Only a few days to go before IBF Cruiserweight Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (26-1, 13 KOs) is hoping to defend his title against mandatory Troy Ross (25-2, 16 KOs) at Stechert Arena, Bamberg in Germany. Take a look at some fighter quotes, photos and other notes from the final Hernandez vs. Ross presser.
At today’s press conference promoter Kalle Sauerland promised that the bout will be fought out at the highest level. “It’s one of the best match-ups this weight division has to offer!”
IBF-mandatory challenger Troy Ross agreed, stating, “Yoan Pablo Hernandez has some great boxing abilities and a powerful punch. He seems like a nice person but my all-around game is just better than his is. Boxing is similar chess. And after I checkmate Hernandez I will be the new IBF World Cruiserweight Champion!”
Christopher Amos, the coach of 37-year-old Ross, is confident that his prodigy will take the belt of Hernandez:
“In 2010, Troy lost a fight against Steve Cunningham for the vacant IBF Title. Back then he lost the fight due to an injury to his eye. Afterwards, nobody wanted to fight him. They all feared the risk of losing against Troy. That’s why we didn’t get a second chance to fight Cunningham. That’s why I have a lot of respect for Hernandez. At least he has the guts to face Troy Ross inside the ring.”
Amos gave one bold argument why he believes Ross is going to end up being the winner: “Skills pay the bills!”
After hearing that, Hernandez seized the moment and told the gathered press that his skills are superior to Ross. “I fought some world class opposition and ended up beating them. I know that Ross has some speed as well as a mean punch. But what can I say – I am not that bad either, to say the least.”
The 27-year-old southpaw continued to speak about his preparation for the fight. “After I broke the metacarpal bone in my left hand during the fight against Steve Cunningham in February, it took some time before I was able to finally train properly again. Now, everything is all right and I got trough sparring without any problems.”
His coach Ulli Wegner seemed pretty relaxed himself before the fight. “Pablo is like Sven Ottke. Not often I have coached a fighter who can analyze and optimize his work out on the fly. He has an outstanding attitude to the sport of boxing. That’s what is going to pay the bills come Saturday night,” said the 70-year-old coach.
