The match between Thurman vs. Barrios and Santa Cruz vs. Carbajal.
KEITH THURMAN: “I am very happy to be here. It’s a blessing and I’m looking forward to this return. Long time no see. I’m not injured anymore and I feel great. I’m excited to perform for the fans in Las Vegas again.
“It’s not ideal to be fired like me, but you just have to roll with everything in life. I spent a lot of time meditating and prioritizing different things. Now the date has been set and I can’t wait to start over. I really love this sport.
“I was presented with a number of options for the opponent, and when I heard that Barrios was interested in it, I knew he was having an interesting game and I wanted to make it happen. Once Barrios was on the menu, I was ready to take him.
“There is always pressure to be great. That pressure creates diamonds. Warriors like me and like Barrios, we want to shine. We’re under that pressure and things are going our way. That is the way of the warrior. There is so much beauty in it. Our hearts work better when we face those challenges.
“There is no better test than the Keith Thurman test. You can’t step up to Keith Thurman if you don’t want to make a name for yourself at 147. We have two boxers who are losing money, which means we both have to prove ourselves. Now is Talking about the past if you will, but on February 5 new stories will be created.
“In 2019, I fought Manny Pacquiao because it was the most exciting thing I could do then. Once I’m comfortable in this comeback, I’m on my way to greatness. We know we’ve fallen off the ladder and we’re looking up. That’s okay, because we’re going to take it one step at a time to get back to where we were, at the top of the weight class.
“The fire has burned in me all my life. It doesn’t matter what sport we’re playing. When you take part in this sport, you win. You have to. That competitiveness is natural to me. No matter how long the break, I still think about boxing.
“I am here to prove that I am not the kind of warrior you can dismiss. Ice cream will rise to the top. I may have fallen, but you better believe that I will rise again. This year is about doing what I have to do to be at the top of the league. ”
MARIO BARRIOS
“I’ve been in the gym and I’m excited to be back. I’d love to come back even sooner, but it’s already scheduled and I’m so excited.
“Once this fight was brought to me, I was ready to join. Not many boxers can hit the pay-per-view title for a second straight bout and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m just looking to take advantage of it.
“Fighting in Las Vegas is super fun. The path things have taken in my career has been very modest. It just shows how much work I put in when I was only 26 years old. This is huge for me. I’m up against a great fighter and I can’t wait to show off my talent and skills in the 147-pound weight class.
“The move up to the weight class was a long one for me. I have a big frame and it’s hard to make 140. We were thinking about 147 before the match against Gervonta Davis was done. I don’t want my first weightlifting match against an easy opponent. I want to fight an established heavyweight who is in the ring with the best. Keith is a great fighter and I know this has the potential to be one of the best fights of the year.
“I entered the sport to fight my best and that’s all I wanted to do. I am at my peak. Don’t hesitate to add weight or join the fight with Thurman. I could have made 140 if I had to, but we decided it was best to fight at a more natural weight.
“I still believe that Thurman is one of the best in the league and that’s why this fight is so exciting for me. If I go in there and handle my business, I automatically solidify myself in this department. I am pursuing greatness.
“If I did, I would have more agility and stamina at this weight. Not having to drain the water myself will help me. I am excited to showcase my talents and skills at a more comfortable weight.”
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I am very excited to be back in this game. This is the longest time away from the ring, so I can’t wait to get back. My last fight didn’t go my way, but I look forward to getting back to the top.
“Keenan is a strong fighter who doesn’t run. We’re here to entertain our fans and that’s what we’re going to do. I’m very motivated that Keenan will fight. I don’t want to have to chase a boxer all night. I want to go back and that’s what Carbajal is going to deliver.
“I wanted to see how I felt in this training camp before making a decision about what weight I would fight in the future. I’ve lost weight easily now, so as long as everything goes well on Feb 5, I’ll be back at 126 in my next bout.
“I love fighting in Las Vegas, it’s like my second home. I have a lot of fans there. Plus, having a big hand like this with two great fighters in the main event is great, because I know they’re going to have a great fight. What’s on my mind is to come up with an even better fight than the main event. This is a stack of cards and I am expecting to be the battle of the night. That is a big task.
“It was a bit difficult for me after the knockout loss. But when I return home and receive support from the fans, I feel better. I just got overexcited in the skirmish and Gervonta landed a good punch. I always wanted to entertain the fans. I paid for it this time, but I will always try to give the fans a great battle.
“I think it’s better that I’m fighting a taller opponent. With a taller fighter, I know they have the range, but I like confrontation. I will adjust within. I am confident and I know what I have to do to put on a great performance.”
KEENAN CARBAJAL
“My last game in November was a great experience fighting in front of my hometown crowd at the Phoenix Suns arena. I’m excited to be back against Leo Santa Cruz on February 5th.
“This is a great match. I’m looking to turn this into a classic battle. This is going to be a fight everyone talks about for years to come. I truly believe this will be a classic.
“I can definitely take Leo down. I’m not just looking for it though. If it comes, it will come. I’m ready for battle. I know Leo’s style and he knows me. There will be heavy punches being exchanged. I came to hurt him.
“I am definitely overlooked in this fight. I understand the game and that I am the underdog. But I believe I have won the position and that is all that matters. It doesn’t matter what the odds are, only what happens on February 5th.
“I have gained a lot of experience in my career. My mind and my body are now one. I can do exactly what my team wants me to do in the ring. I feel like I’m at my peak right now.”
TOM BROWN, President of Advertising TGB
“This is an extremely large card and I am really looking forward to it. Thurman and Barrios are looking to recover from the first losses of their careers, and they know they must do whatever it takes to win this fight. Both guys are very motivated for February 5th. It’s sure to be an all-out fight.
“Keith is focusing on all the £147 weight class champions, but he knows he has to get past Mario Barrios first. When Barrios got the call, he said yes immediately. Now, he has a chance to prove himself against a former unified 147-pound champion.
“Leo Santa Cruz will no doubt be highly motivated on his return to the ring and I expect that he will come with more intensity than ever against a tough and talented opponent at Keenan Carbajal.”
