Former welterweight world champions Victor Ortiz and Devon Alexander showed off their skills at a media workout in El Paso Wednesday, as they prepare for their Saturday, February 17 showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes action from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
Also in attendance at Wednesday’s workout were undefeated contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and Rogelio “Porky” Medina, who battle in a super middleweight world title eliminator. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas battling Jorge Rojas.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from the Wolves Den Boxing Gym:
VICTOR ORTIZ
“I had a great training camp. I just made sure to listen to my coach every day and grind every day with my team. You really have to grind when people say this is your ‘last chance,’ because I’m not ready for that.
“Every fight shows a lot. Every time I step into the ring it’s a new challenge. I haven’t had any shortcuts throughout my career. I’ve never treated a fight like an easy fight.
“Life tends to take you certain places and right now I’m where I’m supposed to be. I’m 31-years-old and I believe I’m going to be able to accomplish all my goals in this sport.
“Devon Alexander is a very fast boxer who was a champion for a reason. We’ve prepared for him in each and every way possible. We’ve worked hard to be in the best condition possible. I won’t step out of the ring without that victory.
“I’ve done what I have to do to prepare for Devon Alexander. I have speed and power and that’s a scary combination for any welterweight.
“I’m thankful for the support of El Paso and I’m proud to be fighting in the main event on Saturday. We’re here to perform for everybody and have a great time.”
DEVON ALEXANDER
“I feel great right now. It’s been a tremendous training camp and I’m ready to go. I’m happy to be in El Paso to do something I love to do. Boxing is what I was born to do and I’m just ready for Saturday.
“Victor Ortiz is a good fighter. We’ve known each other for a long time. We used to fight in a lot of the same amateur tournaments. We go back a long way but this is business. We’re not friends in the ring. We’re not playing games.
“This fight is very important to me. This can catapult me back to title contention. If this doesn’t go my way, it’s very bad for my career. If I pull out the win, it could lead to tremendous opportunities for me. This is a do-or-die fight.
“I’ve added more power in this camp. But we’ve pretty much kept it typical with that emphasis on really looking good on fight night. It’s just been an all-around good camp. Victor Ortiz can’t bring something that we haven’t seen before.”
CALEB PLANT
“I’m ready for this fight. A lot of boxers say they had their best camp heading into a big fight, but I truly have never had a camp this good. From sparring to conditioning, mentally and spiritually, I’m on point.
“Medina is a tough competitor. He puts it all on the line and he doesn’t quit. We’ve had problems in the past getting people to quit, but I feel we’ve figured out how to take me to that next level and get these guys out of there.
“This is a great USA vs. Mexico showdown. I’m coming to put on a show for all the fans here and watching on television.
“Everyone has a plan until they miss their first 40 punches. We both have plans, but all that matters is if you can translate that into the ring. Stylistically, I don’t think he’s fought anyone like me. It’s exciting because everyone knows what both of us are coming to do. It’s the bull versus the matador.”
ROGELIO MEDINA
“The fact that I’ve been sparring with David Benavidez in camp and have Alex Ariza around has me feeling very confident. I’m in great shape and will be ready for a great performance on fight night.
“I know that Plant likes to run and stay on the outside. Once he feels my power, I know he’s going to run even more. I’ve been making sure I’m in proper condition to chase him, cut the ring off and apply pressure.
“Everyone knows I like to fight coming forward. I’m fully confident in my abilities to get this win and earn another shot at the world title.”
Robert Guerrero and Veteran Trainer Virgil Hunter Serve as FOX Sports Analysts
Today, FOX Sports announces former multiple-division world champion Robert Guerrero and longtime boxing trainer Virgil Hunter join the broadcast team as analysts for PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: ORTIZ VS. ALEXANDER live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Feb. 17 (8:00 PM ET), from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.
Guerrero and Hunter team with blow-by-blow announcer Sean Grande calling the fights. Kate Abdo hosts the broadcast. On FOX Deportes, Ernesto Amador joins blow-by-blow announcer Jaime Motta to call the action in Spanish.
The main event features a 12-round matchup between former welterweight world champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (32-6-2, 25 KOs) and Devon Alexander “The Great” (27-4, 14 KOs). In the co-main event, unbeaten contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (16-0, 10 KOs) faces Rogelio “Porky” Medina (38-8, 32 KOs) in a 12-round 168-pound world title eliminator. In addition, 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (3-0, 3 KOs) takes on Jorge Rojas (4-2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round matchup.
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, fights are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Fans can enjoy a six-fight boxing feast this Saturday as Premier Boxing Champions presents two shows on separate networks from two locations, showcasing matches in the welterweight and super middleweight divisions – two of the hottest divisions in the sport – on February 17.
The evening will kick off with former welterweight world champions Victor Ortiz (32-6-2, 25 KOs) and Devon Alexander (27-4, 14 KOs) in a true crossroads battle live in primetime in the main event on FOX and FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Also in televised action on the show, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (16-0, 10 KOs) will clash with Rogelio “Porky” Medina (38-8, 32 KOs) in a 12-round IBF super middleweight title elimination bout and sensational 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (3-0, 3 KOs), a first generation Mexican-American, will take on Jorge Rojas (4-2-1, 2 KOs) in a lightweight match.
Following that will be a spectacular tripleheader live on SHOWTIME that will be headlined by former two-division champion Danny Garcia (33-1, 19 KOs) battling former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (34-3-1, 25 KOs). In televised undercard attractions, 168-pound champion David Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs) will defend his title against Ronald Gavril (18-2, 14 KOs) in a rematch and Yordenis Ugas (20-3, 9 KOs) takes on Ray Robinson (24-2, 12 KOs) in an IBF 147-pound title elimination bout.
“Boxing fans are in for a real treat on February 17 as six exciting bouts will unfold in two shows on two separate networks. There are no NFL games, no NBA games and no MLB games. So get ready to binge watch boxing all night,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “These shows include something for every boxing fans – crossroads battles, championship clashes, contenders climbing the ladder to titles and a sensational prospect embarking on a brilliant career. It should be a fun night for the fans.”
Both shows hold significance in the 147-pound and 168-pound divisions. Garcia, Alexander and Ortiz are all seeking to return to the welterweight championship ranks and Rios wants to stay in contention for his first welterweight crown. The 21-year-old Benavidez, the youngest current world champion, looks to be spectacular in the rematch with Gavril and continue on his ultimate goal of unifying the titles at 168 pounds, while Plant, Medina and Gavril are seeking to get to where he is now.