Andre Ward and John Molina, Jr., joined by their camps and co-promoters Dan Goossen and Gary Shaw, held the final press conference for their respective bouts at "Ward vs. Dawson - World Champions - Made In America." Here are their quotes from today's event.
Andre Ward:
"The biggest talk comes from individuals who have never laced on a pair of gloves in their life. At the end of the day, it's only me and Chad Dawson. We are the ones that have to fight. I prepared the same way as I did for the last five fights. I respect all of my opponents.
"I respect the sport and I respect my championships. They see me as soft and that's not how it really is. Nothing has been given to me. We worked hard to get to this point and harder to stay there. All the talk is over with. It's time to go to work."
Ward Trainer Virgil Hunter:
"My observation of Team Dawson is of concern on their part. We also are concerned with Dawson. We respect what he has accomplished and have taken what we need and put it into our training and left no stone unturned.
"Andre will show what we haven't seen. I always say it takes a great fighter to bring out the best in another fighter and Andre will reveal a new phase of his fighting on Saturday."
Ward Promoter Dan Goossen:
"We wanted you (Dawson) to make weight. We never anticipated you not making weight. Come Saturday night there will be no excuses about not making weight.
"Chad is just like all opponents standing in front of Andre, who all had confidence. They just don't get it!
"Andre is a special, special man. Right now Oakland has the best fighter in the world, be it Floyd (Mayweather), Manny (Pacquiao) or whoever."
Ward Manager James Prince
"He (Dawson) made a bad decision coming to Oakland. He made a bad decision with his team. He made a bad decision with his trainer, Scully. He's gonna have his hands full Saturday night.
"Team S.O.G., we are a movement of believers. That's what they are up against. Throw in the towel this time."
John Molina:
"Just to be on the same card with them (Ward, Dawson) means the world to me There be nothing but fireworks; nothing but a war once that bell rings. I will be the new WBC Lightweight Champion of the World."
"Ward vs. Dawson - World Champions - Made In America''features a 12-round World Championship bout between Super Middleweight World Champion, Andre Ward and Light Heavyweight World Champion, Chad Dawson as well as a co-featured lightweight championship bout between Antonio DeMarco and John Molina Jr. The night of boxing will take place Sept 8 from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. live on HBO World Championship Boxing® (9:45 p.m., ET/PT, delayed on the west coast).
The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions in association with Antonio Leonard Promotions and SOG Promotions and sponsored by Corona, City of Oakland, Azad Watches, 95.7 The Game and the Oakland Tribune.
Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 (plus fees) are available for purchase at the Oracle Arena box office or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.
