Boxer competing on the pay-per-view undercard for the Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman PBC pay-per-view event previewed their respective matchups during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, March 28th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Featured during the virtual presser were heavyweight contenders Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez and unbeaten U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr., who meet in an IBF final eliminator, plus undefeated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha, who duel in a ten-round bout, as well as Elijah Garcia and veteran super middleweight Kevin Newman II, who kick off the pay-per-view action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com. In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
FRANK SANCHEZ
“I just have to go in there and do my job. I’m gonna listen to my corner and do what I need to do. I have a great team and I know they’ll put me in position to get the victory.
“Being the first Cuban heavyweight world champion would mean everything. That’s a step that I’ve always wanted to take. The first thing I have to do is give my best on March 28. Then the door is open for me to give the Cuban people a heavyweight world champion.
“I’ve spent so much time in the gym and I won’t feel any ring rust at all. I’ll rely on my experience and the many fights I’ve had throughout my career.
“My knee is fully healed. I’m completely focused on March 28th. I have an outstanding team backing me up and that allows me to have everything I need to succeed against Richard Torrez Jr.
“Finding an opponent was a process. A lot of fighters don’t want to face me because they consider me dangerous. We went through four or five different opponents. I just remained focused and now I’m ready to seize this chance and make the most of it.
“Training with Eddy [Reynoso] is amazing. Him and the entire team treat me so well. Eddy motivates me and pushes me to go as hard as I can to go after what I want. I know he’s got my back.
RICHARD TORREZ JR.
“I can’t wait to show everyone what I have. This is definitely my toughest fight. Frank Sanchez is fast, strong and has a lot of qualities that stand out in the heavyweight division. This is a great spot for me to show who I am as a fighter and show what I can accomplish.
“I’m very proud of who I am and where I come from, but it’s not my main focus. I’m not trying to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. I just have to go out there and fight. I’m here and ready to show everything that I am.
“The best thing I do is hone in on what makes Richard Torrez, Richard Torrez. I believe that I have the best conditioning in the game. If I stay consistent and follow the game plan, I can show what I’m capable of.
“I want the hardest fights and I want to be the best. Frank is one of the better fighters in the division. He’s shown his skillset and proved himself. I want to prove myself as well. This is the best way to establish myself in the pro game.
“This fight is gonna showcase the Latin style of heavyweights. It’s not something that’s been seen too much before. I’ve got that Mexican style in me and I’m ready to showcase that tenacity and grit against someone slick like Frank. It’s gonna make an exciting clash of styles.
“Last year was a good year. We had a main event and were able to showcase our style. I’m just looking forward to continuing this process.”
YOENLI HERNANDEZ
“I’m excited for this fight and ready to give my career a great boost. I can’t wait to get in the ring on March 28.
“Every fight means a lot to me because I’m on the ascent. I want to go after the best and beat the champions in my quest to earn that title.
“The main thing for me is to feel good about my performance give the fans the show they deserve. I know what Gausha can do and the kind of veteran he is. But I’m ready to go achieve my goal of making it to the top.
“I’m not someone who’s concerned with my opponent’s record. I focus on myself. Kyrone Davis was someone who also fought at the top level and that really helped push me forward. Now I’m focused on being the best version of myself. I’m gonna put on a show. All the work has led up to this.
“I’m here to prove that I’m gonna be champion. I don’t care who’s standing in my way. I’m gonna go out there and demolish everyone.
“I’m up to fight anybody. Bring on all of the champions. I’m ready to fight anyone in the division. I’m here to show that I’m here to stay for a long long time.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
“I’m excited to be on another big card and showcase my talent against a guy like Yoenli. He’s a tough fighter and I’ve been watching him. I’m ready to do what I gotta do.
“He’s a big puncher, but he hasn’t face somebody like me yet. I’m gonna be myself. I’m gonna do what I do and give him problems. I’ve fought every style and I just have to be myself.
“He’s experienced too because of his time in the amateurs. I have to do what I do. He’s just another man with two hands. He doesn’t have anything that I haven’t seen before.
“I feel like I won my last fight. I was more active last fight than I’ve been before. I’ve gotta let my hands know and be more dominant. I’m gonna give it my all. I’ve been training hard for a fight like this.
“For me this is just another fight. This guy is a tough guy and that’s who I like to face. I don’t like to face mediocre opposition. I know he brings the fight and that’s what brings the best out of me.
“I’m also here to show that I’m here to stay. I’ve had some tough breaks, but I’m gonna turn it around on March 28.”
ELIJAH GARCIA
“Kevin is very experienced and I’m ready to put on a great performance. I’m back training with my dad and ready to perform.
“I’ve got a lot of experience under my belt and I know that you can’t underestimate anyone. I know what I’m up against. He’s tough ,experience and crafty. I don’t think I’ve ever fought anybody like Kevin. He’s different.
“I’m gonna do what I do best and fight my fight. At the end of the night I’m gonna do everything to make sure it goes my way.
“I’ve been fighting at 160 since I was 17-years-old. I grew out of middleweight, so now was the perfect time to move up. My last performance wasn’t the best, so I’m looking forward to a new challenge at 168. I’ve never backed down from a challenge.
“I’ve been here before and I’m excited to get back in the ring. A hard fight isn’t new to me. I’m there, I’m game and I’m ready every single time.
“I learned a lot of things fighting Gausha. He’s experienced and has only lost to world champions. We had a close fight and that’s how you learn. The last five, six opponents I’ve had have all been tough. That kind of experience is gonna take me to the world title when it’s time.
“Me and my dad are pretty much the same person. He can tell me something without really saying anything. We’re looking to make this weight and make this fight easy.”
KEVIN NEWMAN II
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m coming to take advantage of it. I’m gonna give the fans a great fight on March 2th8.
I bring some skills and things that Elijah hasn’t seen. I’ve been around a lot time and I’ve soaked up a lot of game. I’m always in the gym getting better.
“He’s a young hungry kid who’s trying to make a mark in the game and I respect him. I’m looking forward to a great fight.
“I’ve had this winning streak because I’ve been able to focus and lock in more. I’ve worked with Roy Jones Jr. since 2020 and he’s really added to my game. We’ve meshed together well. I’m a more complete fighter now.
“Fans can expect fireworks. I think our styles will make this is a great fight. I’m coming to put on a dominant performance and have my hand raised.
“The main thing is the mindset. I have to just go dominate. I’m in a great headspace and can’t wait until March 28th.”
