Junior middleweight world champions "Swift" Jarrett Hurd (IBF) and "The American Dream" Erislandy Lara (WBA/IBO) had their final media workout in preparation for their unification matchup on Saturday, April 7th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Here are quotes from the two titlists.
Jarrett Hurd: "There was something in me that always wanted this fight. Once I defended my title against Austin Trout, I was quick to get on top of this opportunity.
"This is going to be a difficult fight. Lara is the type of fighter who has a lot of experience. It won't be easy so I have to be well prepared and on top of my game come Saturday night.
"We've been in the gym working a lot on our hand movement and footwork. I took too many punches against Trout and I knew what it was going to take to make those improvements.
"Every fight is the most important fight of my career because I'm protecting this undefeated record. This is going to be a tough fight but I promise I'm going to give it my all and bring it to Lara all night long.
"Being back in Vegas and back at Hard Rock where I beat Frank Galarza to really get this whole journey started means a lot to me. I'm planning to give everyone a great show just like I always do.
"No matter what kind of fight he brings; I'm going to stick to my game plan. He has to fight at my pace. No matter what he comes with, I'm going to be in charge in the ring.
"It's always going to be fireworks when I'm in the ring. I have a fan-friendly style. At the end of the day, you don't have to worry about Lara running away, because I'm going to be in his face for 12 rounds."
Erislandy Lara: "Everything in training went how it was supposed to. We did our job and now it's time to fight. I did everything in the gym that I needed to prepare for anything that Hurd can bring.
"All of my opponents are taller than me. His size means nothing to me. I have the experience and I'm the best boxer in the division. He's never seen anything like me.
"He has to beat me to get the top spot in this division. I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen.
"I've earned everything in this sport the hard way. I've fought the tough fights for no money. I think everyone knows how talented I am and that I belong up there with the best in the sport.
"I don't watch film in training camp. A fighter can look one way on video, but totally different in the ring. He has to prepare for what I'm doing. I'm not worried about what he brings. I saw a little bit of his fight against Trout while I was warming up to fight Terrell Gausha, but that's about it."
(Photos by Stephanie Trapp/Showtime)
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