Fighters stepping into the ring this Saturday, December 7th showed off their skills at a media workout in Brooklyn Wednesday before they compete live on Showtime from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The event featured Britain's Chris Eubank Jr. and Russia's Matt Korobov, who battle for the WBA interim middleweight belt. Also appearing were and Marlon Tapales, a former WBO bantamweight champion from the Philippines and Ryosuke Iwasa, a former IBF super bantamweight champion from Japan. Tapales and Iwasa meet for the IBF interim super bantamweight title in the televised opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
CHRIS EUBANK JR.
“I’ve been dreaming about coming here and fighting in the U.S. since I was a kid. You dream about fighting where all your favorite fighters came to perform on the big stage. To do it here in New York is special. It’s an iconic place and so many great world champions have come from here.
“I’m not a true super middleweight so I’m excited to be fighting at 160-pounds. I’m going to be a beast. I’m going to be an absolute savage. The power and the speed is going to really shine through against guys my own size.
“Anyone with a belt in the middleweight division, I’m coming for them. If that means[Jermall] Charlo, I’ll be more than happy to get in there with him.
“This is an iconic place to fight, right here in Brooklyn. We’re aiming to make our own history. I’ve done so much in England and I feel like this is the right time to expose myself to the American public.
“My goal is to make a name for myself in the U.S. and broaden our horizons. The fight fans here have known me for a while, but I want to break out past that. This is a great starting fight for me in the U.S. After this, it’s 2020 and I’m going to be very active fighting all of the champions.
“I’ve got a lot of fights left in me. I’ve got years ahead of me where I’m going to do a lot of damage. My career is on track and I’m very happy with where I am. I’m ready to go.
“This is not the time to go in there and coast. I’m here to make a statement. I’ve always been the type of fighter who looks to stop my opponent in spectacular fashion. This is my time to shine. Nobody is going to be able to stop me.”
MATT KOROBOV
“I’m really happy with how my training camp was. I had no injuries and everything was very smooth. Training camp definitely went to plan so that we can get this win on Saturday night.
“I’m excited to be back in Brooklyn one year later after I fought Jermall Charlo at Barclays Center. There’s definitely some de ja vu for me. It’s the same gym and the same time and same people I saw last year. I’m really happy about it and focusing on being able to show my best on Saturday night.
“The Charlo fight put me on another level as a fighter. They’re all going to have to start looking at me as one of the best in the division. I’m excited to take advantage of my opportunity Saturday and get another big fight.
“It’s Eubank’s problem if he’s focused on getting the Jermall Charlo fight. I’m just focused on doing my job and doing my best. I’m very confident for this fight.
“It makes sense to me that I’d fight Charlo next if I win. I’m definitely hoping to get that fight in 2020 but first I have to take care of Eubank.
“We’ll see what Eubank can do Saturday night. It’s hard to say what he’ll fight like until then. It’s boxing. Any of us could have a bad night or the night of our life.
“Eubank looked very good when he beat James DeGale. It surprised a lot of people but I know that he’s a strong fighter. I wasn’t that surprised. DeGale might not have been ready, but I’m always 100 percent prepared.”
MARLON TAPALES
“I’m very excited for this fight. I trained hard very hard so I’m hoping that Iwasa can hold up for the whole 12 rounds. I’m proud to continue representing for the Philippines.
“I’m in great shape and I’m coming to be at my best on Saturday night. I’m going to leave it all in the ring like I always do. I’m definitely ready for this fight.
“First I have to win this fight against Iwasa. He’s not an easy fight at all, especially considering he’s a former world champion. All of my concentration is on that, but when I win, I’ll be ready to fight the champions.
“Iwasa is a very good boxer. He’s proved a lot in winning a world title. I have to be focused and 100 percent ready, that’s why I trained so hard for this fight.
“I want to be world champion again. The first step is winning this fight against Iwasa. I can’t say whether I’ll get the knockout, but I’m going to try my best to give a great fight.”
RYOSUKE IWASA
“I’m going to fight my own style. The opponent doesn’t matter. I will be ready and be at my very best once we get in the ring Saturday.
“I know that I’m facing a very skilled opponent with good power but I’m not worried about what he does in the ring. I’m going to make him miss and land my best shots.
“I want the biggest fights against the best champions. That’s why I have to win on Saturday night. Nothing else can happen until then. I’m really focused on Marlon Tapales.
“I’m very comfortable at this weight and I feel like my power has definitely improved. This helps me have the best training camp possible and I believe it will have me at my best on fight night.
“I definitely want the knockout, but only if it comes to me naturally. I believe in my boxing skills and I know that I can win a 12 round fight if that’s what it comes to.”
