"It's been a great training camp. We're really ready for this fight. I think you're going to see a great fight. I prepared 100% and I just can't wait to get up in the ring...Not only did I have a great camp, but I'm also looking to have a great performance. I want to show everyone that I belong at this level, that I can beat the best fighter in the world, and without a doubt, that's one of the things I want to do for this fight," stated former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito, who moments ago participated in a conference call to discuss his upcoming November 13 clash with Manny Pacquiao. Check out what else he had to say about Pacquiao, the fight, and much more.
On his training camp...
It's been a great training camp. We're really ready for this fight. I think you're going to see a great fight. I prepared 100% and I just can't wait to get up in the ring.
On the constant questions surrounding the hand wrap controversy...
I try not to dwell on the negative. I know people are going to ask the questions. I know I have to answer the questions; I have no problem with them. To me, right now, all I'm concentrating on is the fight. I know that's going to be asked, it's going to be answered, but for me, it's concentrate on the fight. Everything's in the past and I just can't wait until November 13th, the super fight, and I can't wait to be up in the ring.
On the importance of this fight...
I thank God for getting this opportunity. Of course Bob Arum has been behind me the whole time. I thank him too. I know that it's a great opportunity and it's one that I'm going to take full advantage of. I know how hard the fight was to make real and I'm very happy that it's finally here.
On the type of performance he's hoping to give...
Not only did I have a great camp, but I'm also looking to have a great performance. I want to show everyone that I belong at this level, that I can beat the best fighter in the world, and without a doubt, that's one of the things I want to do for this fight.
On the sparring he received during training...
I was very happy with the sparring I got for this one. We got some guys that are really quick, very fast. We got a guy here that's a 154-pounder; very strong. I think we got some of the best sparring I've ever had for a camp and I want to thank them because they really made me work hard. I think I had a really good training camp for sparring.
On Manny Pacquiao...
What he's done, I think no other fighter has ever done, you know, coming from such a small weight to really do stuff in this heavier weight, and you have to admire that. Someone that's able to keep all of their power and everything going as he's going up; he's a great boxer.
On his advantages over Pacquiao...
I know he's a fast guy, but he's a smaller guy also. I see some things in there, but I would never consider it an easy fight or consider that I have advantages over him. He's proven himself to be a big puncher in this division. I just want to get up in the ring and see what we can do against each other.
A message for the fans...
I just want to tell everyone not to miss this fight. I'm going to do my best as I always do. I'm going to leave my heart in the ring and of course I dedicate this fight to all the fans.