Nikita Tszyu and Ben Mahoney shared their final words at the official final press conference on the Gold Coast on Monday, two days out from their IBF super welterweight world title eliminator headlining Wednesday night’s No Limit Boxing event on Main Event and Kayo Sports.
The winner of Wednesday’s clash moves into position for a direct shot at IBF champion Josh Kelly.
Meanwhile, Callum “50 Cal” Peters returns to the ring just a month on from his last outing, stepping up against a highly ranked and experienced opponent. The Adelaide-boy says he’s not interested in slowing down, insisting fighting often is exactly how he plans to climb to the top of the sport.
Also on the card, Koen Mazoudier is fighting to keep his shot at former two-division world champion Jermall Charlo alive, after their scheduled Sydney showdown fell through last month when Charlo pulled out. Mazoudier says he’s not looking past Sam Beck, but has made no secret of his frustration at Charlo for the fight collapsing in the first place.
Here is what Tszyu, Mahoney and some of the fighters had to say at Monday’s press conference:
NIKITA TSZYU
“I think being away from home is my advantage, I like to separate myself from my family. It’s a ritual that strengthens me, that distance from the comfortable and the love, it fuels something inside of me and brings out a certain kind of energy that I can’t have when there’s a lot of love and femininity around me.”
“This last week, I’ve been sitting in the hotel room in the silence… just mentally preparing myself. We’re about to step into a ring and try to punch the living hell out of each other. There’s no love in this sport, it’s a crazy way to make a living.”
BEN MAHONEY
“It’s amazing to fight here on the Gold Coast, this is where I was born and raised and to be able to sleep in my own bed the morning of the fight means the most and I know I’m gonna have a massive rally here.”
“I think for the mainstream media and people that watch boxing on Main Event and sit in front of their teles, Nikita is definitely the favourite. You look at the betting odds, it says it… but I think for the people who are in the industry and know who I am and have seen me come through, I’m the people’s favourite.”
“This is why we do this thing, we train from a young age and put our life on hold and we dedicate everything to this, so we can get opportunities like this.”
“People talk about ‘why are these boys risking it’ but why wouldn’t we? We’ve got an eliminator and the chance to go on and fight for the ultimate gold.”
“I live for this, it’s nothing against Nikita and it’s nothing personal, but this is my chance to go forward and complete my dream.”
“We’re in the wrong sport if you don’t believe in yourself.”
GEORGE ROSE, NO LIMIT BOXING CEO
“Nikita Tszyu has been an absolute superstar ever since he came onto the scene and loves fighting an undefeated opponent.”
“He seems to choose the hardest possible route that he can and that’s what he’s done so far in his professional career. He’s the most entertaining guy that we’ve got here and he’s a scary fighter for myself because he puts it all on the line.”
“Every time you watch ‘The Butcher’ you see something new from him and depending on who his opponent is, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
“Nikita Tszyu is a guy who I believe is right on the brink of global stardom and he’s a guy who has got more personality than we see in most people, you never know what you’re gonna hear from him in a press conference. They have risked their careers by taking this fight. They’re putting it all on the line to go on to become a world title challenger.”
CALLUM “50 CAL” PETERS
“We’re definitely going to put on an amazing fight. As a country boy he’s hard, he throws some great combinations. Me, I like to get in there and have a rumble. I’m a nice guy out of the ring, but in the ring we’re going to have some fun.”
“I know Blake’s going to put on a mad show, it’s going to be a hard fight, and they’re the ones you learn from. Everyone talks about the risk you take, but if you’re not taking any risks you’re not evolving, you’re not trying to get to the best. I know Blake’s that next step for me to get to the very top.”
“You’ve got nice eyes, Blake. Let’s have some fun, brother. Let’s go. I look forward to it.”
KOEN MAZOUDIER
No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose confirmed Mazoudier will get his shot at former two-division world champion Jermall Charlo, provided he gets past Sam Beck on Wednesday night.
“Should he get through this fight he will fight Jermall Charlo in his next bout,” Rose said.
“He’s got a lot on the line here. Not only does he have a tough opponent, but if he wins he gets that massive fight against a global superstar. We are now in the final stages of locking away that fight.”
Mazoudier says there is only one fighter on his mind.
“I’m looking straight at Sam Beck. I’m not worrying about anyone else.”
“Charlo’s a dog for not getting here in the first place, I think it was his fault it didn’t go ahead. But it is what it is.”
“He was talking about having the best camp he’d ever had, meanwhile getting done for DUIs and getting arrested. How good can your camp be? Doesn’t sound like a real serious athlete to me.”
