The Media Center at MGM Grand in Las Vegas was buzzing today as some of boxing's brightest stars took to the stage and addressed the media ahead of their respective bouts on the "Royal Battle: Amir Khan vs. Devon Alexander" fight card taking place this Saturday, Dec. 13 live on SHOWTIME from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Here is what interim WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman and his opponent, Leonard Bundu, had to say at today's press conference.
KEITH THURMAN, WBA Interim Welterweight World Champion
"I know a little about my opponent; he just beat an unbeaten 28-year-old and he was a 2000 Olympian. Bundu is active in the ring and likes to get into a rhythm. He's not a huge puncher but he places them right where they can do damage. He's making his U.S. debut.
"I plan to provide him with a traditional 'One-Time' welcome to America. I plan to come out and box smart and take it from there. My shoulder is fine and I'm excited about getting back in the ring.
"I'm not looking past Bundu, but I'm looking through him to 2015 when I expect to start fighting Top-5 fighters on a consistent basis.''
LEONARD BUNDU, Undefeated Welterweight Contender
"I'm excited to be here. I am here to gain some respect. I am 40-years-old, but I feel much younger. I know it is a hard test for me on Saturday, but I am going to give it my all.
"I am Italian and like fine wine, I get better with age."
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"Royal Battle: Khan vs. Alexander," a 12-round welterweight bout for the WBC Silver Welterweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra, AT&T and Mexico - Live It To Believe It! The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Keith Thurman defends his interim WBA Welterweight World Title against Leonard Bundu. Additionally, Abner Mares will face Jose Ramirez in a 10-round featherweight bout and opening the telecast, Jermall Charlo will meet Lenny Bottai in a 12-round IBF Junior Middleweight Title eliminator. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will be televised on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT).
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing,@SHOSports, @AmirKingKhan, @TheRealDevonA, @KeithfThurmanJr, @abnermares00, @FutureOfBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @ErrolSpenceJr @viciousortiz, @MGMGrand and @Swanson_Comm follow the conversation using #KhanAlexander, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.