(Photos by Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)
Undefeated Jaron “Boots” Ennis from Philadelphia, PA and top contender Roiman Villa of Rosario, Venezuela went face-to-face at Thursday’s final press conference before they battle it out for Ennis’ Interim IBF Welterweight Title this Saturday, July 8 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
JARON ENNIS
“I’m ready and excited to get in there. I can’t wait. He comes forward and that’s what I like. I’m gonna show him my skills and everything I can do. We’re gonna show him why I’m one of the best fighters in the world.
“We’re going to have fun and do what I always do. We’ll be smart and let him come to us. I can’t go looking for the knockout, that’s when you don’t get it. We’re gonna put on a beautiful show for the fans and give them some fireworks.
“A victory over Villa keeps me going toward my goal. A lot of people say that he’s a power-puncher, but we’ll see on Saturday night. I’m coming to make a big statement and get a stoppage.
“I’m ready for anybody. But right now, we have business to take care of. I’m focused on Roiman Villa and then we’ll worry about what’s next.
“Going the distance in my last fight didn’t put any pressure on me leading up to this one. Everyone fell for the trap. I wanted guys to want to fight me. I had been scaring everyone off.
“Villa is gonna be right there in front of me not moving his head. He’s a good fighter, but he’s throwing wild hooks. He’s gonna have a long night.
“It’s the ‘Boots’ Ennis show now. I’m gonna go out there and have fun. I’m gonna set up the knockout and be sharp and box beautifully.”
ROIMAN VILLA
“When you get an opportunity to fight a world class fighter like Ennis, you have to take that chance. It’s my duty to go after the toughest challenges and take advantage of opportunities like this. I’m not afraid of anybody.
“You may think the winner of this fight will be the most prepared or the one with the best technique, but I believe that it’s already decided. I put my faith in that and that’s why I’m so confident. I’m here for a reason and I’m gonna come out on top Saturday.
“I’ve had five months of preparation for this fight. Regardless of all of that, my faith is all I need. I’ve got power, but with my faith in the right place, everything will go the way we’ve planned.
“I’m not worried about a prediction. We can say whatever we want up here. I just have to do my talking in the ring on Saturday night.
“When I fought Rashidi Ellis, I was over the moon with the result and now I’m here for another challenge. If I win on Saturday, I’m ready for everybody. It doesn’t matter who comes next.
“I’m not about to say anything as far as a prediction. Because I’m gonna stay humble and take care of what I can on Saturday.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com. The Ennis vs. Villa fight is promoted in association with D&D Boxing and Sampson Boxing.
