Thursday’s final press conference for the Showtime Championship Boxing broadcast scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio, Texas featured unbeaten interim WBA lightweight title holder Rolando “Rolly” Romero and late repacement Anthony Yigit of Sweden, who will box each other in the co-feature.
ROLANDO ROMERO: “I’m going to stop him in the first round on Saturday. I’m confident in what I say and what I’ll do in the ring. I love fighting lefties. I prepared to face a southpaw first in Austin Dulay anyway. This camp has been amazing. I can’t even talk about all the times I’ve stopped people in camp. Like every single time I fight, make sure you show up on time. If you show up late, you’re going to miss a knockout.
“I’m just a different fighter from these other lightweights. You can’t prepare for me because I’m awkward. No one has ever seen my style before, plus I have power.
“I’m just happy Yigit stepped up and took this fight. I’m used to people not taking fights with me. I can’t knock him on that.
“I said I like fighting southpaws because they’re easier to hit, simple as that. Look at what I do to southpaws. I didn’t have to change my preparation at all with the change in opponent. A southpaw is a southpaw, it’s not like he’s Manny Pacquiao.”
ANTHONY YIGIT
“I’m not worried about my layoff from the ring [inactive since June 2019]. I’m always training and making sure that I’m in shape and ready for fights like these.
“I fought for the world title once, so I know that people are going to try to bring me in last minute with my experience and try to catch me off-guard. I was already prepared for war, so everything worked out as planned.
“If anything, 135 pounds is my real weight class. In Europe I’ve done quite well at 140, so I didn’t feel like I needed to come down. When I fought for the title I realized 140 may be too big for me. I’m highly ranked at 140 pounds, so that’s just where I’ve been getting the best opportunities. Now I’m here, making my move to the States and there’s no better time for me to announce my presence.
“Fans can expect a great fight Saturday. I’m going to get the win by any means. That’s why I’m here. I understand his confidence. We’re both here to win. This is the perfect co-main event to get people warmed up for the main event.”
