AMIR KHAN, WBA Super Lightweight World Champion
“Zab’s a tricky southpaw who’s won many world titles but I don’t think this is his time. He doesn’t have the hunger that I do. I don’t think he can take the belt I have off of me.”
“We have a game plan for the fight, so I know how to beat Judah and I’m already way ahead of schedule.”
“This is going to be a big fight in the U.S., but it’s also big for my fans in the U.K. and I’m happy for them to come over.”
ZAB JUDAH, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion
“I’ve beat a guy from Mexico, from Argentina, from Africa and now I will beat a guy from the United Kingdom – just call me the international assassin.”
“I’m ready and focused. It was a long road back to the top, but this is what a champion is made of. When they’re knocked down, they rise back up to the top.”
“Amir’s an assassin with speed and power, but I’ve been where he’s been and he’s going to have to do it in the lights.”
“Amir can deal with a loss right now. It’s ‘Super’ Judah time.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
“There has been tremendous interest in this fight. The casino just ordered an additional block of tickets.”
“HBO has been criticized plenty, but they haven’t been given enough credit for the great string of fights they’ve put on lately.”
“Both guys are going to come at their best. That’s the story line here. This really is do or die.”
“We know Zab is a real champion and I believe this is the most dangerous fight for Amir thus far, but this is what Amir wants. He has set his goals and he wants to be a unified champion. He knows this is a dangerous fight but you don’t become the best without challenging champions.”
“Mark my words, Amir will be the best pound for pound fighter in the world.”
“Amir is the man because he has the unbeatable team of Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza behind him.”
KATHY DUVA, CEO of Main Events
“We’re trying to get him [Zab Judah] to the place where he belongs. That place is as the best pound for pound fighter.”
“This is a classic match-up between a young star, Amir Khan, and a veteran in his prime, Zab Judah.”
FREDDIE ROACH, Khan’s Trainer
“Zab’s been around for a while. He’s a very slick southpaw but we’re working on it everyday and Amir is way ahead of schedule.”
PERNELL WHITAKER, Judah’s Trainer
“He’s a great fighter. One of the best in the world today. We still have work to do, this is just the beginning.”
“He is back in training camp working for something, not just in there working for nothing. He’s getting in that ring to unify the titles.”
ASIF VALI, Khan Promotions
“I’m absolutely confident that thousands of fans will make the trip across from the U.K. and they’ll have a great time in Vegas.”
“Amir wants to be the best pound for pound boxer in the world and this fight is the next step for us.”
“The way Amir is training is fantastic. He’s really sharp right now. The way he is hitting, really frightens me – watch out Team Judah!”
TONY WALKER, Director, Affiliate Relations at HBO PPV
“We have two champions coming from different places in their careers who are both looking to win on July 23.”
BOB HALLORAN, Director of Sports, MGM Mirage International
“Events at Mandalay are nice and cool but we’ve got a hot fight here.”
“Amir is undefeated in Vegas. People always ask when he’s coming back and we’re excited to have him back in our building.”
“Looking at Judah, who would think that this man is closing in on 50 professional fights?”
# # #
Khan vs. Judah, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight World Championship Unification fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Khan Promotions and Super Judah Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets priced at $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50 go on sale Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. PT and will be available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
In the United Kingdom, the event will be broadcast live on Primetime Pay-Per-View,channel 480 on Sky for £14.95. For fans who want to travel to Las Vegas to see the fight live, Team Khan has teamed up with leading Thomas Cook brand Flexibletrips to provide a range of tailor-made travel packages for fans who want to be there in person. Packages include flights, hotel rooms and fight tickets. More information is available at www.amirkhan2vegas.com or by calling 0844 8798298.
Butler in action on 7/16
Top prospect Paul Butler is hoping to be fast-tracked to title glory.
The Ellesmere Port sensation, last year’s ABA Flyweight Champion, has had just two professional fights, but the dearth of little men for him to face in the UK means it might not be long before he is mixing it at championship level.
Butler, still only 22, will have his third fight at the Liverpool Echo Arena on July 16.
Ricky Burns headlines with a defence of his WBO World Super-Featherweight title against Nicky Cook, live on Sky Sports 1HD.
And it might not be too long before Butler finds himself nearer the top of the bill than the bottom.
He faces Mike Robinson at super-flyweight next month, with the British and Commonwealth belts at that weight not far away.
“I’ll take on whoever Frank Warren puts in front of me,” said Butler.
“Obviously if a title fight comes up then I’ll jump at the chance.
“It’s strange fighting down in the flyweight divisions because there aren’t too many potential opponents.
“But if that means I get my hands on the British and Commonwealth titles quicker, and get fast-tracked to levels beyond that, then it’s brilliant.”
Frank Warren added: “I’ve been impressed with Paul since he turned professional.
“He’s only had a couple of fights but you can tell that he’s a class act.
“He was a fantastic amateur and I think he’ll make an even better pro.
“Boxing in the Liverpool area is really buzzing at the moment, and Paul can be better of a growing scene.
“I’m really excited to have him on my books, and I’m looking forward to watching his career develop.”
Tickets, priced at £50, £80 and £100, are available on 0844 8000 400 or www.echoarena.com
Money Raised From Robert Guerrero Day Goes to a Good Cause
Gilroy, California (June 9, 2011) – Money donated during fund-raising efforts on Robert Guerrero Day in Gilroy on May 15, 2011, was disbursed to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the National Marrow Donor Program on June 7. Thousands of dollars were raised, resulting in an effort that was well appreciated by all those who will benefit from the donations.
“Its fantastic,” said LLS.org representative Julianne Dunn. “It’s going to make a big difference with those touched by blood cancer. This means the world to them.”
Trina Brajkovich, account executive of the National Marrow Donor Program went on to say, “I can’t say thank you enough. The more people in the registry, the more lives are saved.”
Robert Guerrero stated, “Anytime I can help out in the fight against cancer is a good day. I want to thank the Downtown Business Association for making Robert Guerrero Day a success. To those of you who came out and donated, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.”