Wednesday afternoon’s conference call was held to promote the four fighters who will be headlining boxing’s return to network television when Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) makes its debut on NBC.
John Molina Jr, Adrien Broner, Keith Thurman and Robert Guerrero will be sharing the ring on March 7, 2015 in the first of 20 FREE bouts to be held in 2015 on NBC and NBC Sports networks. The fighters held a conference call for the boxing media and answered questions revolving the new series, their expectations on the bouts and their respective opponents.
The call began with the 140-pound contenders, Adrien “The Problem” Broner and John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. With the first question, Molina was asked about his feelings about fighting on this stage.
“It’s a huge platform, I’m looking forward to March 7th and excited to be headlining with these great fighters,” said Molina.
Broner mentioned his excitement about the fights as well but in his own words, “I don’t care what channel it’s on, as long as people can see us fight. I’m gonna do what I do, I’m gonna put on a show, I’ma dance and do what I always do to get my victory,” stated a confident Broner.
Both contenders have a mutual respect for one another and acknowledge each-others talents in the ring. But of course, an interview with Broner is no interview if we don’t get a laugh or two.
“Molina is a cool guy and he can hang with me after I get my victory. Molina gonna take a beating March 7th. Nothing personal, we can kick it on March 8th,” stated Broner.
The fighters were then asked about each other and how they will fair up against one another. “Broner will try and exchange with me, and I welcome that, that’s my style and I’m comfortable with it,” said Molina who was by far the more humble of the two (as expected). “Broner has a game plan and I have a game plan, and we will see who comes out on top March 7th,” stated the Covina native, Molina.
Broner was asked about his weight and if he saw any issues making the weight for the fight, given his history of becoming, well, husky, after a fight.
“Man everyone can say what they want about me, but I never have a problem making weight,” proclaimed a confident Broner.
When asked about his goals on becoming a champion at 140 pounds, Broner did not skip a beat. “It is extremely important and it’s a number one priority for me and I will be champion in this weight class,” said Broner.
To do so he will have to go through a hard-hitting puncher in John Molina. If you recall the last time Broner found himself across the ring from a puncher, it was against the Argentine, Marcos Maidana and that didn’t go so well. Molina was asked how he felt about the Maidana performance and if he has a similar tactic in mind.
“I’ve seen how Broner reacts to pressure and how he fights but that’s the pressure put on by other fighters, and I’m not Maidana or other fighters. The pressure I apply will be different from other fighters. We will see how he reacts to my pressure. Everyone has a plan till you get hit in the face,’’ stated Molina.
Broner was then asked why he didn’t fight Maidana again and instead is facing Molina. “I can’t wait to fight Maidana, but right now I have to focus on Molina and worry about Maidana later. This fight is big, it’s bigger than the Nutty Professor family,” stated Broner.
After Broner and Molina wrapped things up, Keith “One Time” Thurman and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero joined the call.
Questions began for Thurman regarding why he chose to fight such a tough opponent in Guerrero. “Robert’s never been stopped, and when I hear that it’s like a challenge to me to try and change that, it gives me motivation,” said Thurman.
When asked if he was worried about Guerrero’s ability to box or slug it out, Thurman was confident in his response. “I don’t want to come into the ring and be shocked. Guerrero isn’t gonna be able to surprise me, we’re preparing for everything. I’m not like Mayweather, I like diversity, I want it all; boxers, punchers, etc. I want to fight the world baby! Come one come all,” said Thurman.
Guerrero retorted by saying that Thurman had never been in with an opponent like him and was confident in his abilities to give Thurman plenty of trouble. “We’re here to fight. We’re here to give fans a treat. I have to show everyone in the world I’m gonna destroy whoever gets in my way. Thurman is taking out everyone and I’m gonna do my best to stop him,’’ said a focused Guerrero.
Given the fact that there had been speculation in the past that these two fighters would face each other, Thurman was asked if he felt Guerrero was ducking him at one point.
“Look, most ducking that happens in the world of boxing is political. Why do you think all the negotiations with Mayweather and Pacquiao get sour? I can’t hold that against any fighter because I understand that it’s a part of boxing. This fight had to take a while to work out, or else we would have never been the main event,” stated Thurman.
Guerrero was then asked about his recent long layoffs between fights, stating the change in weight classes takes a toll on the body, as well as all the hard fought battles against tough opposition. Both fighters went on to show respect to one another in saying they are ready for whatever happens on March 7th .
“However I feel I can control the fight, I’ll have it figured out in the first half of the fight. In boxing, you need seven out of 12 rounds to win a decision. That’s how Mayweather always wins, because he is the best seven round fighter. But we have options in this fight. I expect Robert to bring the dog out in me,’’ said Thurman.
Guerrero did not shy away from saying he is ready for a dog fight as well. “You know me, I’ll fight anyone. Everyone is on my radar. No one has beat him in his weight class, what better way to make a statement,’’ said a determined Guerrero.
One of the highlights of the call was a question made by Dan Rafael of ESPN, who asked Thurman about his thoughts on being elevated to the titlist in his weight class and not just the interim. The question was a surprise to Thurman who had not heard of the news, but gave a good laugh and said he was grateful.
Tune into NBC on March 7, 2015 to watch an action-packed night of fights that could arguably be on their own cards as pay-per-view bouts.
Will Molina take a page from “Chino” Maidana’s playbook and out muscle Broner? Or will Broner use his speed to outbox Molina to a win?
Can Guerrero stop the so far unstoppable Thurman? Or will One Time ghost-bust Guerrero?
Stay tuned for more updates on this and many more fights coming your way. All photo edits by Fight Gauge/RBRBoxing
