee as well, everything changes for you. [14:48] The bigger purses come, the bigger opportunities come, the bigger shows come. [14:52] Is that what it's all about? [14:54] For me, it's just trying to stay active until I leave. [14:56] I'm planning on leaving out to the military here soon. [14:58] So this is just something that just came upon me, and it lined up right. [15:05] And Zay, for you? [15:06] He coming to get a check before he leave. [15:09] I'm just sure that's Saturday. [15:11] I'm going to show that. [15:12] I'm going to show that one of the best prospects, and I'm ready. [15:15] I'm ready to go. [15:16] How do you do that? [15:17] Do you go in there, you put a performance on, one-sided performance? [15:20] You look to get him out of there? [15:21] Perform, dominate. [15:22] And if the stop is coming, it's going to come. [15:25] I ain't getting stopped. [15:27] Okay. [15:28] We're going to see. [15:29] Show me. [15:30] All right. [15:31] I think. [15:33] I'll tell you, it wasn't going to be respectful for long, you know. [15:36] This is what we like. [15:37] This is what we want. [15:38] But what I will say is, to my right, you have three tremendous prospects. [15:43] And the great thing about these prospects at match with boxing is you get every opportunity [15:47] to get to the very top of the sport. [15:49] But if you're not good enough, if you take your eye off the ball, if you don't train hard, [15:55] these guys to the left, they smell blood. [15:58] They smell opportunity. [16:00] They have hunger to get to this level. [16:04] So you guys, you got it all to do. [16:07] Frank, Jaden, Zay, top class, world class prospects. [16:11] But you guys, good luck. [16:14] Let's see what they're made of on Saturday night. [16:15] And we're going to face these guys off following the three segments. [16:19] But for now, we're going to go back to the team before we come to segment two. [16:23] Thank you. [16:24] All right, Sergio. [16:25] Well, fake news. [16:27] Eddie Hearn stirring the pot up there. [16:29] Just dropping some fake quotes. [16:31] I like it, though. [16:31] I mean, I think that makes it a little bit spicier in the main event of our prelims. [16:35] Let's talk about Zayquin Moses, though, for a moment. [16:37] The cousin of Shakur Stevenson, who is making a name for himself in his own right. [16:41] A nice blend of offensive and defensive talent. [16:44] And Moses reminds me of Raymond Ford early when we're calling him. [16:47] Just one of these southpaws that's really sharp, really good. [16:50] I think coming around his power as well. [16:53] So I think Moses, you know, a six-round fighter, should be able to go to eight-round and ten-round [16:57] and actually start getting stoppages and become more of a puncher. [17:00] Because they believe in their boxing ability, but they're going to sit down and punches have more time. [17:05] So I like Moses a lot. [17:07] I think he has a high ceiling. [17:09] How dangerous are some of these early tests? [17:11] Like, you heard Eddie say, like, you've got three guys that are terrific prospects. [17:15] But they're guys with only a handful of fights in their pro career. [17:18] And they are taking on fighters where, for them, it's win or go home. [17:22] This is their championship event. [17:24] Especially in six-rounders. [17:26] I mean, anything can go around in four- and six-round fights. [17:28] That's what's tricky about it. [17:30] You know, when you have eight to ten rounds, you have more time to develop and use your game plan, [17:34] use the jab, and fight more like a professional. [17:36] So for these fights, these short fights, you know, opponents can come in there and really put everything in three rounds. [17:42] And that's a draw. [17:43] So very tricky fight. [17:45] And especially for someone that's going out to the service, like that young man right there said. [17:49] So he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. [17:50] And this is his Super Bowl. [17:52] You almost lost your first fight. [17:55] I did because it was a four-rounder. [17:56] So these four-rounders are tricky. [17:58] I got cut. [17:58] I got dropped. [17:59] And I squeaked out a majority decision, I think. [18:02] So, yeah, I think Moses, it'll serve him well because he's the goods. [18:06] I mean, he has that amateur background. [18:08] He's an excellent pro. [18:09] I think he's a bigger puncher than his knockout ratio indicates. [18:12] So having more time to develop that in eight and ten rounds, he's going to be a better fighter for it. [18:17] The man that you beat was named Antonio Maldonado. [18:20] And why are we talking about my vote? [18:22] Because I thought he won. [18:22] And I thought he should have been on the contender. [18:24] I thought he deserved that opportunity. [18:27] As they're resetting for the next press conference up there, Omari Jones is going to be next up on the stage. [18:31] The Olympic bronze medalist, terrific prospect, coming off a win in March. [18:35] What do you like about Omari Jones? [18:37] Everything. [18:37] Everything. [18:38] He has the hooks and the looks. [18:40] That's my line, by the way. [18:42] Just one of these kids that you know is going to be something. [18:46] He exudes this swag, this confidence. [18:49] He always comes in shape. [18:50] He likes staying busy, you know, having three, four, five fights a year. [18:54] He has power. [18:55] He has ability. [18:56] He has everything going for him. [18:58] So the fact that he's not getting knockouts anymore doesn't worry me. [19:02] I like the fact that he's going the distance. [19:03] I like the fact that he's, you know, using his jab, knowing how to use that height, that size. [19:08] There's nothing I don't like about the kid. [19:10] Omari is a future star. [19:12] All right. [19:12] Let's hear from up there. [19:13] Let's go back on the stage. [19:14] Let's see if Eddie Hearn has made up any quotes for this fight. [19:18] Eddie? [19:20] Thanks, guys. [19:21] I haven't made up any quotes. [19:22] But don't go shy on me now, guys. [19:24] Especially you, Javon. [19:26] I know. [19:26] To my left, of course, as we said before, the upset is Javon Woodward, Diego Asuna, Nike Theran as well. [19:33] And to my right, a couple of our real elite young prospects. [19:38] Of course, a gentleman that you guys know very well in Miguel Flores as well. [19:41] Hometown star in a big fight on Saturday night. [19:45] Welcome as well, as we said before about Frank Espinosa. [19:48] Also to Charlie Sheehy, one of the top young U.S. amateurs. [19:51] Now part of the matchroom team. [19:53] Big moment for him on Saturday night. [19:55] And, of course, to his right, Amari Jones. [19:58] What was it, Sergio? [19:58] The hooks and the looks. [20:00] Not sure about that, but I like it. [20:02] I don't know if it will stick. [20:03] But what it is, is one of the top prospects in world boxing. [20:06] 6-0 right now. [20:08] Olympic bronze medalist. [20:09] Future superstar of American boxing. [20:12] We'll kick off first talking about Javon Woodward against Miguel Flores. [20:16] Javon, welcome. [20:17] I did see you say, I don't know if people tell me that you actually said this, [20:21] but I'm going to go with it anyway. [20:22] Yeah. [20:22] You said, big mistake from Miguel Flores. [20:25] Hometown star. [20:26] Big support. [20:27] You're coming in. [20:28] This is a layup for you. [20:29] Did you say it was a layup for you? [20:32] I ain't say that. [20:33] He can't fuck with me, though. [20:34] Right, okay. [20:35] Well, that was a good start. [20:36] Okay. [20:36] Right, good. [20:37] So, why? [20:39] What happens on Saturday night against this guy? [20:41] I dominate. [20:42] I do whatever I want to do. [20:44] Start to finish. [20:46] And a big moment for you. [20:47] Part of the live broadcast, televised card. [20:49] This place is going to be completely sold out on Saturday night. [20:52] Over 5,000 in here. [20:54] Huge support for Miguel Flores. [20:56] Doesn't bother you? [20:57] Nah, it's going to feel good to knock on somebody's door. [21:00] Beat him if they create. [21:02] And you talk about buy any way you want. [21:05] What does that victory look like on Saturday night? [21:08] You know, it's how I feel. [21:09] You know, how I wake up feeling. [21:11] You know, I can box his head up, head off, or I can just beat him up. [21:15] You know, it depends on how I feel tomorrow. [21:17] What's Saturday? [21:19] Miguel, what's going on? [21:21] I mean, listen. [21:23] Normally, what we do in the UK is you're the hometown star, right? [21:27] Massive support. [21:28] We give you a nice, easy fight. [21:31] This guy's coming in. [21:32] I mean, I don't know whether we picked the wrong guy, but he sounds dangerous. [21:36] Nah, he's saying what he's supposed to say. [21:38] You know, I like his attitude. [21:39] I like that. [21:39] You know, he's going to bring out the best of me. [21:41] And we'll see Saturday night. [21:43] He can save all that energy for Saturday night. [21:45] I mean, he's going to have me in front 10 rounds. [21:47] So, after this, he might need to go back to TCL, you know, and get a couple more play days there. [21:53] That didn't go too well for him either, though. [21:56] Oh, hold on a minute, Javon. [22:00] What's going on here? [22:01] You said what? [22:02] I mean, don't worry about me. [22:05] Nah, I ain't worried about nothing, you know? [22:07] There ain't nothing he can do with me. [22:10] You know, you're talking about 10 rounds. [22:11] We'd be lucky if he'd go 10. [22:13] True experience? [22:15] A lot of things you can't teach in boxing. [22:17] One is experience. [22:18] You got to go through the years, obviously. [22:20] Not on club shows. [22:21] You got to be on the big stages. [22:22] We've done it before. [22:23] He went to the club. [22:24] He went to these big shows. [22:25] And what did he do? [22:26] He came up short. [22:27] It's all good. [22:28] I've been there. [22:28] Them names. [22:29] You didn't even make it there. [22:30] You didn't even make past TCL. [22:31] All right, I'm here right now. [22:32] I'm here right now. [22:33] It's all good. [22:33] You're here. [22:34] All right, we'll see. [22:35] Save that energy. [22:36] We'll see. [22:36] Saturday. [22:37] Saturday. [22:37] We will. [22:38] All right, we'll see. [22:39] Yeah. [22:39] We will. [22:40] I like that attitude, though. [22:41] You good? [22:41] You good? [22:42] You good? [22:42] We'll see Saturday. [22:43] I like yours, too. [22:43] I like yours, too. [22:45] Good. [22:47] Thank you. [22:47] Thank you, both of you. [22:48] It's what we want. [22:49] It's what we want on Saturday night. [22:51] Now what we also... [22:52] You love that, huh? [22:52] Oh, no. [22:53] Keep going. [22:54] Keep going. [22:54] He just mumbled something under his breath. [22:56] It was very distasteful. [22:58] I don't know if you heard it. [22:59] No mumbling. [23:00] Yeah, no. [23:01] This shit loud and clear. [23:02] Nothing from you. [23:03] No mumbling. [23:04] Good. [23:05] By the way, I asked him, I asked you, how do you see victory on Saturday night against [23:09] this guy? [23:10] I'm sure you've studied him. [23:11] You've watched him. [23:11] Can he do the 10? [23:12] We watched enough. [23:14] We're going to let our experience take over. [23:15] You know, obviously, we're not going to sit here and talk about what we're going to [23:18] do, what we're going to... [23:19] We're going to show it on Saturday night. [23:20] We got the right game plan. [23:22] He better be ready to go 10 rounds, because trust me, hey, [23:26] once you get in, then you can't knock a dude out. [23:28] He keeps talking about going 10 rounds. [23:29] All right. [23:30] All right. [23:30] We'll see. [23:32] I mean, TCL's one round, bro, so I'm going to get a little bit rough for you. [23:37] All right. [23:37] You're talking about 10 rounds. [23:39] So what? [23:40] All right. [23:41] We can go 12. [23:42] All right. [23:42] All right. [23:43] Hey, you going to go up to Eddie? [23:44] It don't matter? [23:46] Eddie, you got some extra for a 12? [23:48] We'll make it a 12. [23:49] I think we should throw in some kind of knockout bonus as well. [23:52] I mean, I don't want to see 12 rounds. [23:54] I want to see, you know. [23:56] So we'll think about that. [24:03] We'll get something cooking. [24:05] That's enough from you two. [24:06] Let's see a great fight on Saturday night, right? [24:08] For sure. [24:09] Okay. [24:09] Good, good, good. [24:10] Now, what we want, as we go back to, we want our prospects tested. [24:14] Amari Jones, opponent pulls out. [24:17] Who have we got? [24:18] Upstecks Diego Asuna. [24:19] 9-0. [24:21] 9-0 against 6-0. [24:23] It's exactly what we want to see how good our young stars are. [24:26] Diego, welcome. [24:28] Thank you, Eddie. [24:29] Again, this is a big opportunity for you. [24:31] We know you haven't beaten anyone yet of the level of Amari Jones, but you're undefeated. [24:35] You don't know what defeat looks like. [24:37] You're 9-0. [24:38] You're coming up on a massive show all around the world on DAZN, full up, sold out here in Houston. [24:44] Exciting. [24:45] I'm excited. [24:47] I mean, I don't feel pressure or nothing, but I'm excited. [24:50] And how does it look when you go, is it exciting to go up against someone like Amari Jones? [24:55] I know that, like I said, undefeated, this is a serious fight, a great pedigree, beyond the levels you've boxed at the moment. [25:01] But we get to find out how good you are as well. [25:03] That's right, yeah. [25:04] And I feel, you know, the better the opponent, the better, you know, it brings out of me, so. [25:09] No fear. [25:10] Ready to shine on the big step. [25:12] Yeah, I'm ready to fight, yeah. [25:13] That's what I like to do. [25:14] I like to fight. [25:14] And you guys are going to see an entertaining fight that night. [25:19] Amari, welcome. [25:20] Again, you've had this before with opponents pulled out. [25:23] You've had late notice guys step in, Diego was in training camp, he's got an undefeated record, exactly what you want. [25:30] On paper, potentially the toughest fight of your career on Saturday here in Houston. [25:34] Absolutely. [25:36] When we got the news that our opponent got pulled out and we got the news that a 9-0 guy wanted to fight and was willing to take the fight, [25:44] so we took it, not even, you know, five minutes later we said, let's make it happen. [25:48] I didn't want to miss this opportunity on this kind of card, and even the opponents before, I fought a 7-0 undefeated guy. [25:57] The guy before that hasn't been stopped. [25:59] I just fought a 23-6 guy, so it just shows the test and the work that we put in, and, you know, matchroom testing me and believing in me, [26:06] so we're ready to put on the show. [26:09] What have you learned so far about those opponents? [26:11] Sometimes guys are coming to survive a little bit, feel like your last fight in Orlando, maybe he was one of those guys, [26:17] felt the power early. [26:18] I wouldn't say you had criticism, but people saying, step on the gas a little bit more when this guy wasn't really coming to fight yet. [26:25] When you fight those undefeated guys, like in Las Vegas, 7-0, they come to fight, you're dropping them, you're looking explosive. [26:31] Feels like we're going to get that from Asuna, a guy that's coming to win, and that's where we're going to see the best of Murray Jones. [26:36] Absolutely. [26:37] We step up to the competition, and like you said, the last opponent, he, you know, covered up. [26:42] He didn't felt the power. [26:43] He didn't really want to engage, so we come in to put on the show once again, and Saturday, I'm ready. [26:50] The show is my time. [26:51] Looking forward to it. [26:53] Looking forward to it. [26:54] Amari Jones against Asuna, 6-0 against 9-0, and looking forward to this as well. [26:58] Charlie Sheehy, one of the top young stars of U.S. boxing as well, with the likes of Amari Jones. [27:03] Nike therein, welcome as well. [27:05] We've seen you in action before in the States. [27:07] A lot of exciting fights, ready to give the fans a great fight in Houston on Saturday. [27:12] Nike, in the first place, welcome. [27:14] We've seen you in many fights, always very entertaining fights. [27:18] The idea would be to give a good show to the public here in Houston this Saturday. [27:24] First of all, I'd like to give the thanks to God and Eddie for the opportunity. [27:30] And I think that's why we're coming, to give a good show and that the event feels really good. [27:37] So, yeah, firstly, I want to say thanks to God for allowing us to be here. [27:43] To Eddie Hearn also for the opportunity. [27:46] That's what we've come here to do, to contribute to this event, to show that there are the boxers of great quality on this card. [27:53] Thank you, Nike. [27:54] Charlie, welcome. [27:56] Welcome back, kind of. [27:58] You had your professional debut with Matchroom. [28:00] You know, you had a long spell at top rank as well, back with the Matchroom team. [28:04] And we're delighted to have you on that team. [28:06] A good fight for you on Saturday. [28:07] Good platform, big crowd, ready to showcase the skills. [28:11] Absolutely. [28:12] I'm excited to be back with Matchroom, starting my career here. [28:15] And this is where I plan on becoming a world champion with. [28:19] Obviously, already undefeated. [28:22] Gone through that kind of education already. [28:24] Now stepping up. [28:25] Co-main event on Saturday. [28:26] Good opponent as well. [28:27] Tough opponent. [28:28] We've seen him in some good quality fights. [28:31] Can punch as well. [28:32] But where are we going to see the best of Charlie Sheehy? [28:35] I feel like I'm going to show a little bit of everything Saturday night. [28:39] Speed, power, and skills. [28:42] When I spoke to Peter Khan and the team, actually a willingness as well to move quite quickly as well. [28:47] Get this fight out of the way. [28:49] And big plans. [28:49] Big plans to move quite quickly in the division. [28:52] Absolutely. [28:53] I'm looking to put my name into the rankings with this fight. [28:56] My first 10-rounder and keep climbing them to get a shot at one of the world champions. [29:02] We look forward to taking you there. [29:04] Great fight. [29:05] Nike Tharan against Charlie Sheehy. [29:07] Also, Amari Jones against Asuna. [29:09] 9-0 against 6-0. [29:10] And, of course, our two favorites as well. [29:13] Javon Woodward against Miguel. [29:14] You all right down there, Javon? [29:15] It's Woodard. [29:16] Woodard. [29:17] No doubt. [29:17] Listen, I mean, you got me so excited. [29:19] I can't get everything right, you know? [29:21] But we look forward to the face-off, which is going to come after the main event press conference. [29:26] Woodard against Flores Saturday night in Houston. [29:30] What a fight card. [29:31] And right up next, we got the big one. [29:33] Ray Ford against Oshaki Foster. [29:35] Don't miss it. [29:36] Back to the guys. [29:37] Well, there you go, Sergio. [29:39] A lot of excitement there in that preliminary undercard press conference. [29:42] And we had a chance to talk to some of these guys earlier in the day. [29:45] Flores has been around so long. [29:46] You were calling his fights 10 years ago. [29:48] That's how long he's been around. [29:49] No, Miguel Flores, he had a high ceiling when I was calling his fights early in his career. [29:55] You know, a volume puncher. [29:56] He reminds me of an old-school Mexican-style fighter. [29:59] But he came up short on the big moments. [30:01] And this is a reawakening for Flores. [30:03] This is an interesting fight that he has in his hands. [30:06] Because if he wins, he can actually get a contract with a new promoter, get a new start. [30:11] And it's a tricky fight against a puncher. [30:13] But Flores is accustomed to fighting punchers. [30:15] Yeah, Flores, part of Team Foster. [30:17] Same trainer with Bobby Benton. [30:19] So taking advantage of an opportunity with Oshaki Foster at the top of the bill to make one more run in the 130-pound division. [30:26] You heard Eddie Hearn mention to Amari Jones. [30:28] There was some criticism of him after his last fight. [30:32] Box beautifully won a wide decision. [30:34] But there were people, and I think I was among them, that wondered if he should have stepped on the gas in the second half of that fight. [30:39] Do you think he's got something to prove in a fight like this? [30:42] No. [30:43] And that's what gets young fighters in trouble or sometimes, you know, get knocked down or look bad when they go looking for the knockout. [30:51] I was impressed with Amari Jones' last performance. [30:53] I want to see how kids are going to—the young fighters are going to react going the distance, controlling with the jab. [30:58] You know, learning how to really turn your punches and punch placements, body shots, slowing down the pace. [31:03] I saw all that with Amari Jones. [31:05] So I thought it was a win-win. [31:07] I would expect that he wants the knockout, get back on the knockout train. [31:11] Of course, Eddie Hearn and Matchroom want that. [31:12] The fans want that. [31:13] But if it doesn't come, don't go looking for it. [31:17] I disagree. [31:18] Of course you do. [31:19] I think in a situation like that against an opponent that's pretty well beaten at that point, who is a 147 coming into that fight, [31:28] I thought there were some opportunities mixed to step on the gas, especially when you're fighting in your backyard. [31:33] You're a young prospect. [31:34] You want to make a statement. [31:35] Not to say it's not an unforgivable sin, of course. [31:38] And it's great that he's coming back two months later. [31:40] But I think an opportunity like this against an opponent like he's got in front of him, [31:43] I think there'll be a great chance for him to look great in this type of fight. [31:47] Charlie Shee has been around, as Eddie said, for a while. [31:48] A Matchroom fighter early in his career. [31:51] 12-0, undefeated, looking to get into the rankings, looking to make a move. [31:56] He's got an interesting fight in front of him as well. [31:57] What do you want to see out of Charlie Shee? [31:59] I want to know if that power is real. [32:00] Long arms and that power extends really far. [32:04] So I want to know if it's real. [32:05] I want to see it for myself. [32:06] I want to hear the thump behind the punches. [32:08] But Shee is one of these fighters that has a lot to give. [32:11] I think if the power is real and they start stepping up the competition and he continues getting these stoppages, [32:16] he could be a potential ticket seller. [32:18] Yeah, I think it's a big fight for him, fighting in the co-main event of this card. [32:21] The main event press conference is coming up in just a moment. [32:24] And I think it's a great fight. [32:25] I love that it is a Matchroom versus Top Rank event. [32:28] We have got so many Matchroom versus Top Rank events coming up over the next couple of months. [32:34] Boots versus Zayas, huge event happening on June 27th. [32:37] Abdullah Mason taking on Joe Cordina on July 4th. [32:41] But this one, this one is a terrific one. [32:43] You've got two guys who are at the top of their games at 130 pounds. [32:47] And Sergio, I don't know if you saw their first face-off on Wednesday. [32:49] The bad blood has been spilling over for weeks now between these guys. [32:53] You can't fake that. [32:56] I mean, it's not that there's a resentment both these fighters have. [32:59] I mean, they're so highly skilled. [33:00] We know what they bring to the table. [33:02] This is really one of these fights that should be on pay-per-view. [33:05] I'm glad it is not. [33:06] But it's real. [33:07] The anger is real. [33:08] The frustration is real. [33:09] And they really want to go out there and prove that they're the elite. [33:12] That's what makes this fight so interesting. [33:14] Foster and Ford are the cream of the crop at 130. [33:17] But the winner is going to be the men at that weight division. [33:21] Nobody knows about being disliked by your opponents more than you do. [33:24] I was very disliked by a lot of opponents. [33:26] But you know what? [33:26] Winning is all that matters. [33:28] You can not like me all you want. [33:29] All you've got to do is win, win, win. [33:31] That's right. [33:31] Nobody likes you either, man. [33:33] That's okay. [33:33] I can live with that. [33:34] All right, we are ready for the main event press conference, Foster against Ford. [33:39] We're good to go. [33:40] Let's go back up to the stage and Eddie Hearn. [33:43] Well, thank you, guys. [33:44] And I am so pleased to be sitting here between these two great fighters [33:49] because this is a fight that I, as a fight fan, have been looking forward to since it was made. [33:54] The DAZN schedule is red hot. [33:56] Just back from a wild night in Egypt last Saturday. [33:59] So much to come, of course, this on Saturday night as we head through another Matchroom v. [34:05] Top Rank matchup with Boots against Zayas in June. [34:08] Bam also going for a three-division championship. [34:11] There is so much coming live and exclusive on The Zone. [34:14] AJ's return in July. [34:16] But this is one of the fights that I was looking forward to the most. [34:19] The first time Matchroom has been in Houston. [34:22] This arena is going to be packed out on Saturday night. [34:25] This is going to do huge numbers and viewership around the world live on The Zone. [34:29] Well done to both for a great build-up. [34:31] And this is a great, great matchup. [34:34] I want to say as well, in here today, this isn't open to the public, but it is open to the teams. [34:39] There's a nice bit of energy, good energy from the undercard. [34:42] It's a great undercard as well. [34:43] But great energy on this main event. [34:45] So I'm going to introduce these two fighters because their respective teams as well are here. [34:50] To my left, a guy who came into our office in New York as an 18-year-old, I believe, from Camden, New Jersey. [34:59] He was a shy guy, but he was a guy with unbelievable talent, represented his country. [35:05] And all of a sudden, we take him through the levels, and he produces one of the great, great victories to beat a top-ranked guy, I may add, at the time, [35:15] up at Turning Stone to become the world champion at 126 pounds. [35:20] On Saturday night, as I said to him earlier, he gets the chance to do something that many fighters don't. [35:26] The kind of stuff that actually goes down in the history books and the legacy books. [35:30] On Saturday night, he gets a chance to become a two-time, two-weight world champion. [35:35] Ladies and gentlemen, from Camden, New Jersey, via Houston Training Center, Raymond Savage-Ford. [35:40] And to my right, you have to say, the top dog at 130 pounds. [35:49] This is a guy that actually broke our hearts in Mexico. [35:54] Rocky Hernandez was up in the fight. [35:56] Oshaki Foster came back, stopped him to become champion. [36:00] He's been fighting for top rank. [36:01] He's been fighting on ESPN. [36:03] But on Saturday night, he comes home to Houston to defend his title. [36:07] Ladies and gentlemen, the reigning WBC world champion, Oshaki Foster, is in the house. [36:13] And that's just the teams. [36:17] Saturday night is going to be red, red hot. [36:20] Before I speak to the trainers of the fighters and the fighters, I want to speak to a man and a team and a company that we are doing some tremendous work with, [36:29] who we love loads, and who we have a great rival here as well. [36:33] They started the year well against us with Muratara against Cruz, with Nunes against Navarrete. [36:39] But we have a chance now, with Ford against Foster and Boots against Zayas coming up to get even. [36:45] You've got a chance. [36:46] We've got a chance. [36:47] But one thing I will say, Carl, is great news for fight fans. [36:50] Of course, top rank on DAZN as well. [36:52] These are exactly the kind of fights that we want to make. [36:54] Thank you, Eddie. [36:56] And thanks to everybody at Matchroom. [36:57] And hello, H-Town. [37:00] Yeah, it's been a great start for us on DAZN, the global home of boxing. [37:04] And obviously, it took some time to get there, but we couldn't be more pleased with the partnership and how easy it is to make fights. [37:12] You know, you can't blame, well, he's on that side of the street anymore. [37:15] You know, there's only one street right now, and it's the biggest street in boxing. [37:19] But Oshaki, Foster, you know, we all watched that fight in Mexico. [37:24] I mean, they tried to take it from him, but he wouldn't let him. [37:27] You know, it didn't happen. [37:29] And, yeah, Ray Savage from Jersey, you know, that's what I got with him. [37:32] And he took that up in Turning Stone. [37:35] But this is, you know, this is his seventh world title fight, I think, you know. [37:40] And it's just levels at this point, and he's in his prime. [37:43] And we can't wait for Saturday night. [37:47] Thank you, Carl. [37:48] Thank you, Carl. [37:49] We're going to go to the left, the team forward. [37:51] Ture, welcome. [37:52] You were on great form at the first press conference as well. [37:55] Still got that same energy. [37:56] Still got that great confidence. [37:58] Had a great training camp. [37:59] Ray looks gauld in, razor focus for a big challenge and a big test on Saturday night. [38:04] For sure. [38:05] It's the longest training camp I done had in my career, you know. [38:08] We done put the blood, sweat, and tears in, and it ain't too much more to say, you know. [38:12] We're just ready to go. [38:13] Come Saturday, it's savage time and the new. [38:17] You've seen the great buildup we've seen throughout. [38:20] Even yesterday with the head-to-head. [38:23] You're comfortable with Ray's going to be calm enough. [38:25] We see it, we know how calm he is, but this is a big moment, big test coming in here on [38:30] Saturday night. [38:30] You like the calmness that you see in your man? [38:32] Most definitely. [38:33] This is the calm before the storm. [38:34] The storm's going to come Saturday, and there ain't nothing he can do about it. [38:37] And finally, I know there was a bit of back and forth last time. [38:41] These guys questioned your experience and your credentials. [38:44] You are a young trainer, a great trainer as well. [38:46] Big night for you as well. [38:47] Looking forward to getting one up on these guys on Saturday. [38:50] For sure. [38:51] You know, they're just five minutes away, and after this one, they're going to have no choice [38:54] but to respect me. [38:55] Okay. [38:56] Bobby, welcome. [38:58] You've been there a long time with Oshaki. [39:00] You were, of course, in Mexico as well. [39:02] All these other world championship fights as well. [39:05] Brilliant to be in Houston. [39:06] I mean, we've had a great response. [39:08] The buildup's been great. [39:09] Not too far from the gym, of course, even though Ray trains here as well. [39:13] Good camp and a big test on Saturday as well. [39:16] Yeah, great camp. [39:17] So, look, a little history here. [39:19] Dwight Pratchett, who's part of our team, he's one of the coaches, [39:22] he fought in this building 30 years ago. [39:24] Oh, 40 years ago. [39:26] No, 30 years ago. [39:27] My dad worked his corner. [39:29] He fought an undefeated kid named Rafe Sims and defended his NABF title, [39:33] which is part of the WBC. [39:34] So, there's just a little history here. [39:37] But the experience, I was here eight years old in this building. [39:44] Obviously. [39:45] That ain't got nothing to do with anything, but. [39:46] Yeah, yeah. [39:49] Obviously, Oshaki has the experience. [39:53] He's boxed around the world. [39:55] This is a great fire in Rafe Ford. [39:56] I know you know your boxing, [39:58] but you believe your man just has too much for Rafe Ford on Saturday? [40:01] Shaq's the smartest fighter I've ever trained. [40:03] And Rafe will find out right in the first round that, [40:06] listen, Rafe is a great fighter, [40:07] but he'll understand in the first round that it's a different level. [40:10] As far as you're concerned, your man levels above Rafe Ford. [40:14] Absolutely. [40:15] Rafe? [40:17] A hundred percent, I do. [40:21] Your time, Rafe, coming up Saturday night. [40:24] You seem cool, but as I said to you over there, [40:26] this is a big moment for you. [40:27] You know, I know that you're ice cold, you're full of confidence, [40:31] but this is a time to become a two-weight world champion [40:33] on a big platform, big stage. [40:36] Ice cold? [40:37] I'm just ready, bro. [40:40] I ain't really got too much to say. [40:41] I'm ready. [40:43] All the build-up, of course, has been great. [40:45] At this point, it's just about finishing this final head-to-head, [40:49] go and do what you got to do, [40:50] get on that championship weight tomorrow. [40:52] But in your mind, do you make it look easy on Saturday night? [40:57] For sure. [40:59] Shut your bitch ass up. [41:00] What? [41:03] So emotional. [41:05] Ay, so emotional. [41:06] Ay, y'all can't fight for him. [41:09] They can't fight for you, nigga. [41:10] And they can't fight for you. [41:12] Hey, big sis, you been talking for too long. [41:24] I can't wait to shut y'all the fuck up. [41:25] Y'all talk too much. [41:29] Yeah. [41:30] I swear to God, bro, I can't wait. [41:33] I can't wait. [41:35] Rage, you come in here. [41:36] I won't keep you too long, [41:36] but you come in here with bad intentions. [41:39] The build-up. [41:40] Yeah. [41:41] Yeah. [41:41] Do you want to take this guy out on Saturday night? [41:46] Yeah. [41:47] Yeah. [41:47] He's going to look for over there. [41:49] Yeah. [41:50] Oh, Shaqie, you got your team over here. [41:53] You got Rage's team over there. [41:55] How are you feeling ahead of this moment? [41:56] It's a big moment for you. [41:57] Great to be in Houston. [41:58] Great crowd. [41:59] You're smiling away. [42:00] Full of confidence. [42:01] Man, I feel great, man. [42:03] I give all glory to God, man, for this opportunity, [42:07] put me in this position. [42:09] And all I got to do is capitalize now. [42:12] All these dudes over there talking, [42:14] we ain't hearing that. [42:15] Man, we don't care. [42:17] We done been through the fire. [42:19] I come from this kind of, you know, crazy, whatever, [42:22] you know what I mean? [42:23] So we ain't trying to hear them. [42:25] I'm ready, man. [42:26] I'm prepared. [42:27] I'm happy. [42:27] And, y'all, as y'all know, a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter. [42:32] You feel me? [42:32] So he going to find out Saturday. [42:35] You said there that, you know, [42:38] Rage's emotionally invested in this fight. [42:40] You feel that? [42:41] You think that it's about mindset as well on Saturday night [42:44] and keeping your cool in the fire in Houston? [42:47] Man, they know what they call me, ice water. [42:49] I stay cool, I stay calm, and I flow like water. [42:52] He going to find out Saturday. [42:54] All that talking, all that, eh, ride, ride shit, [42:58] it's going to get shut down real quick. [43:00] And you see, you see, they so nervous. [43:04] They so nervous, they can't be quiet for a second. [43:06] They so nervous. [43:07] But, hey, Saturday, they all going to be crying. [43:10] They all going to be hurt. [43:11] You know what I mean? [43:12] It's going to be on to the next. [43:13] Well, the final one from both you guys, the predictions. [43:17] I know it always says, by any means necessary, however it comes. [43:21] But how does O'Shackie Foster beat Ray Ford on Saturday night [43:24] to become still WBC world champion? [43:27] You know what I mean? [43:28] I'm going to dominate from round one to whenever the fight ends. [43:32] If he get too reckless, like I told him, [43:36] it's going to be a bad night for him, [43:38] and y'all going to be hurt. [43:40] Y'all can do all that screaming, bro. [43:42] It's okay, man. [43:44] See, I see why he's so emotional, because y'all emotional. [43:47] Calm down, y'all. [43:48] Hey, man, y'all supposed to be helping him, bro. [43:51] Stay calm, bro. [43:53] Like, stay calm, stay cool. [43:54] It's all right. [43:55] We got two days. [43:56] We got two days, man. [43:57] But, hey, I'm happy. [43:59] I'm ready, bro. [44:00] I'm excited for this opportunity, bro. [44:02] Hey, this is one of the biggest build-ups that I've had in my career. [44:06] And they don't understand, man. [44:08] Like, I come from this, man. [44:10] I come from this. [44:11] So all that rah-rah shit, all that shit, all it do is just, you know, [44:15] make me raise my game, you know. [44:17] And, you know, I'm just going to see the best out of me Saturday. [44:20] That's all I can say. [44:22] Ray, last word from you. [44:24] How do you do it? [44:25] What happens on Saturday night? [44:26] Tell the world. [44:29] Just tuning in, man. [44:32] All right. [44:32] You're savage, Tom. [44:37] Let's face them off, guys, up here last time. [44:39] All right, Sergio. [44:41] You know, these two guys have had a lot of energy for each other. [44:47] Dating back to the press conference back in April, [44:50] that continued to spill over at this press conference just days before. [44:54] They are both ready to go. [44:55] That is how you sell a fight. [44:57] Both these guys not only don't like each other, [45:00] but you could see it exuding. [45:02] Two different characters there. [45:03] Two different temperaments. [45:04] So Shockey, cool as ice. [45:06] And then you got the Savage right there pushing him. [45:09] That's temperament right there. [45:10] That's a sign right there by Ray Ford. [45:13] That's a chink in the armor, in my opinion. [45:16] Why is that a chink in the armor? [45:18] Emotional, man. [45:19] You got to check your emotion, man. [45:21] If you can't check your emotion in the face-off, [45:23] you're not going to check it in the 36 minutes of fighting. [45:26] That right there, I do not want to see from a composed champion like Ray Ford. [45:31] Now, Raymond Ford has been fired up over these last couple of months. [45:36] He has been chomping at the bit for exactly this kind of opportunity [45:40] ever since he moved up from 126 pounds. [45:43] 3-0 taking on the established champion at 130, Oshaki Foster. [45:49] 14 of the last 15 fights wins for Oshaki Foster. [45:53] Two-fight winning streak for him right now. [45:56] And as he says, like, he is feeling this moment. [45:58] You see Oshaki Foster say, [45:59] this is the biggest buildup I've ever had for a fight. [46:02] He is loving the magnitude of this moment. [46:04] Loving it and ready for it. [46:05] Look, cool as ice. [46:06] You could see it in the smile on his face. [46:08] He is not only ready for the moment, but he's wished for this opportunity. [46:12] When it comes to Ford, you know, yeah, he wants to become a two-division champion, [46:17] but he needs to stay composed, stay focused. [46:20] You see one side angry, the other side smiling. [46:23] Round one, Oshaki Foster. [46:24] You know, I think the question for this fight is what kind of style is it going to be? [46:29] Oshaki Foster, more of the boxer, trying to use that jab, I would imagine, during this fight. [46:34] Since the Kolmatov win by Raymond Ford, we have seen him evolve into more of a pressure fighter, [46:39] especially at 130 pounds. [46:42] Walk down Thomas Matisse. [46:44] Walk down Abraham Nova. [46:46] Like, do you think we're going to see that same type of style from Raymond Ford? [46:50] We, I better not see that. [46:52] I'll be honest with you, Maddox. [46:53] If he's coming forward with his gloves up, he's going to make it an easy night, [46:55] an easy target for a fighter like Foster, who can one-two you to death from both stances. [47:01] You got to get on the inside. [47:03] You got to make a fighter like Foster completely miss, [47:05] not get comfortable going, switching stances and switching styles. [47:09] You got to fight behind the jab. [47:10] You got to go for the body shots. [47:11] I think aiming towards his torso should be Raymond Ford's MO. [47:15] But either way, it's going to come down to temperament all the way to the end. [47:19] Well, temperament, this is a very different version of Raymond Ford than we're used to seeing. [47:23] He usually is pretty calm, pretty collected. [47:27] But I think he's felt some of the slights that have come from Oshaki Foster over the last couple of months. [47:32] He is a trainer there, feeling them as well. [47:34] They've been dismissive of his skills as a trainer. [47:37] But this is a very fired-up version. [47:39] Even against Nick Ball, against Matisse, we've seen some emotion out of Raymond Ford, [47:44] but not to this level. [47:46] Whereas Oshaki Foster, he just seems to be soaking in the moment. [47:49] And that's what I'm talking about when it comes to nerves. [47:51] You know, when it comes to fighting, not saying that they're afraid or they're nervous. [47:54] It's just nerves acting up, and they get the aggression coming out too early. [47:59] You don't want aggression to come out in a press conference or at a win. [48:03] You want it to come out and channel that when it's time to fight, when it's time to box, [48:07] when it's time to focus and concentrate. [48:09] If you're already losing your cool here, it's only going to get worse once they face off. [48:13] And then we see the co-main event. [48:15] Charlie Sheehy, 135-pound contender, looking to make a name for himself. [48:19] He's began his career with matchroom boxing, now trying to use matchroom to take him to the next level. [48:25] Yeah, Charlie Sheehy, big power puncher, long arms for the weight division. [48:29] This is an excellent opportunity for him to knock out someone like Teron and put his name on the mat. [48:34] A little more respectful between these two guys as they break it up and head back to their respective corners. [48:42] Terrific main event. [48:44] Looking forward to seeing Charlie Sheehy back in action. [48:45] He's always been a young guy that's brought a good crowd with him. [48:48] And here's a guy that brings a crowd, Omari Jones, the former Olympic bronze medalist, undefeated in his pro career, [48:55] taking on Diego Osuna out of Iowa. [48:57] You don't see a lot of top guys coming out of Iowa, but Diego says he's coming to win. [49:01] I don't know what to think about Osuna. [49:03] I mean, he had one of the best interviews that we've had with a fighter. [49:08] Calm, cool, very confident. [49:09] I just don't know what to think of him because I know what he's going up against in Omari Jones. [49:13] He is the good, and Osuna's a question mark. [49:16] I think Osuna is coming to rumble in this fight. [49:19] I don't think he's coming to win this fight by a decision. [49:21] I think he's trying to get into the body of Omari Jones and win this fight by knockout. [49:26] There you see your old friend, Sergio Miguel Flores, looking to make one more run at a world championship at 130 pounds against Javon Woodard, [49:35] who has been pretty fired up during the course of this day. [49:39] And dismissive. [49:40] I think Woodard is looking past Miguel Flores, says that he's tailor-made for him. [49:44] The thing about Miguel Flores, he has a lot of experience, a wealth of experience, but he needs ambition. [49:48] He needs hunger. [49:49] If he pick that up in his last handful of wins, then this is going to be a fight of the night type fight. [49:53] Yeah, Woodard formerly signed with Mayweather Promotions, has two losses on his resume, but one was in his second pro fight, a majority decision. [50:01] The other came as a member of the Overtime Boxing League, which gave him a ninth round, an eight-round fight with a ninth round, the overtime round. [50:09] That cost him the loss. [50:10] And there he is, Zaquin Moses, one of the best prospects in all of boxing. [50:14] Three wins, all three by knockout. [50:16] He describes himself as a more offensive-oriented version of the members of his family. [50:22] Shakur Stephens, one of the best defenders, defensive fighters of this generation. [50:26] He believes he's a blend of offense and defense. [50:29] And I love hearing that because he has all the skills as a southpaw to just keep it slick, keep it as a sniper, just like a one-two. [50:35] But Zaquin Moses wants to be aggressive. [50:37] He wants to shine. [50:38] He wants to go for the knockouts. [50:39] And that's the reason he's on these undercards and excited to be here. [50:42] Yeah, very excited. [50:43] Zaquin Moses back in action. [50:45] He's been battling an injury but looking to make a run in his weight class. [50:49] Joe Dunn-Franklin Britton looking to go to 9-0 in his respective career. [50:54] Five knockouts. [50:55] He's taking on Najee West. [50:56] Huge size difference, Sergio, in this fight. [51:00] They look like they're two different completely weight classes. [51:03] But look, sometimes if you know how to fight small, get on the inside, bob your head, it can actually be an advantage to you. [51:08] Yeah, Najee Britton, one of those unheralded fighters looking to upset the apple cart, make a name for himself, [51:14] knocking off one of Matchroom's prospects. [51:17] And speaking of Matchroom's prospects, Frank Espinosa, someone Matchroom is very high on. [51:23] 3-0, three knockouts. [51:24] He takes on Bryce Blackwell, bringing a 4-2 record into this fight. [51:29] What are you expecting here? [51:30] I'm expecting someone to get knocked out. [51:32] I mean, Espinosa, heavy hands. [51:34] Both these fighters are heavy-handed. [51:37] I like this opportunity for Espinosa to make a name for himself and really, really prove that he belongs on this stage. [51:43] Yeah, I like that Matchroom is bringing a lot of their prospects into this show. [51:48] I also love that it's a Top Rank Matchroom show. [51:49] You've heard Eddie Hearn talk about it. [51:51] Carl Moretti from Top Rank right there on the stage. [51:53] We have had some phenomenal fight cards already in 2026 that have featured Matchroom against Top Rank. [52:00] This is the next one. [52:02] Fast forward to June. [52:03] Xander against Boots. [52:05] July 4th, you've got a tremendous card in Cleveland, Ohio. [52:08] Abdullah Mason defending his title against Joe Cordina. [52:11] Some terrific Matchroom versus Top Rank fight cards. [52:15] But, Sergio, this one, the main event, a 50-50 type of fight. [52:18] What are the variables you're looking for in this fight? [52:20] I'm looking for Eddie Hearn to come right behind you with a microphone because this man, why don't you just take it in? [52:27] I'll tell you what, this is a fight I can't wait for. [52:29] I mean, I've got to say up there, I mean, the problem with the later press conferences, these guys have got to go and make weight now, right? [52:37] So they're already a little bit agitated. [52:40] They know that's coming. [52:41] And Ray was pretty dialed in. [52:42] Not seeing him as aggressive as that before. [52:44] Shaq, he said he was emotional up there. [52:46] But this is a big moment for him. [52:48] I said before, to become a two-time, two-division world champion, that's something that a lot of fighters don't get anywhere near. [52:55] And I feel like with Ray, there's still the opportunity for him to go to additional levels beyond this fight. [53:00] I think he wins on Saturday night, but I don't think it's going to be easy. [53:03] He's got to control his emotions. [53:05] Tomorrow, the weigh-in, which will be open to the public, it will be a little bit more wild. [53:09] It was pretty wild up there. [53:11] But Ray was ready to fight up there. [53:13] I know Shaqie Foster's got the experience. [53:15] He's nice and cool. [53:17] Ray's just got to keep that emotion in check and execute the game plan on Saturday. [53:20] So what do you make of that? [53:21] Because you've promoted Raymond Ford since the very beginning. [53:24] You've seen him in some big fights, championship fights against Kolmatov over in Saudi Arabia against Nick Paul. [53:30] We've seen some emotion from Raymond Ford, but that was a different level of emotion. [53:34] Ray's never been in a fight like this before. [53:36] You know, even against Nick Paul, against Kolmatov, you know, last time out as well against Abraham. [53:42] There was a little bit of chat, but nothing like this. [53:45] Like, the build-up has been great. [53:46] Listen, as a promoter, I love it. [53:48] Everybody's talking about this fight. [53:49] Everybody's excited. [53:51] You've got a guy from Houston. [53:52] You've got a guy that trains in Houston. [53:54] You've got the teams. [53:55] You've got a sold-out arena. [53:56] You've got people watching around the world. [53:58] But for Ray, this is a new experience of emotion for him. [54:02] You know, like shouting out to the crowd. [54:04] You know, shoving Oshaki Foster, trying to fight him on the stage. [54:09] And that's, you know, listen, this is Thursday, so we're okay. [54:13] But you can't take that kind of emotion in the ring on Saturday. [54:16] He said that, I want to hurt him. [54:17] I want to stop him. [54:18] I want to get him out there. [54:19] Ray's got to be Ray. [54:20] Don't start switching it up, trying to fight off emotion, trying to knock the guy out in the early rounds. [54:26] Just be Ray Ford. [54:27] Guy with tremendous talent. [54:29] As Sergio said earlier, punching much harder now as well. [54:32] And I believe he can win this fight. [54:33] But if he starts letting it get emotional, that's when it becomes more difficult. [54:38] You've got to keep the composure. [54:39] Because it'll be wild in there on Saturday night. [54:41] It's a great arena. [54:42] About 6,000. [54:43] It'll be completely sold out. [54:45] And a big moment for Ray Ford. [54:47] And temperament and mindset at this level is key. [54:51] Before we get to that main event, you've got some interesting names on the undercard. [54:54] Charlie Sheehy, back with Matchroom. [54:56] Started with Matchroom, came back to Matchroom as he's crawling towards that world title shot. [55:00] And Amari Jones, Amari told us he wants the prospect of the year in 2026. [55:06] 2-0 in 2026. [55:07] Third fight before the middle of the year. [55:09] I think he's got a pretty good shot at it. [55:10] Yeah, I think so. [55:11] And the card's so well matched throughout. [55:13] I think it's something that we're doing really, really well. [55:15] Kevin Rooney's doing a great job in that respect. [55:17] Even Zaquin Moses, Frank Espinoza, we're really, really excited about. [55:21] Big, big puncher. [55:22] All these guys. [55:23] Jaden Britton's not officially with us, but an undefeated prospect from Houston. [55:26] They're all matched tough in competitive fights. [55:29] Charlie Sheehy's got a good fight as well. [55:30] That's not going to be easy. [55:32] Amari Jones, who's 6-0, fights a 9-0. [55:34] Miguel Flores, again, not a Matchroom fighter, but a Houston fighter in another 50-50 fight. [55:40] It's what we want. [55:40] And, you know, we want to test our prospects because we believe they've got the ability to go all the way. [55:45] Amari Jones, even though Asuna is 9-0, he's never boxed at the level of Amari Jones. [55:51] Amari's got to go in there and light him up. [55:53] If you want to be prospect of the year, don't expect to just cruise through fights off your jab because you can do that at this level all day long. [56:00] You've got to go in there and make statements. [56:02] And that goes for Sheehy. [56:03] That goes for Espinoza. [56:05] That goes for Zaquin. [56:06] That goes for Amari Jones. [56:08] All of these guys. [56:09] I don't want to see an average performance. [56:10] I want to see a blistering performance that gets people talking. [56:14] And they've all got the ability and capability to do it. [56:16] I think they'll be talking after the main event. [56:18] There's no doubt about that. [56:19] No doubt. [56:19] 130-pound title on the line of the WBC Championship. [56:22] Oshaki Foster against Raymond Ford. [56:25] It all starts here. [56:26] 8 o'clock Eastern, 5 Pacific on DAZN, the global home of boxing. [56:30] We'll be back here at the Fertitta Center tomorrow afternoon. [56:33] 1 o'clock Eastern, open to the public. [56:35] So anybody that wants to come in and watch this weigh-in, you can be here. [56:39] Tremendous fight, tremendous card all the way around. [56:41] Sergio, I don't know why you're coming back at the shot. [56:44] Nobody needs to hear a final word from you. [56:46] Just to say goodbye. [56:47] All right. [56:47] Good talk, Sergio. [56:48] We'll see you back here Friday, 1 o'clock live on DAZN. [56:52] Don't move into the pavement. [56:58] If you get reckless, you're going to go to sleep, bro. [57:00] Don't get too reckless, dude. [57:02] May 30th in Houston. [57:05] Oshaki Foster. [57:06] I'm a punny suit, bro. [57:08] I'm not. [57:08] Ray Ford. [57:10] He can't fuck with me. [57:11] That's just what it is. [57:12] The WBC World Championship. [57:15] You better be working on your chin. [57:17] Let's get it banging. [57:19] Hey! [57:19] For me, one of the best fights of the year.