Ted Cheeseman plans to fight fire with fire against Sergio Garcia
Bermondsey banger Ted Cheeseman (15-0, 9KOs) steps up to European level tonight against EBU super-welterweight champion Sergio Garcia (28-0 13KOs) at The O2 Arena in Greenwich.
IT's the first big fight of the year on these shores and below are the final press conference quotes from promoter Eddie Hearn, the main event and all undercard boxers.
Eddie Hearn:
"I feel a real transition now in British boxing. I've said it before, the older guard are starting to come to the end of some of their careers. We saw David Haye step away from the sport, Tony Bellew and so many other great Saturday night headliners are close to being in those final phases of their careers.
"Now, you have the young lions at The O2. We want to give them the big platform and opportunities to shine. There's so much pressure for the boys on this top table. I love the pressure that's involved. I can't believe we're only two days away from Jake Ball vs. Craig Richards, it feels like we've been waiting for this fight for two years. Everybody wants to get on and get to the next level. The loser of that fight is out of the picture. Young Felix Cash in against Rasheed Abolaji for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title. He has to win and look good doing it.
"Garcia vs. Cheeseman is a great fight and I think it's a 50-50 fight. On paper, Garcia has much more pedigree and experience that Ted. But he's stepping up and I love the fact that we've got a local boy headlining his first card at The O2."
Sergio Garcia – Torrelavega, Spain – 28-0, 13 KO's – defending the EBU European Super-Welterweight title against Ted Cheeseman:
"I'm happy to be here for this fight and for the show that we're going to put on. It's a really big showcase and I'm sure that I can put the best of myself out there.
"To be honest, I like being the away fighter. All of the pressure is on the home fighter. I've just come here to show what I've got and to put in a good performance.
"If he wins, he will have deserved it. If I win, I will have been better than him. There won't be any excuses from me. I'm 100% fit and feeling ready."
Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, London – 15-0, 9 KO's – challenging Sergio Garciafor the the EBU European Super-Welterweight title:
“These are the tests that I want. This is the right test for me at the right time. I'm heading a show at The O2 and I’m only 23. I didn’t expect to be at this level so quickly. I'm excited to get in there and get the win.
“I don’t feel nervous. I’m fully confident of winning and performing. The only pressure that’s on me is I need to put in a big performance. I’ve got to this level and I want to stay here and go higher. There’s bigger and better things to come.
“These type of fights push you to the next level. Things are coming off in the gym and I’m looking very sharp. If he comes to fight we’ll meet in the middle and clash. It's going to be exciting for the fans to watch."
Lawrence Okolie – Hackney, London – 10-0, 7 KO's – defending his WBA Continental Cruiserweight title against Tamas Lodi:
“It’s amazing to be on a card with so many great fighters. For me now it's all about putting into practice what I do in training in fights. I need to be a bit more relaxed and be myself more in fights. I need to progress fight by fight.
“The pressure is on me to put in some big performances. I'm used to pressure though, within my ten fights I’ve headlined two shows. This is normal, you just do what you do. I said when I turned pro I don’t want to waste time boxing lots of journeyman, this Saturday I have to because people in Britain are better at talking that fighting. I'll get the win and push on to big fight."
Jake Ball – Surrey, England – 12-1, 9 KO's – fighting Craig Richards for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:
“It’s plain and simple. All the talking is done now. Roll on fight night, let's rock and roll. Ive been through those hard fights, dug deep and gone into the trenches to get the win. Come fight night Craig is going to be shown his level. There’s levels to the game and I'll show Craig he's not on my level. Craig Richards is getting knocked out."
Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, London – 13-1, 7 KO's – fighting Jake Ball for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:
"First of all I'd like to thank everyone for coming out. I want to say happy birthday to Peter Sims as well. It's been a tremendous camp. We moved over to the Matchroom Gym with Tony and we've been working with the boys. We're over there working hard. Development has been great and I've been looking forward to this fight for a very long time.
"Everyone is in for a thriller on Saturday night. I've trained very hard and I want it bad – he wants it bad. We've got two days left, I'm just hoping Jack's still alright and turns up on the night."
Felix Cash – Wokingham, England – 10-0, 6 KO's – fighting Rasheed Abolaji for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title:
“This is my first 12 round fight. I did 10 rounds last time. I'm looking forward to getting in there and showing everyone what I'm all about. He mentioned the judges and they definitely won't be needed on Saturday."
"He's tough, I expect him to be tough for a few rounds but there’s levels in this sport and I’m levels above this guy. I need to show him that and that’s what I intend to do. I'm looking forward to getting in there and doing a job on him."
Rasheed Abolaji – Lagos, Nigeria – 11-4-1, 6 KO's – fighting Felix Cash for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title:
“I am set for the fight. I was here in 2017, I fought against Sam Sheedy, I believe I won. The judges felt otherwise. So on Saturday I'm not going to leave it in their hands."
John Docherty – Montrose, Scotland – 2-0, 2 KO's – fighting Prezemyslaw Binienda in a four round Super-Middleweight contest:
“I’m looking for the KO. I’m looking forward to being on a big bill on the undercard of my gym mate Ted Cheeseman. I’m lookin a great night and hopefully getting another knockout. They’ve all got titles in my gym and it gives me motivation. I just want to have a title fight. I’ve only had two fights and I’m looking forward to the future. Hopefully I’ll have a title soon.”
Fabio Wardley – Ipswich, England – 5-0, 4 KO's – fighting Morgan Dessaux six round Heavyweight contest:
“It’s nice to have back-to-back fights at The O2. It’s a great venue and it’s great to be on the same card as so many up and coming fighters. I’m looking forward to getting out there again and just showing everyone more of my skills and what I’m about. I’m letting people know that I’m here and I’m ready to make an impact on the Heavyweight division. After a few more fights I'll be aiming for titles and I'm ready to go.
"There's no names in particular that I'm hunting right now, I'm very focused on myself and my own personal development. The Souther Area and the English titles before the end of the year would be nice."
Dano Zaxo – Hammersmith, London – 3-0, 2 KO's – fighting Bartosz Barczynski in a four round Cruiserweight contest:
“We got the call and we jumped at the chance. This is going to be a big one for me, it’s my first big show a lot of people coming along to watch me. They’re going to be excited to see what I’ve got for them. It’s a pleasure to be part of the show, thanks for the opportunity.”