Roger Gutierrez vs. Chris Colbert | Showtime - February 26, 2022 (OFF)

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WBA To Order Gutierrez-Colbert Title Consolidation Fight, Begins Process To Phase Out Interim Belts

On the heels of vowing to clean up its act, the World Boxing Association has taken a significant step forward.

The Panama City-based sanctioning body continues to make good on its promise to phase out the number of secondary and interim titlists it has crowned over the years. The first step came with Saturday’s edition of Showtime Championship Boxing, with the evening’s chief support—a bantamweight bout between Gary Antonio Russell and Emmanuel Rodriguez—downgraded pre-fight from a WBA interim title fight to an official eliminator.

It ultimately proved moot, as the contest ended on a clash of heads just sixteen seconds into the opening round.

The long-term effect will surface in the coming months, beginning with a pair of previously assigned interim title fights in September.

“Along with [Russell-Rodriguez], the [fights] between Ronal Batista and Alejandro Santiago on September 10th at Super Flyweight, and the one between Aidos Yerbossynuly and Lennox Alllen on September 12th at Super Middleweight will also be WBA title eliminators,” revealed Carlos Chavez, chairman of the WBA Championship Committee. “The decisions are due to the start of the WBA’s title reduction plan that will gradually come into operation and will evaluate the interim titles one by one to make decisions.”

The call for reform stems from the industry-wide outrage following the August 7 WBA interim welterweight title fight in Minneapolis, Minnesota, won by Venezuela’s Gabriel Maestre (4-0, 3KOs) via highly questionable split decision over Maryland’s Mykal Fox (22-3, 5KOs). Judges Gloria Martinez-Rizzo (117-110), John Mariano (115-112) and David Singh (114-113) were vilified for their scorecards in a fight where most viewers (the fight aired live on Fox TV) had Fox—who scored a second-round knockdown—winning with room to spare.

Judge Martinez-Rizzo was since issued an indefinite suspension, though not for job performance but due to her discovered documented history of racism which is in violation of WBA’s Code of Ethics. The other two judges have yet to be disciplined for their inexplicable scorecards, although an investigation remains ongoing along with a Maestre-Fox having been ordered at the request of King’s Promotion, Fox’s promoter who also filed an appeal with the Minnesota Office of Combative Sports.

WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza also confirmed to BS.com of plans in place to begin ordering title consolidation clashes between interim and “World” titlists. The sanctioning body is prepared to order such a fight between WBA “World” junior lightweight titlist Roger Gutierrez (26-3-1, 20KOs)—who outpointed Rene Alvarado (32-10, 21KOs) in their rubber match Saturday evening in Frisco, Texas—and interim titlist Chris Colbert (16-0, 6KOs).

With the order will also come the request for confirmation from Gervonta Davis (25-0, 24KOs) and at which weight division he plans to compete.

The heavy-handed southpaw from Baltimore currently holds the WBA “Super” 130-pound title, along with secondary “World” titles at lightweight and junior welterweight. In the event Davis plans to return to junior lightweight, he will be summoned to face the winner of Gutierrez-Colbert. Should Davis opt to continue fighting outside the weight, the Gutierrez-Colbert winner will be declared the only recognized WBA junior lightweight titlist.

[ironbeard]

WBA should vacate the Maestre v Fox decision.

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WBA should vacate the Maestre v Fox decision.

That belt is vacant now

[ironbeard]

WBA should vacate the Maestre v Fox decision.

That belt is vacant now

I mean the W for Maestre and the L for Fox.

[margaret thatcher]

colbert wins easily

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Press Release | WBA orders Gutiérrez-Colbert

The Championships Committee of the World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered the fight between the super featherweight champion, Roger Gutierrez, and the interim champion Chris Colbert.

The pioneer body sent the communication to each fighter’s team, granting them 30 days to negotiate as from August 16, ending on September 15.

The WBA C.11 championship rule states that the champion must defend the title against the official challenger every nine months from the date he obtained the belt. In Gutierrez’s case, he won it last January 2 and his term will expire on October 1.

On the other hand, rule C.13 of the bout limitations states that the champion cannot fight anyone else within 60 days prior the expiration of that term.

If the parties do not reach an agreement within the given time, the WBA may open the fight to Purse Bid, under the conditions set forth in the rules and regulations.

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Gervonta Davis vacates WBA's 130-pound title, mulling future at 135 or 140

Gervonta Davis has vacated his 130-pound title, WBA president Gilberto Mendoza told ESPN on Saturday.

The star boxer will be granted permission to retain his 135- and 140-pound titles ahead of his next fight, which is expected before the end of the year. He will have 48 hours after that fight to relinquish another title, leaving him with one.

The move comes as part of a WBA crackdown on multiple titles in each of the 17 weight classes in boxing.

Earlier this month, the WBA ordered a fight between secondary junior lightweight champion Roger Gutierrez and interim champion Chris Colbert. They will meet for the vacant "super" championship and recognition as the WBA's sole titleholder at 130 pounds.

Davis (25-0, 24 KOs) won the WBA's 130-pound championship in 2018 with a third-round TKO of Jesus Cuellar. The Baltimore native defended the title twice with stoppage wins over Hugo Ruiz and Ricardo Nunez in 2019. Neither fighter heard the bell to start Round 3.

The 24-year-old Davis scored a 12th-round TKO of Yuriorkis Gamboa in December 2019 to win the WBA's secondary title at 135 pounds before returning to 130 for a sixth-round knockout of Leo Santa Cruz in October.

"Tank" moved up to 140 pounds for a June fight with Mario Barrios, an 11th-round TKO that earned him the WBA's "regular" junior welterweight title.

Davis has no fight scheduled at this time. He is currently ranked in the top 10 of all three weight classes by ESPN (No. 5 at 130, No. 3 at 135, No. 5 at 140).

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The winner will become THE WBA champion.

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Gutierrez: Chris Colbert is a Great Boxer, But It's Not Impossible To Beat Him

World Boxing Association "regular" super featherweight world champion Roger Gutierrez is only waiting for the date for his mandatory fight against the Chris Colbert, and said that “we already have our working plan” - convinced that despite the title conquest and his first successful defense, “I haven’t achieved anything yet”.

In a meeting with the Venezuelan press on Monday in Caracas, Gutierrez talked about his future, and recalled his fights against Rene Alvarado of Nicaragua, the first one that won him the title, and the second one which allowed him to consolidate his position.

”I have not achieved anything yet,” emphasized Gutierrez. “I delivered for my parents. My colleagues and my team know what I went through in preparation for the world title fight. Losing my mother a few weeks before the fight was very hard. They know what I went through, but I promised her that I was going to fight and thanks to God I was able to keep my promise.

"Then, in preparation for the second fight, we had many physical setbacks, but we also overcame them and managed to get the victory. But nothing has changed, I’m still the same, because I know how hard it was for me to get here, and even so, I haven’t achieved anything yet. There is a long road ahead, new challenges, there is my family and the people who believe in me and who expect a lot from me and I will fight for them, for Zulia and for my country. I am ready."

Gutiérrez, who has clear concepts, explains that he's ready for Colbert. All that remains is an agreement between their respective promoters, Golden Boy Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions.

“It will be a great fight. We know Colbert is a great boxer, a stylist, he moves a lot, a little dirty when it comes to fighting, he gives rabbit punches, connects to the kidneys, and it will be a very difficult fight. But it is not impossible to beat him, he is one of the best in the division, but if I beat Colbert I will solidify myself in the division. We know that between Colbert and me, I am the puncher, and we already have our plan, to be very fast, to take the initiative,” Gutierrez said.

[JxhDel.]

Time for Prime to show Gutierrez what a champ is.

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Gutierrez, Colbert Fail To Reach Terms For Title Fight, WBA Sets Purse Bid For September 27

A purse bid hearing will be required to determine promotional rights to the ordered WBA junior lightweight title fight between Roger Gutierrez and Chris Colbert.

The 30-day negotiation period ended without a deal in place, as representatives for Gutierrez and Colbert were unable to come to terms by Wednesday’s deadline. The fight will now become the subject of a purse bid hearing scheduled for September 27 via Zoom conference call, WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza informed BS.com.

The session will be open to all WBA-registered promoters, with the minimum acceptable bid set at $120,000. Gutierrez will be entitled to 55% of the winning bid, with the remaining 45% to go to Colbert as the mandatory challenger.

Gutierrez-Colbert was the first title fight formally ordered by the WBA following its (forced) commitment to reduce its number of recognized titles, coming two days after Gutierrez’s repeat win over Nicaragua’s Rene Alvarado on August 14 in Frisco, Texas. At the time of the August 16 order, the pairing served as a title consolidation fight as Gutierrez (26-3-1, 20KOs) was the recognized WBA “World” junior lightweight titlist and Colbert as the sanctioning body’s “interim” titleholder.

Colbert’s status was moved to mandatory challenger after the WBA scrapped all interim titles on August 25, inserting the majority of claimants as the number-one contender for their respective division. The stakes were raised for this particular matchup after Gutierrez was deemed as the sanctioning body’s titlist at the weight after Gervonta Davis agreed to relinquish his WBA “Super” title earlier this month.

It still wasn’t enough to get the two parties to come to terms. Venezuela’s Gutierrez is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions banner while Colbert fights under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner and was represented in talks by TGB Promotions, who handles the majority of PBC-branded events.

Gutierrez will attempt his second overall title defense and first since being upgraded in title status. He won the “World” title in a thrilling twelve-round decision over Alvarado in their January 2 rematch, scoring three knockdowns including one in the twelfth and final round to pull off the upset win. The feat avenged a stoppage loss from earlier in his career, while their rubber match this past August proved less entertaining than its predecessors.

Colbert (16-0, 6KOs) last fought in July, earning a twelve-round decision win over Mongolia’s Tugstsogt Nyambayar at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Neither party can commit to another fight with this one having been ordered. Should Colbert opt to not proceed with the fight—regardless of forthcoming purse bid results—he will be dropped from the mandatory position and ineligible to challenge for the title through his next fight. Should Gutierrez so refuse, the title will be declared vacant.

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No purse bid needed.

WOW!

Golden Boy and PBC have come to an agreement.

Will probably be on DAZN.

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Roger Gutierrez, Chris Colbert Reach Terms For Title Fight, Avoid Purse Bid Hearing

The respective teams for Roger Gutierrez and Chris Colbert were able to put extra time to good use.

Boxing Scene has learned that deal was reached between the pair of junior lightweights, thus avoiding a purse bid hearing that was scheduled for Monday to have determined promotional rights to the ordered WBA “Super” title fight. Two separate deadlines passed without the two sides coming to an agreement, though managing to come to terms at the eleventh hour to avoid the fight being made available to all WBA-registered promoters.

Both sides confirmed with BS.com that a deal is in place, though the fight remains without a date or location at present time. Gutierrez is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, while Brooklyn’s Colbert fights under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner and was represented by TGB Promotions in negotiations for this bout.

Venezuela’s Gutierrez (26-3-1, 20KOs) will attempt his second overall title defense and first since being upgraded in title status. He won the “World” title in a thrilling twelve-round decision over Nicaragua’s Rene Alvarado in their January 2 rematch, scoring three knockdowns including one in the twelfth and final round to pull off the upset win. The feat avenged a stoppage loss from earlier in his career, while their rubber match this past August proved less entertaining than its predecessors.

The rubber match this past August 14 saw Gutierrez win a repeat decision, this time in less entertaining fashion though effective enough to retain the title.

Colbert (16-0, 6KOs) last fought in July, earning a twelve-round decision win over Mongolia’s Tugstsogt Nyambayar at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Gutierrez-Colbert was the first title fight formally ordered by the WBA following its (forced) commitment to reduce its number of recognized titles, coming two days after Gutierrez’s repeat win over Alvarado. At the time of the August 16 order, the pairing served as a title consolidation fight as Gutierrez was the recognized WBA “World” junior lightweight titlist and Colbert as the sanctioning body’s “interim” titleholder.

Colbert’s status was moved to mandatory challenger after the WBA scrapped all interim titles on August 25, inserting the majority of claimants as the number-one contender for their respective division. The stakes were raised for this particular matchup after Gutierrez was deemed as the sanctioning body’s titlist at the weight after Gervonta Davis agreed to relinquish his WBA “Super” title earlier this month.

It still wasn’t enough to get the two parties to come to terms, though an additional 12 days of talks ahead of the scheduled purse bid hearing managed to get the job done.

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Roger Gutierrez-Chris Colbert Fight To Headline Showtime Card February 26; Venue TBD

Chris Colbert will get his opportunity to legitimize himself as a 130-pound world champion February 26.

Boxing Scene has learned that a 12-round bout between Brooklyn’s Colbert and WBA world super featherweight champion Roger Gutierrez will headline a “Showtime Championship Boxing” event that night. The site for the card headlined by Gutierrez-Colbert hadn’t been solidified as of Tuesday afternoon.

Venezuela’s Gutierrez, 32, will make the second defense of a WBA belt he won from Rene Alvarado, whom Gutierrez beat by unanimous decision in their first 12-round fight a year ago at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Gutierrez (26-3-1, 20 KOs) also defeated Nicaragua’s Alvarado (32-11, 21 KOs) by unanimous decision in their 12-round rematch, which took place August 14 at Ford Center at the Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ training facility in Frisco, Texas.


Colbert is the WBA’s number one contender for Gutierrez, who is now its primary 130-pound champion. The WBA previously recognized Gervonta Davis (26-0, 24 KOs) as its “super” champion in the 130-pound division, but the strong southpaw from Baltimore relinquished that title late in August.

Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs) owned the WBA’s interim 130-pound championship until that heavily scrutinized sanctioning organization eliminated its interim championships in the aftermath of the Gabriel Maestre-Mykal Fox scandal.

The 25-year-old Colbert made two defenses of the WBA’s interim 130-pound crown before it was taken from him late in August. Colbert beat Mongolian contender Tugstsogt Nyambayar (12-2, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision in his most recent action, a 12-round fight that headlined a Showtime tripleheader July 3 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Nyambayar took the Colbert bout on less than two weeks’ notice, once his original opponent, faded former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (30-4, 18 KOs), withdrew from their bout due to rib and heel injuries. Colbert was perhaps at his best and most entertaining in his previous appearance, an 11th-round stoppage of Panama’s Jaime Arboleda (17-2, 14 KOs) in December 2020 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

[bobcatbox]

This is a nice fight

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Confirmed

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Will be at the Cosmopolitan in Vegas.

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[margaret thatcher]

f@ck ya, glad to see a good fight for possibly the best russell at the moment

i think he'll pound victor and show his talent

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Gary Antuanne Russell: I'm Going To End Viktor Postol in Five Rounds

As Boxing Scene previously reported, Gary Antuanne Russell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, faces former world champion Viktor Postol in a 10-round super lightweight bout on Saturday, February 26 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The Showtime televised tripleheader will be headlined by undefeated Chris “Primetime” Colbert seeking his first world title when he takes on WBA super featherweight champion Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez.

Russell (14-0, 14 KOs) has yet to allow an opponent to make it the distance against him since turning pro in 2017 following his run representing the U.S. at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. Russell added five more stoppage victories in 2019 before knocking out Jose Marrufo in the first round in February 2020. The 25-year-old most recently dominated Jovanie Santiago in May on Showtime, on his way to a sixth-round stoppage. Russell belongs to one of the sport’s preeminent fighting families and trains alongside his older brothers, former WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and bantamweight contender Gary Antonio.

"I'm going to make sure I'm prepared mentally and ready to perform at a high-level for this fight," said Russell. "These fights come down to who's more mentally stable, and that's a matter of training. I train my mental as much as I do physically. I've watched Postol fight before and I know that he's a rangy fighter with a European style. He likes to stay at a distance and that works best for him. He leans on his strengths. Every fight I come in planning to make a statement. My prediction, I'm ending this fight in round five."

A feared contender in the 140-pound division, Postol (31-3, 12 KOs) returns to the ring after losing a narrow majority decision to then unified champion Jose Ramirez in August 2020. Fighting out of California and originally from Ukraine, Postol, knocked out Lucas Matthysse in 2015 to capture a super lightweight world title before losing a unification showdown against Terence Crawford. Postol has won three of his last five fights, with the only defeats in that stretch coming against Ramirez and current undisputed champion Josh Taylor, both by decision.

“I accepted this fight as soon as it was offered,” said Postol. “I haven’t fought in a while and I wanted to get back in the ring as soon as I could. I’m especially excited that I’m going to have the opportunity to face a good young opponent on February 26.”

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Colbert: Gutierrez Not Coming To Lay Down, But I Plan To Put Him Down!

Undefeated rising star Chris “Primetime” Colbert, whose mix of speed and power have quickly made him a fan favorite, will seek his first world title when he takes on WBA "regular" super featherweight champion Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez in the Showtime main event Saturday, February 26 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The Showtime card kicks off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature another unbeaten young phenom in the co-main event. Gary Antuanne Russell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, faces former world champion Viktor Postol in a 10-round super lightweight bout, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin Ancajas defends his title against unbeaten Argentine Fernando Martinez in the televised opener of the loaded tripleheader.

“We’ve had the pleasure of watching Chris Colbert develop from a prospect to a contender on Showtime, so it’s only fitting that he will get a chance to take yet another step in his progression with a title shot against Roger Gutierrez on our network,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“Gary Antuanne Russell is following a similar recipe for stardom. If he can turn back the tough-as-nails Viktor Postol, it will be another signal that his time in the spotlight may soon be at hand. We’ve seen the destructive talents of Jerwin Ancajas on Showtime before. His title defense against Fernando Martinez should be a barnburner and the perfect start to a fantastic night of boxing.”

Representing his native Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs) has quickly shot up the 130-pound rankings, taking on high-level competition in his first 16 pro fights. Already established as a fighter with dazzling boxing skills, Colbert showcased his ability to fight toe-to-toe with an 11th-round stoppage of Jaime Arboleda in December 2020 before most recently besting Tugstsogt Nyambayar in July 2021. The 25-year-old turned pro in 2015 and defeated three unbeaten fighters in his first eight contests. Prior to the Arboleda fight, Colbert scored a highlight-reel first-round knockout against Miguel Beltran Jr. in September 2019 and a dominant 12-round decision victory over former champion Jezzreel Corrales in January 2020.

“I’m super ready for my title shot," said Colbert. "This has been a long time coming, but it's no shocker to me. This was always the expectation. I know Gutierrez will come to fight. He's a champion for a reason. So he's not coming to lay down. But I plan to put him down and I’m willing to do whatever I have to do on February 26 to make that happen. I know a lot of people have been waiting to see when I get this title shot and now it's time."

The 26-year-old Gutierrez (26-3-1, 20 KOs) captured his world title with a unanimous decision victory over Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado in January 2021, in a fight that saw him drop his opponent three times. Gutierrez followed up that performance by defending his world championship and defeating Alvarado a second time in August 2021, again earning a unanimous decision. Fighting out of his native Maracaibo, Venezuela, Gutierrez is unbeaten in his last seven outings, including four knockouts.

“First of all, I want to thank God, my mother, my team, my promoter and the WBA for this opportunity,” said Gutierrez. “It cost me a lot of effort to win the world championship, this is my second title defense and I am ready to give it my all to retain it. On February 26, I am going to show the world that I am the best at 130 pounds.”

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Fight Card

• Chris Colbert vs Roger Gutierrez, 12 rounds, super featherweight – Gutierrez’s WBA super featherweight title
• Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Viktor Postol, 10 rounds, super lightweight
• Jerwin Ancajas vs. Fernando Martinez, 12 rounds, junior bantamweight – Ancajas’ IBF junior bantamweight title

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Press Conference Quotes

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

CHRIS COLBERT

“This is going to be ‘Primetime’ on SHOWTIME. This is what I’ve been waiting for. There’s no better time than right now. This is my time and I’m going to dominate in this fight.

“Everybody that they put in front me that they say has power, they don’t hit hard at all. I end up walking them down and beating them up. I don’t expect anything different in this fight. I’m ready to win by any means necessary. I don’t care about looking pretty, I care about winning and dominating.

“He better make sure he brings the Mack truck, because I’m coming at him in this fight. If he can’t put me on my bike, then he’s going to be in trouble.

“At the end of the day, two warriors have to go in the ring and fight. He’s the current champion and I’m going to be the champion. I expect nothing but a firefight from him.

“February 26, you better make sure you tune in. I don’t have any losses and I don’t plan on getting any. You’re going to hear ‘and the new’ when this fight is over. After the fight, I’ll take him out for a beer.

“To be honest, I’ve never watched Gutiérrez fight. Shout out to him for earning the belt, but I don’t care who he fights like. I have one job that night, and that’s to win by any means necessary.

“When I win this fight, I’m that guy. I’ve told you forever that I’m that guy. I was born that guy. I’m just going to continue to prove that and whatever comes next, comes next. Hopefully, Gary Russell Jr. can heal up and I can take that fight and put him into retirement.

“Gutiérrez has more knockouts than I have fights, but it doesn’t matter to me. I like fighting bigger punchers because I know they come to fight. I know he’s not going to run. I want this to be an exciting fight. I want to show the fans that I can do it all.

“You’ve seen my skills and you’ve seen that I can stand in the middle of the ring and bang with anybody. You’ve seen me do it all. I’ve never been outboxed, so I know he’s not going to do that. If he wants to go toe-to-toe, I’m going to show everyone that I’m too fast, too sharp and too strong.

“This is definitely another stepping-stone for me. I knew that this opportunity was going to come. I knew that I was going to be a world champion. I made it happen. This is just another day, another dollar, for me.

“I bring my own style to the boxing game. I’m looking to build my own legacy in this sport. I’m focused on this fight. I’m ready to go mano-a-mano with the champion.

“When I win in dominating fashion, don’t be surprised if I knock him out. That’s what I’m coming into this fight to do.”

ROGER GUTIERREZ

“I was very excited when I was told that this fight was going to happen. Regardless of him being the mandatory, I knew that this fight was going to be a big opportunity for me to show that I’m one of the best in the world.

“This is a chance that I’m not about to pass up. I’ve been training in Los Angeles since December and I’m going to show the world what I can do on February 26.

“Anything that you’ve seen from me against Alvarado, you can toss it out the window. This is going to be a completely different fight. I’m going to have to adapt and I’m going to better than ever. This is going to be something you’ve never seen from me before.

“It’s not important to me whether I’m the favorite or the underdog. Alvarado was the favorite against me as well. I don’t care who believes in me, what matters is that I’m a warrior and I believe in myself.

“Even though people say I’m a knockout artist, that’s not what I look for. I work toward winning each and every round. It doesn’t matter to me if we go to the final bell. The knockouts just come naturally.

“You’re going to see a Venezuelan champion once again. I don’t care what people say about this fight. I’m taking this belt back to Venezuela after February 26 to celebrate with my people.

“His best weapon is his mouth. I can’t wait to see him in the ring on February 26. I understand that he does what he has to do, but I’m not worried about his talk at all.

“Chris is a great fighter and he’s a very versatile boxer. That’s what excites me. I love facing big challenges. You’re going to see me step up to this challenge on fight night.

“Winning the world title was a whirlwind of emotions. Not only did make it to the top, but I was able to fulfill my promise that I made to my mother, who passed away a month before my fight. It was amazing to be able to reach that pinnacle.

“If he wants to stand there and go blow for blow, we’ll be ready. If he wants to use the ring, we’re ready to chase him down. We will have a plan no matter what. I’m going to be ready to leave the ring victorious.

“I’m focused on this fight, but if everything goes well, the name that I have in mind for a next opponent is Leo Santa Cruz.”