Rigondeaux: “Dickens is the only 122 pounder in the world that has the courage to take me on.”
Dickens: “I’m the massive underdog. I’d just like to say to all the youngsters out there don’t be afraid to chase your dreams.”
Cuban boxing great Guillermo Rigondeaux came face-to-face with Liverpool’s Jazza Dickens at today’s press conference ahead of their WBA Super-Bantamweight World Title showdown at the Cardiff Ice Arena this Saturday, live and exclusive on BoxNation.
Rigondeaux, renowned worldwide for his devastating hand speed and lightening quick reactions, heaped praise on his challenger for stepping up to the plate to take him on. The undefeated two-time Olympic Gold Medalist blasted his rival super-bantamweights for avoiding him; labeling them as cowards.
“I would like to show my respect and gratitude to Dickens for having the courage to take this fight,” said Rigondeaux. “Dickens is the only super-bantamweight in the world that has the guts to step in the ring with me. All of the others like to talk and talk but they don’t have the courage to actually fight. They know where to find me; I’m here and I’m ready to face anyone in the world. I’m quicker than Fedex and better than UPS.
“The Welsh fans are going to get an amazing show. We had an amazing training camp and I’m really excited to be here as I know you guys are massive boxing fans and I really appreciate all of the support. I’m ready to go!”
In a real ‘Rocky’ story Dickens heads into the fight as the massive underdog against Rigondeaux, but has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rip up the script and catapult himself into the world’s elite by defeating the Havana hitman.
“I believe it is God’s will for me to take this fight,” said Dickens. “I’ve been dreaming of a fight like this since I was a little kid and I’m extremely grateful to all those who made this fight possible. We have a good game plan going in there and we’re confident we can cause an upset.
“I’m the massive underdog. I’d just like to say to all of the youngsters out there, don’t be afraid to chase your dreams and always believe in yourself. I’ve worked for this shot my whole life and I intend on grabbing it with both hands.”
Limited tickets are available from:
Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk
Rigondeaux vs Dickens on Saturday 16th July at the Cardiff Ice Arena
One of the world’s top pound-for-pound boxing stars Guillermo Rigondeaux (16-0, 10 KOs) will fight in Britain for the first time on Saturday 16th July at the Cardiff Ice Arena when he defends his WBA Super-Bantamweight World Championship against Merseyside hero and number 13 rated WBA super-bantamweight Jazza Dickens (22-1, 7 KOs), live and exclusive on BoxNation.
The Cuban megastar, renowned worldwide for his devastating hand speed and lightening quick reactions, takes on Dickens in a true David versus Goliath showdown and is a fantastic addition to what is already a mouth-watering card.
Undefeated Rigondeaux, who fights out of Miami, Florida, is regarded as the world’s best super-bantamweight and the dangerous 35 year-old is the man Carl Frampton has chosen to avoid for so long. “El Chacal”, a two-time Olympic Champion, unified the WBA title with the WBO belt when he outpointed Nonito Donaire in April 2013.
Rigondeaux, who’s fought in America, Mexico, Ireland, China and Japan is looking forward to showcasing his skills on the these shores for the first time and promises to give fans a real eye-catching display.
“I am excited to announce my next fight against Jazza Dickens in the UK on July 16th. I look forward to seeing all of the great fans of the sport in the UK and giving them an unforgettable performance. It’s unfortunate this fight could not happen sooner as planned but thanks to my team, we are now prepared to put on a great show.”
He added: “I would like to thank Frank Warren, Roc Nation, as well as Caribe Promotions for putting this fight together. I would also like to thank Dickens for being a warrior, stepping up and getting in the ring, as there are not many who are courageous enough to do so. Many fighters like Carl Frampton would rather vacate their titles than face me in the ring. We are thrilled for this opportunity and are ready to give a legendary performance for all of the UK fans who have shown such strong support and love for the sport.”
In a real ‘Rocky’ story Dickens heads into the fight as the massive underdog against Rigondeaux, but has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rip up the script and catapult himself into the world’s elite by defeating the Havana hitman.
Dickens, 22-1-0 7 KO’s, holds the British Super-Bantamweight title and is currently on a red-hot six-fight winning streak since suffering his first career loss to Kid Galahad back in 2013. Everton Red Triangle man Dickens has an opportunity to write himself into the history books by becoming the first Liverpool fighter to hold a WBA world title.
The chirpy Scouser is a local hero with his down to earth, jack-the-lad, character, but has a steely determination to upset the odds on the biggest night of his life.
“People have already told me that I have no chance of beating him but when I look in another man’s eyes I can see he’s just the same as me. I’m a man and he’s a man; we both feel courage and we both feel fear. On the night we’ll be stepping in the ring as equals and I believe I have what it takes to beat him; I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t,” said Dickens.
“I’ve always said things happen for a reason and this proves it. It was disappointing the fight didn’t go ahead last time but this time it’s for a world title; I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. Fights like this don’t come around every day so I’ve grabbed it with both hands.
“It’s been my childhood dream to be the best in the world and this to me is a golden opportunity to become the best by beating Rigondeaux. Becoming the first Liverpool boxer to win a WBA world title would be a huge honour.”
A talent-stacked undercard sees British and Commonwealth Champion Super Bradley Skeete make the fifth defence of his WBO European Welterweight title; Baggies banger Tommy Langford defends his WBO Inter-Continental belt; Southampton’s red-hot Joe Pigford looks to extend his unbeaten run to eleven fights; Welshmen Craig Evans, Alex Hughes and Jay Harris all look to impress in front of their home crowd. ‘The Mexican’ Jamie Conlan will fight over eight rounds.
Tickets are priced at £35, £40, £70, £100, £150 and £200 are available from:
Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk
