Super middleweight stars Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo previewed their respective co-headlining showdowns at the final press conference ahead of PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video this Saturday, May 31 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Plant will step in against Mexican knockout artist Armando Reséndiz, while Charlo faces veteran contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna on the four-fight card that streams exclusively on Prime Video for all Prime members in the United States and select countries.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say on Thursday from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino:
CALEB PLANT
“It feels good to be back on the big stage. My team put in a lot of work and left no stone unturned and that’s gonna show on Saturday.
“I’m looking to put on a show. This is a big moment for Armando, but it’s big for me too. I have a lot on the line. He may have nothing to lose, but I’ve got everything to lose. I sacrificed a lot and you’re gonna see it in the ring.
“I’m a competitor and I’m a winner. I’ve been a winner my whole life. Regardless of whatever I’ve done, that’s not what wakes me up in the morning.
“At this point in my career, I’m a complete fighter. Whether its inside, outside or midrange, I have great legs and great feet. Whatever he decides to do, we’ll be right there with him, but levels above. We’re gonna show him there’s levels to this.
“Experience plays a big factor in every fight and that’s something that I’ve had. I’ve faced the best in the sport. I’m the biggest and baddest dude he’s ever fought.
“You’re gonna be hearing ‘And still’, and it’s gonna be in impressive fashion. So make sure you tune in.”
ARMANDO RESENDIZ
“This has me so motivated and happy that I can’t even express how excited I am. My team has gone above and beyond and I’m feeling like the best version of myself.
“I don’t care what Caleb says. I’m just focused on myself. I’m gonna speak with my fists when that bell rings.
“Caleb is right that I have nothing to lose. But I have a lot to fight for too. I just announced yesterday that I’m gonna be a father for the first time. So I’m fighting for more than just myself.
“I’m going to listen to my corner, be disciplined and do whatever it takes to win. I know what I have to do in order to get the victory.
“The fight will show me how I have to approach Caleb. I have a lot of strategies past plan A. If I have to be in a brawl, I will. All that matters is that I get the win.
“He’s the toughest opponent of my life and that motivates me. I want to represent my people and give everyone a great show. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”
JERMALL CHARLO
“If he makes the wrong move, makes a miscalculation, or gets just a little too close, then I’m gonna knock his ass clean out.
“I feel the energy and the energy is great right now. I’m thankful to my whole team that’s stood by me. I’m ready to showcase my talent and give you all the old Jermall Charlo.
“Las Vegas is like a second home to me. I’ve got a lot of friends and family here and I’m happy to be back. There’s no other place like Las Vegas.
“I’m moving up to 168 because the competition is better. I’m not overlooking LaManna, but there are other fighters I can face in this division that would solidify my legacy. But right now I’m focused on getting wins and getting to the next level. I’m always learning and enjoying the sport.
“I don’t know if he’s trying to intimidate me. I wouldn’t expect nothing less than for him to be locked in. He knows who he’s up against.”
THOMAS LAMANNA
“This is my last opportunity at greatness. It’s been a long journey for me and now I get to test my skills against a two-division world champion. Come Saturday night, we’re gonna shock the world.
“I know the show is based around Caleb and Jermall, but I’m here to do my part. I’m gonna upset the apple cart. Let’s let these fights happen.
“I’m real locked in. I know what I’m up against, so I had to train my ass off. I’ve been training like that for six months.
“Every fighter when you turn pro wants to fight in Las Vegas. Seeing my picture on the billboards is an honor. It means everything to me.
“I’m gonna shock the world by any means. That’s the only thing we’re coming to do.”
Betting Odds
1/16 Plant
8/1 Resendiz
25/1 Draw
1/10 Charlo
9/1 LaManna
25/1 Draw
Read the full article here