Joe Smith Jr. vs Steve Geffrard press conference quotes

Joe Smith Jr. vs Steve Geffrard press conference quotes

WBO light heavyweight world champion JOE SMITH JR. met with late replacement STEVE GEFFRARD for the first time today at the official press conference ahead Smith's first WBO World Championship title defense on Saturday night (Jan. 15) at Turning Stone Resort Casino and LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Mark Shonuck kicked off the presser discussing with Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA about the mad dash that occurred after Smith Jr's original opponent, Callum Johnson tested positive for COVID-19. "It was a crazy process" said DeGuardia. "The one shining light out of it all was these two [Smith and Geffrard], because we went through literally over a dozen fighters, and guys were turning it down left and right... finally after about the eighth guy, [Smith] said listen Joe, whoever you put in there I don't care, I'm fighting, just go make a deal."

Smith spoke next, describing what it means to be making his first title defense, "I am extremely happy to be here. There was a couple of moments where I didn't think I would be here today. I can't wait for Saturday."

Finally, Geffrard took to the mic to describe his mindset going into Saturday night, "At the end of the day, I'm a fighter. Especially with an opportunity like this I am going to rise to the occasion. I keep telling myself, I am going to show the world what Steve Geffrard is all about."

 

Main Event

Joe Smith Jr.: “I can’t wait to be on ESPN this Saturday defending my world title in front of the whole world. I’m extremely happy to be here. There were a couple of moments where I thought I wasn’t going to be here. I can't wait! Thanks to everyone that made this happen.

“Since I became a world champion, the only thing that has really changed for me is that I’m holding this title, and I want to keep it that way. Geffrard has been inside the ring training with the best. I’m sure he is going to give it his all and will try to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

Steve Geffrard: “When those belts are on the line, that mental switch turns on. I know that mentally and skill-wise I can battle with the best. I have sparred with, and handled myself very well, against the best of the division. I’m a fighter, especially with an opportunity like this. I’m going to rise to the occasion. I’ll show the world who Steve Geffrard is. I was in the sauna when I got the call for this fight. I was looking forward to Smith vs. Johnson, but now I’m the one fighting for the title. It’s surreal.”

 

Undercard

Abraham Nova: “I'm excited because I’ll be fighting very close to my hometown (Albany). You guys are going to see an action-packed fighter. I’m ready to put on a great performance. I’m looking for a big win on Saturday night. I want to shine and make a statement this Saturday. I want to send a message to the featherweight division. By the end of this year, I want to be fighting for a world title. I would love to challenge Emanuel ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete for his title. For two months straight, we had a game plan for an opponent, and at the last minute, we had a change of opponent. What I have seen from my new opponent is that he is a very good fighter. He has the skills and a high ring IQ. He is an Olympian. It doesn’t matter. We have one goal, and that is to win by all means necessary.”

William Encarnacion: “I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I am thrilled about this opportunity. It has been a good preparation. I didn't even have a fight date when they called me for this opportunity, but I always keep training in the gym. I'm ready to go this Saturday.” 

 

Running Order

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Joe Smith Jr. vs. Steve Geffrard
12 rounds, Smith's WBO Light Heavyweight World Title

Abraham Nova vs. William Encarnacion
10 rounds, featherweight

 

ESPN+, 7:45 p.m. ET/4:45 p.m. PT

Omar Rosario vs. Raekwon Butler
6 rounds, junior welterweight

Jahi Tucker vs. Akeem Black
6 rounds, welterweight

Troy Isley vs. Harry Keenan Cruz Cubano
6 rounds, middleweight

Lyubomyr Pinchuk vs. Jose Mario Flores
8 rounds, heavyweight

 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

 

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