Brandon “The Truth” Vera and Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli stared each other down, but also shared respect at the ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS Kick-Off Press Conference.
On Tuesday, 20 November the ONE Heavyweight World Champion and his challenger faced off and answered questions from the world’s media at the City of Dreams in Manila, Philippines.
Ther match for the belt will be the headline attraction at the Mall Of Asia Arena on Friday, 23 November.
Italian challenger Cerilli will make his debut in The Home Of Martial Arts this weekend, and he is delighted to be part of one of the biggest events of the year.
“I’m very happy to be here, especially because the way ONE approaches martial arts really reflects my character,” he said.
“If I look back a few years ago, I could never imagine I could be here. I feel very blessed.
“Even though I know you [Filipino fans] cheer for him – Brandon is the local guy – I’m going to do my best to honor this chance, and no matter how this fight goes, I will gain the respect of ONE and the Filipino people.”
The 35-year-old comes into this contest as the younger athlete, and he has also kept a more active schedule than his opponent, who has not competed since December 2016.
However, “The Hammer” says he does not expect Vera to be any less dangerous because of his layoff.
“Every fighter lives for this sport, but even though Brandon left the sport for two years, I’m sure that he’s going to be 100 percent, and I’m sure he did everything possible to be ready,” he added.
“I’m very pumped, I’m very excited, and I think now is the moment for me to challenge a high-level competitor like Brandon.”
Vera confirmed he would be at the peak of his powers this Friday, despite taking time away from the cage for a movie role.
He said he was inspired to change his approach to preparation for his matches since he moved to the Philipines.
“The Truth” explained that his commitment to representing the Filipino people means he will never give less than 100 percent of his effort to his assignments in the cage.
“I used to only work out two or three times a week. I was never in shape like I should have been. I never trained unless I had a contract,” he said.
“I owe you [Filipinos] more than me just being here. I owe you more. I came here.
“Now I work out every single day. So am I ready after two years of being away from the center of that ring? Hell yes.”
Vera added that he recognizes the enormous task ahead of him as he faces the Cage Warriors Heavyweight Champion.
However, despite the danger Cerilli poses, he is looking forward to the challenge, and he is confident of emerging with his hand raised.
“To come back is already scary, and then for them to find this monster, Mauro – he beat his last five guys and knocked four out,” he laughed.
“So come Friday, I’ll show up, show out and enjoy the evening.
“I would much rather die than lose in front of the Philippines. There’s no way. I’m just as committed to giving even more. I just want it more now.”
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