CHAD DAWSON: “This is a huge fight for me. I am hungry for big things. I am just starting to hit my prime so I have to take advantage of every fight. We’re all looking forward to a great performance. “The fighter change didn’t really affect my camp. We were preparing for a shorter fighter and had a game plan in place. We had to switch gears and adjust to Mendoza because he is a bigger fighter. That is the beauty of boxing, anything can change at any moment and it is up to you to adjust on the fly..
“I don’t want to give too much away. I am just going to stay with what has been giving me success. I will work off of the jab and go from there.
“Mendoza is a heavy-handed fighter. This won’t be the first time that I am getting in the ring with a heavy hitter. I know what to do against him; I am not worried.
“Mendoza has never seen anyone like me before. He has an impressive record, but like I said, he has never fought anyone with the skills that I have.
“I take every opponent seriously. That attitude was with me during my days as an amateur and it will stay with me until I retire. I can’t look past Mendoza. That is how boxers get beat. I am going in with the right focus and attitude to come out with my world title belt.”
EPIFANIO MENDOZA:
“It feels great to be fighting against a world champion. We know Chad is a tough opponent and a tough challenge, but it was a fight that we needed to take. I have no problems going up against a fighter like Dawson.
“Dawson is quick and fast, but I have to think that my power will be the difference maker. He won’t be able to hide from that.
“I was able to get in a few solid workouts when I arrived in Sacramento. It is really just putting the finishing touches on our training camp. I try to stay sharp and motivated throughout the week.”
CO-FEATURE
IBF 118 POUND CHAMP LUIS PEREZ DEFENDS AGAINST JOSEPH AGBEKO
LUIS PEREZ:
“This is a great chance for me to defend my title against a quality opponent. Agbeko is a tough guy, but I don’t think he is going to have enough to win.
“Agbeko has a strong punch. He likes to throw a lot of punches. I will be ready for whatever he throws at me.
“He is going to be in for a real fight. I am not just going to lie down and quit if the fight gets tough. This is my title and I will defend it like a true champion.
“We’re expecting a tough fight and I hope I get a tough challenge. I want to look great for this fight because it is on SHOWTIME.”
JOSEPH AGBEKO:
“I promised my fans a great fight and that is what they’re going to see. I didn’t come here to dance around. I came here to win that title.
“I am ready for this fight. My training and preparation leading up to Saturday has been great. There is no reason why I shouldn’t win.
“I’ve done a lot of interviews up to this point and to be honest, I just want the fight to start.”