Matthysse vs. Postol Media Day!
Photo by Gene Blevins/Hogan Photos
In preparation for his October 3 battle with Lucas “La Máquina” Matthysse (37-3, 34 KOs) for the vacant WBC World Super Lightweight Championship, Viktor “The Iceman” Postol (27-0, 11 KOs) hosted a Los Angeles media workout at Wild Card Gym with his trainer Freddie Roach on Monday, Sept. 21. Co-main event fighter Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (22-0-0, 15 KOs); and fighters features on the non-televised undercard: Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (28-1-2, 16 KOs), Julian “El Camarón” Ramirez (14-0, 8 KOs), and Nick Arce (4-0, 4 KOs) also participated in the Los Angeles media workout at Wild Card Gym.
In the co-main event on Oct. 3, former three-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico will take on undefeated contender Antonio “Relentless” Orozco of San Diego, Calif. in a career defining 10-round super lightweight showdown.
Also on Oct. 3, undercard fighter and East Los Angeles legacy Julian “El Camarón” Ramirez will look to keep his undefeated record intact when he faces Mexican contender Hugo “Olímpico” Partida (20-5-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout, and Los Angeles local sensation Nick Arce is scheduled to fight in a six-round featherweight bout. In addition, former world title contender Mercito Gesta will face three-time world title challenger Martin “El Brochas” Honorio (32-9-1, 16 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico, in a classic Philippines vs. Mexico 10-round lightweight bout.
Here is what the fighters had to say at the Los Angeles media workout about their upcoming fights on Oct. 3:
VIKTOR “THE ICEMAN” POSTOL, Number One Contender for the
Vacant WBC Super Lightweight Title and Former WBC International Super Lightweight Champion:
“I am about to face the strongest, most heavy handed fighter I have ever met in the ring. That is the reason I am at the Wild Card Gym with Freddie Roach. This is my third fight with Freddie. When I first walked into the Wild Card, I was struck by the smallness of it all-then I walked around and saw the pictures of fighters and champions. These are the fighters Freddie turned into champions. I saw the blood and sweat on the two rings. I now know the history of the greatest place in the world to train.
“Freddie never changed by style of fighting. Instead he made small important changes-a movement here and there, tweaking things. He and I are together when we go into the ring Oct. 3. We are prepared to fight. We will win.”
FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Viktor Postol:
“Postol doesn’t know it yet but he’s my new favorite fighter. He works very hard in the gym, does everything we ask and he can bring it. We can win this fight. It is a tough fight but I know we can win, and Postol knows we will win.”
ANTONIO “RELENTLESS” OROZCO, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:
“It’s a blessing to be fighting on this card on Oct. 3. I’ve worked hard my entire career and I think this is the stage that we’ve been looking for, to be in the undercard of such a big event with Matthysse vs. Postol.
“Fighting Humberto Soto means doors could open for me with my career, and this is what my team and I have worked for.
“Our priority is to win, whatever I have to do to win, whatever the fight calls for, we’re willing to step up and get a win that night. I’m grateful for this opportunity; it’s been a long time coming. I hope to be victorious on Oct. 3.”
MERCITO “NO MERCY” GESTA, Former World Title Contender:
“This is a big opportunity to showcase my skills, my abilities at a big event because it will open up more opportunities for me. Of course, I have to do well in the ring that night. I’m excited and happy to be on the undercard for two of the biggest names in boxing.
“My strategy is to focus on staying on our technique for my opponent. Every opponent is different. I have changed my training focus accordingly since you need to adapt to their style. I need to focus and really follow what my team and me have been working on. Thank you to the boxing fans, particularly the Filipino fans, thanks for supporting me. I promise you an exciting fight for Oct. 3.”
JULIAN “EL CAMARÓN” RAMIREZ, Top Featherweight Prospect:
“I’m a big fan of Matthysse so I am excited to fight on this undercard on Oct. 3. I know my opponent is a brawler so I’ve been working a lot on my boxing and if I have to brawl, then that’s what I’ll do.
“I’m ready to give the fans an exciting fight. I love the fans and they like to see brawls so I’m going to go in there and try to take the guy’s head off.”
NICK ARCE, Top Featherweight Prospect:
“I feel awesome to be on this great undercard of Matthysse vs. Postol. It’s a big venue and it comes with a lot of pressure. At the same time, I don’t let that pressure get to me. I don’t let it bug me. I just stay focused on the game plan and listen to my corner and do what I do best.
“My game plan is to be smart in the ring and to focus-to be aware of everything my opponent throws and what I can come back with. I’m going to be open-minded and don’t be afraid to do work in the ring.”
Tickets for Matthysse vs. Postol are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, and on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.
Matthysse vs. Postol is a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC World Super Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box Promotions, Top Rank, Inc. and ELITE Boxing Promotion and is sponsored by Corona and Mexico – Live it To Believe It!. Doors open at 2:00pm PT and fight times will be announced soon. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins at 10:15 p.m. live ET/tape-delayed PT.