PRESS RELEASE: With just a little over one week to go before they square-off at The Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, November 19, “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Sharmba Mitchell both appear to be confident and prepared as they put the finishing touches on their respective training camps.  Neither seems anxious to provide locker room bulletin board reading material for the other, opting instead to do their talking inside the ring. 

In what is being billed as “Pound for Pound King – Battle of Champions,” the scheduled special 12-round Welterweight bout features the undefeated WBC Junior Welterweight Champion Mayweather (34-0, 23 KOs) moving up in weight to take on the two-time former World Champion Mitchell (56-4, 31 KOs).

“My preparation is well on schedule,” Mayweather, regarded as the best “pound for pound” boxer in the world today, reported from his training camp in Las Vegas where he also resides.  “I have had excellent sparring and I am not taking Mitchell for granted. 

“I am looking forward to coming to Portland.  I will put on a good show for the people of Portland and my fans around the world. 

As for any predictions, Mayweather warned, “Mitchell will not go the distance.”

Mitchell is a slick southpaw from Washington, DC, who wants to regain his status as one of the best pound for pound boxers around and hopes this fight will help him to regain that lofty level.  Training in Vero Beach, Florida, he predicted an upset on the fight’s outcome, and hinted at what the viewing public can expect in this highly anticipated duel.

“Floyd has both power and speed,” Mitchell acknowledged.  “And I do too!

“We know that Floyd will be in shape, and we are working hard.  We know that we must be ready for anything with Floyd, and we are preparing for that.  I haven’t been this excited about a fight in a long time.  A victory puts me right back where I belong.”

With 54 knockouts between them, this bout shapes up as a potential fistic explosion boxing fans won’t want to miss.


“Pound for Pound King – Battle of Champions” is being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions, with Jordan Brand, a division of Nike Inc, as presenting sponsor.  The event will be televised live on HBO.  

Tickets priced at $350.00, $250.00, $100, $65 AND $30.00 can be purchased at the Rose Quarter Box Office (M-Sa 10a-5p), online at www.RoseQuarter.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling (503) 224-4400.  Ticket price does not include service charges.