Erik Morales vs. Lucas Matthysse and Jessie Vargas vs. Josesito Lopez
[sj]GalaTView Staff
Interview & Foto cortesy: Swanson Communications
Star-Studded Fight Card Completed With Addition Of
Erik Morales vs. Lucas Matthysse and
Jessie Vargas vs. Josesito Lopez
(Left to Right) Undefeated super lightweight contender Jessie Vargas, Five Time & Three Division World Champion Erik Morales and super lightweight contender Josesito Lopez pose on August 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California at the press conference to officially announce their September 17, 2011 fights in which Morales will face Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title and Vargas will face Lopez, both of which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View as part of the “STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” mega-event taking place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo Credit: Hoganphotos/ Golden Boy Promotions
ERIK MORALES, Five-Time and Three Division World Champion
“When we were first talking about this fight, we were talking about an opponent who wasn’t easy, but not as difficult as Lucas Matthysse.
“I have seen a lot of comments on Facebook…people saying I am crazy, and I want to confirm that I am crazy. I am crazy about what I do.
“This is a sport that I participate in with a lot of love and a lot of heart. People question me, but I know that I love to fight and I want to fight. I will be ready September 17. The Mexicans can have a great party and celebrate when I am victorious.
“This is my second fight in the United States since I came back and I am going to win.
“I am very excited to be here and to be boxing again. I was away for two and a half years, but I had a lot of desire to do great things again.
“In April I had a tough fight against Marcos Maidana. A lot of reporters doubted me, but I made it very clear that I am back and can still accomplish great things.
“Everyone can see how I have advanced in the last year. Little by little I am back at the level at which I expected to be. I am very happy with where I am and where I need to be for this fight.
“I am going to do whatever I have to do to win.
“This fight is going to be for the fans and a lot of my fans will be traveling from Tijuana to Las Vegas.
“We’re going to be ready on September 17. I’ll fight for the Mexican people and be champion again.”
JESSIE VARGAS, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender
“I am definitely excited and will take full advantage of this opportunity. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be on the same card as Floyd Mayweather and Erik Morales.
“I feel that I am ready for this big stage. I had two quick knockouts in my last two fights, but the preparation was there. I was ready for 10 rounds.
“I have a new trainer and I’m very happy with the work we have put in. There will be a difference in my style for the better.
“I expect a great fight from Lopez. We could definitely steal the show. We are both coming to fight.
“Watching Floyd [Mayweather] train is something to be admired. He trains like a fighter who is just coming up. The fact that I have been able to be in the gym with him has helped me because I want to train like that. I am not as slick as him, but I have definitely added some of his tools to my belt.
“This is a great opportunity that has been given to me at 22 years of age and I’m going to take advantage of it. I will definitely come to fight.”
JOSESITO LOPEZ, #8 Rated WBC Super Lightweight Contender
“I am thrilled, ready and focused for my fight against Jesse Vargas.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent on HBO Pay Per View.
“Vargas is a good fighter, but I know that I am the better fighter with more drive. Come fight night, everyone will know it.
“Whenever you put fighters like me and Jessie in the ring, you are going to have a great fight on your hands because it will be two fighters at the top of our game getting it on.
“I have to prove once again that I am ready to be at the top of my weight class. It’s a tough position to be in, but if you are mentally strong, it can be the best position to be in.”
