Boxing is a sport where fighters often create as much fireworks outside of the ring as they do in it. The following quotes epitomize the outspoken nature of fighters. They are a collection of quotes from BoxingHerald.com's new interview archive. Enjoy.
"I want to tell [Oscar De La Hoya] that he treated me well when I was training him, but I have the better guy right now. Manny [Pacquiao] is pound for pound the best fighter in the world. Oscar likes challenges, and here is a challenge. I would never take a fight that my guy couldn't win, that's for sure. Money doesn't matter, I know Manny can win this fight!" -- Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach on why he thinks De La Hoya should fight Pacquiao – and why he thinks Pacquiao would win.
"You see guys fighting on big networks getting a lot of exposure and getting a lot of praise even though they haven't fought an undefeated fighter or had a fight where they were in a serious test. I'm not hating on them, it's just I wonder how they can get to a position like that so easily. In other sports the best always end up facing one another, but boxing isn't like that and it isn't right." -- Super middleweight Allan Green on the corruption of boxing.
"Not to be racial, but I think a lot of people are starving to see the next white American heavyweight champion. I think that would really bring boxing back, and surpass MMA right now, because they are on fire right now. I think it would be exciting to see a white American champ." -- Heavyweight Brian Minto on what he believes can revive boxing.
"The heavyweight division has been in a standstill. The [title holders] don't want to defend their titles." -- Former heavyweight champion John Ruiz on what's wrong with the heavyweight division.
"I am so happy for Sergio; he is a guy that got a lot of criticism when he turned down the Jermain Taylor fight. It seems as if he's a lot smarter than what people thought. I was real happy to see a guy like him get a title. It goes to show that you don't have to be a big puncher to win a world title. I proved that. I think guys that are not knockout punchers can do other things in the ring. I was glad to see a guy with 5 knockouts go in and take the title from a Vernon Forrest. I thought Sergio did a great job man, and it's more fitting because Vernon Forrest talked a lot of trash. To see Sergio pull off such a big win, I was really happy for him." – Welterweight Steve Forbes on his friend Sergio Mora, who won the WBA light middleweight championship on June 7.
"It all depends on how well Roy prepares himself for the fight. Roy is my son, and I stay out of his business, but I love him. If he prepares, it will take something mighty to defeat him. If he gets right before the fight, you can look for Calzaghe to go home disappointed." Roy Jones Sr. on his son, Roy Jones Jr., who meets light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe in November.
