SAUL “CANELO” ALVAREZ AND MATTHEW “MAGIC” HATTON MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT
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*Please note this file expires on March 2
Monica Sears
I first want to thank everyone for taking the time off to get on the call with Saúl Álvarez and Matthew Hatton. We’re excited about the upcoming bout on March 5th. I would like to introduce the President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De la Hoya, to introduce both our fighters.
Oscar de la Hoya
Thank you very much, Monica. As you all know, we will be staging a terrific night of fights, March 5th, live on HBO from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The HBO telecast will begin at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets are priced from $200, all the way down to $25. We will also be showcasing the co-main event, which will be on TV, Daniel Ponce de León versus Adrien Broner. That will be ten rounds of junior lightweight fight for the vacant WBO intercontinental title. This event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, DeWalt Tools, and the very tasty, very good Tres Generaciones Tequila.
As we all know, the two participants in the main event, which is Matthew “Magic” Hatton and Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, are preparing for a war. We feel obviously styles make fights. This is, for both fighters, the next step for stardom in the world of boxing. Both fighters are prepared, obviously, to go the distance. Both fighters are preparing to fight a very tough fight in front of a great crowd on March 5th.
First off, I would like to take this opportunity to present to you a fighter that obviously needs no introduction. He is the European champion. His last two fights, he did defend his belt against Yuriy Nuzhnenko and Robert Belge. Both fighters actually had a combined record of 55-1, but obviously, it goes to show you that this young man means serious business and is willing to take any steps necessary to get to that world title.
Obviously, he knows that a win against a fighter like Álvarez will take him closer to that big-time stage-that world championship stage. He is a young veteran of ten years in the professional game. As we all know, he is the younger brother of Ricky “The Hit Man” Hatton, who Matthew for the past year, has been making a name for himself. He has gotten out of that shadow of his brother and is now making a big statement and winning these big fights. We’re very privileged in having him over here in the States.
With a record of 41-4 with 16 knockouts, of Manchester, England, I’d like to present to you Matthew “The Magic Man” Hatton.
Matthew Hatton
Yes. I’m looking forward to the fight. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me. It’s a fight that I thought was coming around. It’s a fight that’s been mentioned to me a couple of times in the past. It’s a fight I’ve always been up for. It’s not happened in the past, but finally, we can get it on now. Yes, looking forward to it. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve got a lot of respect for Saúl. He’s an excellent, young fighter. I’m preparing for a hard fight. That’s what I’m expecting … as a fighter going to, full of confidence.
Oscar de la Hoya
Thank you very much, Matthew. Also, I would like to add that tickets are going fast. We expect a pure sellout, come March 5th. It goes to show you the popularity of both fighters. Down in England and in Europe, Matthew is creating that buzz, the way his brother Ricky did. So, we feel, March 5th, we will have a split crowd down the middle with all the fans coming down from Europe and coming down from a greater California area and Mexico to come and support Saúl Álvarez.
Next, a fighter I would like to introduce to you, obviously, in Mexico, he needs no introduction. In many parts of the United States and in the world, he needs no introduction. They call him “El Canelo,” which is cinnamon in Spanish because of his looks, his personality, his charisma. He’s only 20 years old-just turned 20 years old. He’s unbeaten in 36 fights. He does hail from Guadalajara, Mexico.
Just to explain to you the popularity of this young fighter, I’ve been down with him in Mexico many times. He does have that rock star-like following from the grandmothers to the teenagers. It is truly incredible. I haven’t seen something like that, obviously, since I’ve been fighting. The audience that he can bring, the audience that he can captivate when he fights truly has no boundaries. This fighter is not only charismatic and is a good looking kid, but he can fight. I’ve been witness to that, up close and personal. We feel that Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez can be the biggest thing that has hailed from Mexico inside that square circle.
He has been named the ESPN.com’s Prospect of the Year with his five wins he had in 2010, including the win over Brian Camechis who obviously we all know. Many fighters went the distance with Brian Camechis. Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez was able to knock him out impressively in a sell-out crowd in Guadalajara. He has wins over Luciano Cuello and José Miguel Cotto and an impressive, knockout win against Carlos Baldomir here at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
He’s the current, WBC Super Welterweight Silver Champion. He will be making his debut as the main event on a major card here in the United States on HBO, which he’s obviously thrilled about. He does have a record of 35-0 with 26 knockouts, from Guadalajara, Mexico, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez.
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez
I am very happy. I am excited about the fight and ready to get it on.
Q
My first question, Oscar, this is for you. I had seen a note the other day from Golden Boy about the fact that you were pursuing a sanction from the WBC to have “Canelo” fight with Matthew to be … the vacant, 154-pound title. Can you tell me if you’ve received a response from them and if that’s the case?
Oscar de la Hoya
Well, we haven’t received a response. I believe the WBC will be issuing a response shortly, but obviously, we’ve made the push for the title, but we just don’t know what is going to happen. We’re moving forward, obviously with having this fight as a 12-round fight. Hopefully, we can get some news shortly on whether it will be for the title, or if it’s not going to be for the title.
Q
Matthew, you fought in the United States a bunch of times on the cards when your brother fought. I’m wondering what it’s like for you now to be coming to America to be out of the shadow, if you will. Ricky is not boxing at the moment. You’re the main event on a big card in the United States. How do you feel about that? Then, your thoughts about now becoming more recognized for your own accomplishments rather than just being the kid brother of Ricky.
Matthew Hatton
Yes. It’s obviously a fantastic opportunity. Like you say, I’ve boxed in America quite a few times before. So, I’m very fortunate to have gathered that experience, but yes, to be top of the billing in me own right in such a big fight is something that I’ve always been looking forward to. I always had confidence in me ability where these opportunities would come my way, but yes, being top of the billing in me own right now, I’m looking forward to it. I’m very excited about it. I think it’s going to be a great fight. It’s a fight I’m going to full of confidence, can’t wait for it, but yes, I am enjoying my moment in the spotlight, so to speak. I think it is overdue because I think it has taken me a while to produce me best form, but I really am in the best form in me career so far. I think this fight is coming at the right time for me and being lucky enough to have boxed on these fantastic bills before stands me in good stead for this fight, I believe.
Q
How familiar are you with “Canelo”? What we’ve seen of him, he has shown excellent, punching power, like when he knocked out Baldomir basically with one shot. What are your thoughts about that because you were moving up a little bit in weight, I guess. I think the weight for this fight, if I’m not mistaken, is 150 pounds-if maybe Oscar could address that also.
Matthew Hatton
Yes, that’s right, 150 pounds, but I’m quite old school really in a lot of me fights where this is a fantastic fight. I knew this fight has been coming for some time. I’m not going to let a few pounds get in the way of a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve seen a lot of Saúl’s recent fights. I’ve been very impressed. He’s an excellent, young fighter. The knockout with Baldomir was very impressive, but looking at Saúl’s last couple of opponents, I think they’ve been 39 and 38, respectively. So, even though I’ve got a lot of respect for those two fighters, both former world champions, I don’t think those two fighters bring the drive and desire that I bring to the arena on the fifth of March. Like I said before, I know it’s a hard, tough fight, but there’s no doubt in my mind that I will be victorious in this fight.
Q
Saul, most folks that have seen-at least in the United States-that saw you in your last fight, it was that spectacular knockout against Baldomir. I know you fought once since then against Lovemore N’dou. Do you think that you can unleash that kind of punching power against Matthew Hatton and score another one of those sort of spectacular knockouts and get everybody talking about-or have everybody continue to talk about you the way that they have been?
Saúl Alvarez
I don’t like to predict knockouts. I don’t look for the knockouts. They come naturally. It’s going to be a tough fight. I’m going to be ready to box 12 rounds.
Q
Saúl, there’s three weeks left in the fight. When will you be coming to L.A.? Are you going to finish your preparation here?
The second question is for Oscar. Oscar, do you think you’re putting pressure on both fighters because you’re requesting a world title, the WBC world title?
Saúl Alvarez
I’m having a great camp. I’m getting ready here in Guadalajara. I plan to be here up to a week before the fight. A week before the fight, I’ll be in Los Angeles and finish off my preparation, but I’m feeling really good.
Oscar de la Hoya
Looking for that world title after this fight, it all depends on the outcome because you cannot predict any fights in this game, especially when you’re up against tough fighters like Matthew and like “Canelo.” I mean, you have to take it one fight at a time. When you’re fighting on HBO, and you’re fighting in a serious fight, you can’t look ahead. There’s no planning ahead for a world title. Obviously, the plans are, yes, to fight for that world title and fight for it soon, but you just never know what’s going to happen come March 5th.
Q
A question for Oscar, and then, maybe Matthew would comment after it. “Canelo” obviously is a young boxer who’s had a lot of fights in a short space of time. Matthew’s taken it perhaps a little bit more steady, but he’s more mature. Can maturity maybe be a dangerous factor in this fight for “Canelo” because Matthew perhaps is a little bit more ring-wise?
Oscar de la Hoya
Absolutely. I mean, you obviously bring a good point. When making this fight, you obviously don’t think about either fighter winning. You think about staging a good fight. Styles make fights. Obviously, experience also comes into play. We have a lot of confidence in Saúl, but there’s also a lot of confidence in Matthew Hatton. This is one of those fights where you just don’t know who’s going to win. Preparation comes into play. Experience comes into play, the speed, the power, the intelligence-everything comes into play in these types of fights. This is what the sport is all about is making these types of fights happen for the ….
Q
Matthew, just so you’d like to comment? I know I’ve asked you that before on Hatton TV, but you do feel that maybe your extra maturity might be a factor, don’t you?
Matthew Hatton
Yes. From what I’ve seen, Saúl’s an excellent fighter, but I think in his fights so far, he’s had a lot of things his own way. That’s full credit to him because he’s been a level of opposition really, but I think there is part of him- I’ve had fights in my career in the past where I’ve had to dig deep and come through rough patches in fights. I don’t think he’s had those experiences yet so far. That’s a credit to him because, like I’ve just said, he’s been a level above the opposition he’s been facing, but believe you me, in this fight, it’s going to be a real hard, tough fight. There’s going to be some real, hard parts in this fight for both of us. I do believe I have experienced those situations before. Yes, I do think that will stand me in good stead for this fight.
Q
Just a quick follow-up for Oscar about Matthew, if you could. Obviously, you’ve seen Matthew on Ricky’s under class for quite a few years in the past now. How impressed have you been with the way Matthew has progressed in that time?
Oscar de la Hoya
It’s very impressive how Matthew has been able to progress in his career. Every single fight, he’s learning; he’s growing. He’s learning that the game of boxing is not all about brute strength. He’s thinking; he’s combining more-his punches. It’s very impressive, especially to have an older brother like Ricky who has been in the limelight for so many years. For Matthew to break out of that shadow is also very impressive because it can be very difficult when you have an older brother who is in the limelight and who is the main event all the time. It shows you the character; it shows you the discipline and the patience that Matthew has had. He knows this is his moment; this is his time. I’m sure he’s going to perform at his best, come March 5th.
Q
The WBC had just announced that the fight will be for the WBC title and I wanted to see how Saúl felt about it. The same question goes to Matthew.
Eric Gomez
Obviously, at Golden Boy Promotions, we have no confirmation of this. We’re just going by what he’s saying.
Saúl Alvarez
You know what? Wow, that’s great news. I wasn’t expecting it. I’m very happy. I’m very motivated now. This is going to be my first, world title, WBC world title. I want to take advantage of it. I’ll be ready, but this is more motivation for me.
Matthew Hatton
Oh, that’s fantastic news. Obviously, every kid who first laces on the boxing gloves, their ambition is to become a world champion, so that news is absolutely fantastic to me. I was so motivated for this fight anyway, getting the chance to perform again in the United States against a highly touted fighter in Saúl Álvarez. I think he’s the level I’m at now. I’m definitely a world class fighter. I’ve been dominating at European level over the next 12 months, so a world title is what I was looking at. So, that is absolutely fantastic news.
Again, it just makes me even more motivated to come over and win this fight. For me, childhood dream of becoming a world champion, so I’m so excited about it. I’m in great shape already. I wish the fight was next week. I wish I was getting on the plane tomorrow. So, that’s fantastic news.
Q
Matthew, are you surprised because the WBC gives you the opportunity to fight for the 154, and you are in the 147? Are you surprised with this opportunity?
Matthew Hatton
No. You never know what’s going to happen in boxing where you can’t predict it. After the progress I’ve been making lately, I feel ready for the world title opportunity. When this fight was mentioned with that with Saúl, obviously he’s a great fighter and a great opportunity. I’m a big welterweight. So, yes, obviously, it’s fantastic opportunity for me, stepping up-I don’t see the step up in weight being a problem. I was ranked at number five and I know that Saúl is ranked number one by the WBC. So, when he accepted the fight, the fight was a light, middleweight fight, so obviously, Saúl’s the number once contender, so rightly deserves his shot. I think I’m more than-I think my credential speak for themselves really. I am in a position to not just fight for the WBC title, but to win it.
Oscar de la Hoya
I am not surprised. I am not surprised that the WBC finally approved this. Saúl’s been number one for a while. He’s defended his silver belt a few times and that he’s well deserving.
Angulo’s right behind him. Angulo obviously, right now, has some sort of visa problems. We’re not sure exactly what the details are. They’ve been announcing that Margarito-I believe he’s ranked number three or four-he’s going to be fighting Cotto in a rematch and challenging for the WBA title. So, this is well-deserved for both fighters. They deserve it. They’re top fighters. They’re world class fighters. It’s going to be a great fight.
Q
Oscar, Saúl mentioned that he wants to fight a big fight, some big name fighters this year. Do you think he’s ready, the likes of Mayweather, Pacquiao, something like that?
Oscar de la Hoya
Well, we can’t get too ahead of ourselves. He’s got a tough fight, coming up with Matthew. You can’t plan too far ahead. He’s a good fighter. He’s a very, very good prospect. He’s fighting for his first world title now. It’s the vacant world title. We’re going to take it by steps. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens and how he progresses, but we can’t plan too far ahead because Matthew is going to be a very tough fighter. It’s going to be a very tough fight. He’s got a lot of experience. He’s going to come to fight. He’s just a hungry as Saúl to win that world title.
Q
Oscar, is there any updates with Juan Manuel Márquez? How are things going with Márquez”
Oscar de la Hoya
Look, he’s a great champion. We’re going to be getting together with him in the next couple of weeks and discuss his future.
Q
Saúl, now, with the confirmation of the title, what do you think of Matthew as an opponent? What do you think of him as your rival for this fight?
Saúl Alvarez
Look, he’s a very good fighter. I’ve watched tapes of him. I’ve been watching him. He’s very strong. He knows how to box. He punches very good. It’s going to be a tough fight, but I’m motivated. I was motivated to fight him. Now, with the confirmation of the title, it’s going to give me more motivation. I’m going to be ready for the fight.
Q
Matthew, I was wondering, from what you’ve seen of Saúl, what do you think of his popularity in Mexico? Does it approach the kind of popularity that your brother had in Manchester?
Matthew Hatton
Yes, I was just going to say that. I see a lot of similarities really between Saúl and Ricky. Obviously, the fan base he’s got in Mexico is fantastic, like Ricky was over here in England. I think that speaks volumes, what a good fighter he is. He’s obviously a very entertaining and exciting fighter. He’s obviously a very nice guy and humble guy that’s why he’s got such a good following. So yes, there’s a lot of similarities there. Obviously, he is very popular in Mexico. So, fair play to him. He’s obviously an outstanding fighter, but more importantly, a nice guy out of the ring. I think that’s why people get behind him. I hope everyone doesn’t get too upset when I bet him on the fifth of March.
Q
Do you feel like you’re walking into his backyard?
Matthew Hatton
Yes, I do, but that’s not something that I will lose any sleep over, to be honest. I’m an experienced fighter. To have good support is always nice. When I box home in England, they always get fantastic support. That’s always nice, but at the end of the day, when that bell rings, when you’re in the ring, and everyone else gets out of the ring, and it’s just the two fighters left in there. So, even though it’s nice to have good support, those supporters can’t get in the ring and help him on the night.
Q
How many people do you think from Britain will follow you to see you fight in Anaheim?
Matthew Hatton
I’m not too sure, to be honest, because I’ve just been concentrating on my training really. I let me team and everything like that deal with the outside, obviously. With the fight now being confirmed as being a world title fight, I’m hoping people will make the trip over and get behind me.
Q
No re-creation of songs or the band or anything, I guess, huh?
Matthew Hatton
Yes, you never know. I mean, it’s a little bit late notice for people really. Times are hard, all around the world really. I think if we’d had a little bit more notice, there would have been more Brits traveling over, but I still expect a fair amount of Brits making the trip over and getting behind me.
Eric Gomez
Just want to make a confirmation. Yes, we just got a phone call from Richard Schaefer. It is official. Mauricio Sulaiman called Richard Schaefer and said that this fight will be for the WBC world title. We have confirmation now, officially, from the WBC.
Q
Saúl, are you ready for the big league fighters? Do you feel that you’re capable of fighting against the big name fighters in boxing and the top guys in your division?
Saúl Alvarez
Yes. Yes, I’m ready. This is a tough fight. I do think I’m going to win this fight, but it’s going to be a tough fight. I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, but yes, I’ve always said that, all along, that I’m ready for the big names.”
Q
Matthew, you’re going to fight against Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez in Anaheim, which is a part of United States that is full of Mexicans. You’re going to be like the beast. You’re going to be the foreign. There is going to be a lot of Mexicans cheering for Saúl. How do you feel about that?
Matthew Hatton
Yes, obviously, Saúl is very popular in Mexico. Obviously, in L.A., it’s like fighting in his backyard, but no. It’s obviously is going to be-Saúl is going to have the bulk of the support and rightly so, but no, it’s not something where I’m concerning myself. I’m just focusing on my training, what I’m doing, and getting myself in the best shape as possible. Like I said, I’m mentally a strong fighter, so no, even though, like I said, Saúl’s going to have the bulk of the support, but like I say, it will be just me and him going to be in the ring on the night. It’s going to be a fantastic fight.
I’m just going to come over there. I’m going to give it 110%, like I do for all my fights. I’m confident I’m going to win. The fans are going to be in for a spectacular fight. I think both me and Saúl are versatile fighters. We can both box, but I think we will come forward and to meet in the middle of the ring and to fight. So, I’m expecting fireworks in this fight. The fans, obviously, are going to be behind Saúl, but I think they will appreciate what I bring to the ring, the determination, the desire. I’m going to put on one hell of a show. I hope the people will respect that. I’m sure they will.
Q
Well, Saúl, your big moment has come. You’ve been criticized by many people. A lot of press members have said maybe you’ll be world champion, maybe you won’t. Will you be great? Who knows? This is your opportunity to shut a lot of people up and quiet all the non-believers. How do you feel about that?
Saúl Alvarez
Well, I don’t get motivated by that. I do it for myself. I go in that ring. I want to win for myself. That’s the most important thing. Yes, I’m motivated. It’s a little more motivation, fighting for the world title, but I don’t care about what they say about me, or the criticism. I just go in there to win.”
Oscar de la Hoya
Thank you everyone. We greatly appreciate it. March 5th will be a tremendous, tremendous night of boxing with Broner and Ponce de León, Matthew Hatton, now challenging for the world title against Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. Thank you to the WBC for making this fight for the world title that Manny Pacquiao had. We are extremely proud. We’re extremely happy. Tickets are still available, are going very fast. We will see you March 5th. Thank you.
Saúl Álvarez
I am very happy and grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank Matthew. I think it’s going to be a great fight with Matthew. To all the fans, come out to support this event. It’s going to be a great fight.
Matthew Hatton
Yes. I’ll just echo what Saúl said there really. We’re very grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to Golden Boy. I’ve worked with Golden Boy in the past. They’re the biggest and best promoters out there. Thank you for the WBC for this opportunity. It’s one I intend on grasping with both hands.
Like Saúl says, thank you to Saúl for this opportunity. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, both as a man, as a fighter. As a boxing fan myself, I’ve enjoyed watching him. He’s a great fighter. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, but can I beat him? Yes, I can. There’s no doubt in my mind whatsoever. As a fighter, going into, there’s no doubt in my head at all. I know what I’m up against it. I’m going into the lion’s den, so to speak.
It’s going to be a great fight. It’s going to be a very hard fight for both of us. Saúl is undoubtedly the best fighter that I’ve been in the ring with. Likewise, I’ll be the best fighter he’s faced so far. So, we’re both very determined to win this fight. We both need to fight. We’ll both meet in the middle of the ring and have a good … expecting fireworks, like I said. I’m just looking forward to getting over there and putting on a great show. So, I look forward to seeing everyone soon.
