Sebastian Fundora warns Ermal Hadribeaj that he aims to keep his knockout streak going

Sebastian Fundora vs Ermal Hadribeaj virtual press conference quotes

Fighters competing on a stacked night of action featuring WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, WBA Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and two-division champion Jermall Charlo in separate bouts previewed their matchups during a virtual press conference Thursday before the latest installment of “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN on Saturday, October 17 from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. 

The virtual presser featured Fundora and unbeaten mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj, who compete in the evening’s main event, Figueroa and former world champion Tomoki Kameda, who battle in the co-main event, plus Charlo, who squares off against Australian contender Koen Mazoudier in a super middleweight opening bout.  

The fourth installment of the acclaimed live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, this event will be broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“We’ve been working hard up in the mountains since our last fight and just getting ready for the next one. I’m ready to put on another show in Las Vegas.

“I’ve been getting smarter and wiser. Everything is lining up. The fights are showing the results of everything we’re doing in camp.

“Hadribeaj is undefeated, he’s the mandatory and he’s hungry to win. But it’s nothing we’re unfamiliar with.

“We’re always in the gym 24/7. It’s always working time. The second you step off the gas, that’s when you’re gonna start feeling it.  

“Expect the best from Fundora as always. Just like we always do. ‘The Towering Inferno’ is coming to burn down Las Vegas once again.

“We’re only focused on this fight. We know that we can’t overlook anyone. We focus on the work and take it one fight at a time.

“Hadribeaj still has that mechanism that he only knows how to win. He’s protecting that 0. But I’ve taken 0’s before. I’m on a three-fight knockout streak and we intend to keep that going.”

ERMAL HADRIBEAJ

“They call me the Albanian Sniper. I’m new to these big fights, but I’ve worked my way to this position. I’m feeling great. We’re getting ready for war. Fundora is a warrior as well and he likes blood. I can’t wait.

“This fight means that I can become the first Albanian world champion. That’s really important to me and my team.

“Everyone thinks to go to the body against his height. But that’s what everyone has tried. It’s not about bringing something new, it’s about working on specific things that will work. It will be a struggle for both of us. It’s gonna be a hard fight for each of us.

“The way that I came to this moment will help me when the fight finally starts. I got here because I worked for it. I went step by step. The pressure is already gone by now.

“This fight means a lot to me. There are a lot of fighters who want to be in my position. So I’m very grateful. Now it’s not a dream anymore, I’m living it. I’ve been stepping in silence. I’ve just kept working to make it to this point.

“I’m very excited to fight someone like Fundora who is a great guy. I actually met him three years ago, and now here we are fighting for the title.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I came out here to L.A. for a reason. I wanted to make sure that winning is inevitable. I worked my butt off and I’m gonna keep doing so. I love boxing because you can always reinvent yourself and come out stronger. On October 17 I’m going to demonstrate why I’m the best 126-pounder in the world.

“I’ve been training here in L.A. for three months now and I’m ready to defend my title on October 17. I can’t wait to get back in the ring and showcase my skills again.

“I always come to fight. I prepare myself 110% and always give my all in the ring. Now with Manny Robles guiding me and honing my skills I’ve shown that I can keep improving with every fight. That’s what I want to keep on doing.

“Come October 17 I’m gonna stamp why I’m the best 126-pounder in the world. I’m ready to fight whoever. I want to fight the best. It’s not just about the belts, it’s about fighting the big names. That’s most important to me.

“Japanese and Mexican fighters always make a great fight. They’re going to try to implement their strategy, but I’ve seen it all. I feel like I’m a young veteran in this sport. I’m excited to get in there and mix it up.

“I’m preparing myself like I’m fighting Nick Ball again. Whether I’m the challenger or not, I’m coming with everything. I know fight fans are gonna fall in love with my style again and again, because I’m never in a boring fight.

“Manny Robles has a lot of experience and I learn from him and his team every day. After the loss to Fulton I said that I wanted to make some changes. I want to be one of the best fighters on the planet. I feel like Manny and I are just getting started.”

TOMOKI KAMEDA

“I’m really happy here training in Mexico. We’re going to be ready to roll and give fans a great fight on October 17.

“My experience speaks for itself. I have a lot of experience and October 17 is going to be no different than what I’ve shown throughout my career. I’m stepping into the ring to become world champion once again.

“The Kameda family has a long and storied history in boxing. Now it’s about expanding that legacy and winning another world title. That’s what’s motivated me and has me ready to go on October 17.

“I was initially training in Japan and then we came to Mexico six weeks ago. We’ll head to Las Vegas a week before the fight and be ready to go on October 17. I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“My last fight was very close and very tight for sure. But right now I just want to turn the page and focus on October 17. I have a great opportunity in front of me to become world champion again.”

JERMALL CHARLO

“I’m staying strong and staying motivated. It’s been a long camp for me. This is my second time fighting at the Cosmo and I’m ready to get it going. Fighting in Las Vegas is just like fighting at home for me.

“I’m making a statement. If he makes a wrong move, then I’m gonna send him back to Australia on his back.

“There’s nothing he can do about what’s coming. He has to come here and prove me wrong. I haven’t let you down yet. I’m undefeated and I’m looking to get a title in a third weight class.

“I’ve seen just about every style throughout my career. I’m not overlooking him, but he’s gonna have to show me something I haven’t seen before.

“The other fighters in the division know who I am and they know what I possess. It’s just a matter of getting those guys in the ring to make history. That’s what I’m here for.

“Ronnie Shields always keeps me poised. He’s not just my coach, he’s like a teacher. He’s a father-figure for me. He’s legendary and he’s teaching me how to be legendary.

“I’m hungry for more activity. It’s just one of those things. I’m taking things slowly but surely. I’m here and I’m ready.

“I’m more focused now. With experience and age comes power. Fans are gonna see that. I’m staying focused and staying grounded.”