Danny Jacobs, Robert Guerrero and Rocky Juarez are always motivated to succeed when they step into the ring, but this Saturday night, there is more than just winning on their minds. The three pugilists are all fighting for loved ones who have given them strength and encouragement in their careers and in their lives.
Jacobs is dedicating his fight to his grandmother Cordelia Jacobs, also known “Lady Bird,” who passed away Saturday night from lung cancer just months after being diagnosed. Jacobs was already planning on dedicating his first title fight to his grandmother, who helped raise the Brooklyn native and, as a devout Jehovah’s Witness, never actually saw any of Jacobs’ fights. With her sudden passing, thoughts and prayers are with Jacobs and his family during this difficult time..
“I know my grandmother wanted me to pursue my dream,” said Jacobs. “She would want me to do what I have to do to win. So I’m really focused for the fight.”
Guerrero will dedicate his fight to his wife Casey who was diagnosed with Leukemia in November of 2007. Guerrero withdrew from a scheduled March world title fight against highly touted Australian Michael Katsidis in January to be at his wife’s side when she received a bone marrow transplant. Fortunately, the transplant was successful and Guerrero is happy to report his wife is in remission and will be ringside Saturday night to support her him.
“My wife is doing excellent,” said Guerrero. “Our family is stepping up and taking care of what she needs and is giving me the ability to be able to just focus on the fight, train and do what I’ve got to do to be ready.”
Juarez, who considers him self a “young-old boxing veteran” continues to strive to reach his lifetime goal of becoming a world champion. Since he was a boy, he shared this dream with his grandfather until he passed away. Now Rocky dreams alone, but continues to dedicate his fights to his grandfather. A win in his fight on Saturday night will get him one step closer to another title shot and another chance to make his grandfather proud.
“If you go out to say you’re going to do something, you have to do it,” said Juarez. “I wanted my grandfather to see me become a world champion. I have always had that fire inside, and that is going to continue until I achieve my goal.”
MARQUEZ ARRIVES IN THE UNITED STATES WITH A BANG
Over the weekend, a series of events were held to celebrate Juan Manuel Marquez’s arrival in the United States when he landed in Los Angeles before heading to Las Vegas for his July 31 fight against Juan Diaz.
With adoring fans awaiting his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday and hundreds of fans supporting him at a rally at Placita Olvera on Sunday, Marquez could feel the fight was finally upon him.
On Monday, Marquez, joined by other fighters on Saturday night’s card including Dmitry Pirog, Jorge Linares and Frankie Gomez, worked out for the media at the Fortune Gym in Hollywood before leaving for Las Vegas.
“My visit to Los Angeles has been very rewarding because of the support I received from all the fans there,” said Marquez. “Arriving in Los Angeles after training camp always signals to me that a big Las Vegas is right around the corner. I have no doubt that this fight with Diaz is going to be as good as the first one, if not better.”
MARQUEZ, PIROG AND LINARES LOS ANGELES WORKOUT QUOTES
Juan Manuel Marquez
“This is going to be a great fight. It will definitely live up to the Fight of the Year hype. I know Diaz is working hard and is going to do everything he can to avenge the knockout and regain the lightweight title. He has a lot to prove and I am going to do everything I can to defend my title.
“I feel a great amount of responsibility to my fans. A lot of emotions go through me when I think about my fans and the Mexican people. I want to make them proud when I step into the ring.
“If Diaz were in front of me, I would wish him luck
“I am not worried about the drop in weight [from his last fight at welterweight]. I am feeling great. I feel stronger and faster. I definitely think this is my ideal weight.”
Dmitry Pirog
“I am fully acclimated since coming to America on July 17. I am ready to fight.
“I have always wanted to fight in America. I like American fans. I have fought in Europe and in Europe; the fans pick the home fighter. In America, it’s not always like that. If you give a good fight, they will like you no matter where you are from.
“I have watched tapes of Jacobs. When you have experience in the ring and are confident, you can adjust to any style and I know that is what I am going to do.”
Jorge Linares
“You win and lose in this sport. That is part of life. I had some personal issues and they are behind me now. This is not a title fight, but it is a stepping stone to a title shot.
“All of my training and preparations have been great. I am ready for the fight. I have been sleeping well, eating well and training really well.”
Oscar de la Hoya
On the main event:
“Saturday night is a continuation of the first fight between Marquez and Diaz. Juan Diaz was right there, and then Marquez got him.
“Diaz has made adjustments and Marquez is going to go for the knockout again.
“I think Diaz’s cut changed the whole scenario during the first fight. It was a matter of time after that. Cuts have a lot to do with an outcome.
On the undercard:
“Robert Guerrero has all of the ability to go in there and fight as hard as he can. There are so many emotions for him with everything that has happened with his wife. Now we are going to see the real Guerrero inside that ring. He is going to fight the way he should…worry free.
“Jorge Linares is something special. After a loss, it is about how you bounce back. I think Jorge can and will bounce back.”