20.06.08 – Photo by Jan Sanders/Goossen Tutor Promotions – Andre Ward tipped the scales at 168 pounds during Thursday’s weigh-in at The Westin in George Town, Grand Cayman. Jerson Ravelo came in at 166 ½ pounds. Ronald Hearns weighed in at 156 pounds while Jose Gonzalez measured 154 pounds..
ANDRE WARD – “I think Ravelo has a sloppy style. He likes to hold and grapple. He throws wild shots. He can be fluid, but for the most part, he’s all over the place. He’s a counter puncher more than anything. I don’t really have a set style. I’ve had guys try to back me up or keep a distance and nothing has worked.
“I’m not a one dimensional fighter. Opponents are actually shocked when they find out how strong I am when I fight in close quarters. I’m still young. Sometimes I fight on instincts. I’m still learning how to set up opponents. It all comes with experience. I’m just 24 years old. I haven’t even peaked yet.
“I’m not worried about this fight being 12 rounds. Either you’re ready for it or not. I know I’m ready.”
JERSON RAVELO
“Ward is a quick fighter but I’m not really worried about his power. I know I can match his speed. I have to smart and careful and dictate the pace.
“Ward hasn’t fought the kind of talent that I have. He is still very much green when it comes to the quality of opponents he’s faced. I’m hungry to get in the ring and show him what I can do.
“I’ll give him different looks. I’ve studied him relentlessly and I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. We’ve scouted him well. The tapes don’t lie.
“I’ve went against some great sparring in training camp. We’re prepared, well rested and ready to fight. There will be no excuses.”
RONALD HEARNS
“Gonzalez likes to come forward and apply pressure. No one has been able to back me up yet because my jab is too fierce. I doubt Gonzalez will be the first.
“Gonzalez shouldn’t underestimate my strength. I might be long and lanky but that doesn’t mean I don’t carry a punch.
“It’s going to be an entertaining fight. We’re both aggressive and motivated to look good for the Showtime cameras.”
JOSE GONZALEZ
“Our training camp was excellent. I know a lot of fighters say that, but this time around we really focused on a lot of things that will confuse Hearns.
“I haven’t had any distractions. It’s been a great experience and the pay off is going to be great. We didn’t come to the Caymans for the sun and the beaches. We came for the win.
“Hearns doesn’t have the kind of experience that I do. I’ve been boxing since I was seven years old. I have 481 amateur fights under my belt. Boxing is what I do.”
WARD: “I’m glad this isn’t a bodybuilding contest because I would lose (after seeing Ravelo’s build while weighing in). Really though, everything is A-1 for me. It’s perfect, right where we want to be.”
RAVELO: “I feel great, ready to go today. I always come in great condition for every fight. I’m just in better condition for this fight.”
VIRGIL HUNTER (Ward’s trainer) “Andre is a stamina storehouse. Stamina is strength in boxing, not muscles.”
NETTLES NASSER (Ravelo’s trainer): “All the hard training has been done. Now Jerson Ravelo has to go out and execute and exert himself; let his hands fly.”
JAMES PRINCE (Ward’s Manager): “This fight is a steppingstone toward the mountain top. That’s all this is. Andre Ward is soon to be crowned king.”
“CAYMAN KNOCKOUT” will be held at the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal in the Grand Cayman capital city of George Town and presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
In the scheduled 12-round main event to be televised live on Showtime’s SHOBOX: The New Generation, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward (15-0, 10 KOs, Oakland, CA) and 2000 Dominican Republic Olympic representative Jerson Ravelo (18-2, 12 KOs, San Cristobal, DR) will battle for the coveted NABO Super Middleweight Title, along with a top world rating.