Shakur Stevenson vs. Shuichiro Yoshino Press Conference Notes
This afternoon, Shakur Stevenson, Jared Anderson, Keyshawn Davis, and Bruce Carrington hit the stage with their opponents to get the last word in before they step on the scales tomorrow in Newark, NJ. All of the fighters appeared to be dialed in and ready to perform on Saturday night’s tripleheader live on ESPN. Here are the quotes from this afternoon’s press conference hosted by Top Rank.
Shakur Stevenson
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 06: Shakur Stevenson smiles during the press conference ahead of his April 7 lightweight fight with Shuichiro Yoshino, at Prudential Center on April 06, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
“It feels great to be back home. It feels great to be back in front of my fans and family. I’m enjoying myself, and I just can’t wait for Saturday. I’m really excited for Saturday. But is he ready for Saturday? That’s the real question. He walks around here with a smile, and I can’t wait to wipe that smile off his face.”
“This dude been running around here saying that I don’t have any power. He’s been saying that he’s going to push me mentally. Let’s see if he’s ready to go to deep waters with me. I’m going to drown him.”
No backing down here ⚔️#ShakurYoshino | SATURDAY | ESPN pic.twitter.com/Nj2iSa7xW4
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 6, 2023
“You’re going to see everything in the arsenal. I’m going to go out there and box him. I’m going to beat him up. He’s going to leave that ring knowing that I’m the best fighter he’s ever been in the ring with.”
Shuichiro Yoshino
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 06: Shuichiro Yoshino speaks during the press conference ahead of his April 8 lightweight fight with Shakur Stevenson, at Prudential Center on April 06, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
“I’m really pumped up for the fight. I’m really excited.”
“I’m excited to fight for the WBC title. This opportunity is really going to change my place in boxing.”
“My trainer and I have been studying Shakur. We have a game plan to implement on Saturday.”
Jared Anderson
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 06: Jared Anderson speaks during the press conference ahead of his April 7 heavyweight fight with George Arias, at Prudential Center on April 06, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
“I’m beyond focused. I’m more than ready for this fight. I’m ready to handle business and come out impressively. It’s a fight against an undefeated fighter. And we’re looking forward to being impressive.”
“I let things play out in the ring. Jerry Forrest kind of picked the ending to our last fight. I came in, and I felt too relaxed. That’s how he landed those two big shots. So, he decided the fate of that fight. Hopefully, Arias decides to let us get a couple of rounds in.”
George Arias
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 06: Jared Anderson (L) and George Arias (R) pose during the press conference prior to their April 8 heavyweight fight at Prudential Center on April 06, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)
“On paper, he is the toughest fighter I’ve faced because it seems like he’s the new face of the heavyweight division. As for me, I see it as a sport. I got to do what I can to win. It’s boxing. You do what you have to do to win. It’s just another fight to me.”
“I’ve come back from a layoff before. I did the best I could to be ready. I have no excuses. I trained to the best of my ability. I sparred with great fighters. I did everything I could. For me, it’s like if I fought a few months ago.”
Keyshawn Davis
.@KeyshawnDavis8 with the bad intentions 😤#ShakurYoshino | SAT 10PM ET | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/TaBemfftMe
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 6, 2023
“I know Yigit is definitely coming to fight. He is an experienced fighter. I really think he’s going to test me in ways that nobody has tested me before. He’s a southpaw. And he’s a fighter. He likes to fight. And I love that. I like to fight, too. This Saturday is going to be action-packed. The tougher man is going to win.”
Anthony Yigit
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’m happy to be able to showcase my skills. I’ve been training my whole life. I had some bumps along the road. But, hey, who said following your dreams is easy? But we’re still doing it. And I’m here. This is my time.”
Damian Knyba
In just two days I fight for the first time as a @trboxing boxer during the #StevensonYoshino show at the @PruCenter in Newark. Complete calmness and concentration, and on Saturday I'm walking out to that ring for another pro victory. Tune into @espn+ and/or @sport_tvppl 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/KszR9WGqsc
— Damian "Polish Hussar" Knyba (@DamianKnyba) April 6, 2023
“It’s an honor for me. It’s a huge step forward. The beginning was tough. I never had guaranteed fights. We had to scramble to get fights and experience. But I’m here now. I’m ready to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m excited to see the huge leaps forward that my career will take.”
Bruce Carrington
Call him Picasso 🎨@B_Carrington1 | #ShakurYoshino pic.twitter.com/thTMAVnNy1
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 6, 2023
“Every single time I fight, I try to display art. It’s not just about knockouts. I want people to see that everything is strictly business. I’m Picasso in the ring. The ring is my canvas, and I’m painting the canvas. I just want everybody to learn and be more educated every single time I fight.”
