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LEO SANTA CRUZ: "I WANT TO MAKE IT A WAR...GETTING A WIN OVER CARL FRAMPTON WILL GET ME TO THE NEXT LEVEL"

By Press Release | July 27, 2016
LEO SANTA CRUZ:

Undefeated featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified 122-pound world champion, Irish star Carl Frampton, were joined by undercard fighters in Manhattan at Church Street Boxing Wednesday for the final media workout before Saturday's SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Also in attendance Wednesday and fighting on SHOWTIME were super welterweights Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko, who meet in a world title eliminator.

Here is what Leo Santa Cruz and Tony Harrison had to say Wednesday:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

"I'm ready to come here and give a great fight. I want to make it a war. Carl Frampton is a great fighter and he makes for an interesting fight. I'm excited to perform in front of the fans.

"Carl is an undefeated fighter just like myself, so we're both going to be hungry. We're going to leave it all in the ring. Neither of us wants to lose and we're going to give it our all.

"My dad is going to be in my corner and that's very important to me. We're both excited to give the fans a great show. It's a great relief to have him here and for many more years.

"I think that this is the perfect time for this fight. We're both undefeated and in the prime of our careers. It's an easy fight to make and a really big fight that the fans will love.

"I don't think moving up in weight will affect Carl at all. He's got a big frame and he's a big guy. He is probably a little bit bigger than me. I know he had problems making 122 pounds, but this should be easier for him.

"I think he's going to move and I'm going to have to be smart and not get caught. If I'm not feeling his punches, then we're going to stand in front of him and exchange. I can also box with him if I need.

"I know I'll have to use my jab and follow up with the right. We have a game plan and backup plans. We'll be ready for anything.

"I think our styles are both very exciting. I can't wait for Saturday night. This is the right fight. I'm hoping that both of us come forward and give the fans a show.

"People think Frampton is the underdog because he's moving up in weight. But I moved up in weight too. I never take an opponent lightly. I'm going to come really hungry. I respect every fighter and I train for my opponent to be at his best.

"I have a lot of respect for Frampton. He has everything you need to be a great fighter. Excellent footwork, great power and good punches. Once he's in the ring with me, I'm fighting for my future.

"This could definitely be a career-defining fight. I think getting a win over Carl Frampton will get me to the next level. I think the winner of the fight will be considered one of the best fighters in the world."

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo's Father & Trainer

"I'm really happy to be here. I've been at all of Leo's fights and it's great to be at this one. This is just another reason to be happy. I'm so thrilled for Leo that he has this opportunity and to be here for him.

"I know Frampton is undefeated, but Leo comes very prepared. He has worked hard in camp, like he always does. Hopefully both fighters give the fans a good fight on fight night."

TONY HARRISON

"I take this sport seriously. Everything I do, I do 100 percent. I'm here for the city of Detroit. The city needs something to rejuvenate and that's what I'm trying to do. I want to bring big-time boxing back to Detroit.

"This is going to be a fan-friendly fight. This is going to be like Thurman vs. Porter. The styles are just perfect for this fight. I'm going to be at my best on fight night.

"Being here in New York is great. I can tell right away that it's a great fight atmosphere and I love it.

"It was a very long camp. I'm in great shape and ready mentally. I have a lot to prove in this fight and I'm excited to get in there.

"I watched a 15-second clip of him and then I shut the video off. I don't want to make adjustments off of him, I want him to adjust to me. I know that he's a tough competitor. You can't take anything away from his record.

"I'm taking it one fight at a time. I just want to get the respect that I deserve. That's what I'm coming for. They call me for a fight and I say yes.

"I think I'm at my best right now. I'm starting to peak. I'm starting to find my grown-man strength and my second wind in the ring. When I'm going in late rounds I feel comfortable.

"Whoever wants to fight; they know I'm going to say yes. I just want to compete. I'm fighting for my city and I want to see where I'm at. I'm ready to carry the load for Detroit boxing. I wouldn't want to be from anywhere else.

"My team is definitely the strongest it's ever been. I'm in a really good place mentally right now. I think I'm going to show a whole new level on Saturday night."

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME following fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME that begin at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

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