Santa Cruz, Frampton NYC media workout

Photos: Amanda Westcott / Showtime

Undefeated featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified 122-pound world champion, Irish star Carl Frampton, were joined by undercard fighters in Manhattan at Church Street Boxing Wednesday for the final media workout before Saturday’s Showtime tripleheader at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Leo Santa Cruz: “I’m ready to come here and give a great fight. I want to make it a war. Carl Frampton is a great fighter and he makes for an interesting fight. I’m excited to perform in front of the fans…people think Frampton is the underdog because he’s moving up in weight. But I moved up in weight too. I never take an opponent lightly. I’m going to come really hungry. I respect every fighter and I train for my opponent to be at his best…This could definitely be a career-defining fight. I think getting a win over Carl Frampton will get me to the next level. I think the winner of the fight will be considered one of the best fighters in the world.”

Carl Frampton: “I’ve dealt with fighting bigger guys throughout my whole career. I’m used to it. I’ve fought bigger guys than Santa Cruz. I think on fight night I’m going to be stronger. People forget that he started his career at bantamweight while I fought as a featherweight in the amateurs. On the night, I’ll be the bigger man and that will be the difference…All the pressure is on Santa Cruz. Everyone is expecting him to win. I’m going to come in there and upset him. I’m here to put on a great performance and bring the belt back home.”

Jose Santa Cruz, Leo’s Father & Trainer: “I’m really happy to be here. I’ve been at all of Leo’s fights and it’s great to be at this one. This is just another reason to be happy. I’m so thrilled for Leo that he has this opportunity and to be here for him. I know Frampton is undefeated, but Leo comes very prepared. He has worked hard in camp, like he always does. Hopefully both fighters give the fans a good fight on fight night.”

Barry McGuigan, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion & Hall of Famer: “This is a can’t miss fight. It can’t be a bad fight, no matter how you look at it. It’s going to be an exciting fight. It might start off tepid, but it’s going to develop into a phenomenal fight. The mesh of styles is going to make this a Fight of the Year candidate…What’s important is winning on Saturday night. We put so much time and commitment to this game. You don’t want to do all that work and lose. Getting the win is vital.”

Also in attendance Wednesday and fighting on Showtime were undefeated two-division world champion Mikey Garcia and former world champion Elio Rojas, who meet in a 10-round super lightweight bout, plus super welterweights Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko, who meet in a world title eliminator.

Mikey Garcia: “I’m more motivated than I ever have been before. It’s been a long time of working hard in the gym every day. I’m very happy to be back and I want to accomplish a lot more. I think you’re going to see a better Mikey on Saturday. My will to win is higher than it’s ever been. Being on a card like this is a reminder of everything that I can be. If there is interest in me right now, it shows that someone believes in me. We put everything else aside and focused on this date. After that, I’m looking for a world title.”

Robert Garcia, Mikey’s Brother & Trainer: “I think that Mikey is going to put on a great performance. Anything could happen in boxing. Mikey should look good and he should win convincingly. I think the interest that people have in Mikey’s future shows how much potential he has. He’s a guy who could be a big name to help carry the sport.”

Elio Rojas: “We’re both coming off of long layoffs. I see the fight pretty even. Garcia might have some advantages of being the bigger guy but I’m not worried about that…I feel like I can beat Mikey Garcia. I have some things that I think will give Mikey Garcia a lot of trouble. I have the tools. We know that Mikey is the favorite. Everyone thought LeBron James was going to lose in the Finals when he was down 3-1, but this is a sport and anything can happen.”

Tony Harrison: “This is going to be a fan-friendly fight. This is going to be like Thurman vs. Porter. The styles are just perfect for this fight. I’m going to be at my best on fight night…I watched a 15-second clip of him and then I shut the video off. I don’t want to make adjustments off of him, I want him to adjust to me. I know that he’s a tough competitor. You can’t take anything away from his record.”

Sergey Rabchenko: “I am aiming for a knockout, but I’m ready for 12 rounds. It’s boxing though, so anything can happen. It could be over very quickly. This is a big chance in my life. It’s a big step and I’m ready to take advantage of it.”

Ricky Hatton, Rabchenko’s Trainer: “This isn’t exactly like fighting, but I do get very nervous and tense in the corner. I’ve fulfilled my dreams and now I’m here trying to help other fighters fulfill their dreams. I get nervous but I’m confident in him.”

Also working out at Church Street Boxing were the main event boxers on SHOWTIME EXTREME, Brooklyn natives Paulie Malignaggi and Gabriel Bracero.

Paulie Malignaggi: “It would normally be strange to fight a guy I know so well. But I know he’s a competitor. I’ve known his mentality since the amateurs. He’s coming to win. Once the bell rings, this guy isn’t taking any prisoners. I trained with that same mentality…This fight gives me an opportunity to keep dreaming in that ring. I have an opportunity to do some things that people don’t think I’m able to, but I feel like I still can. I’m going to put my skills to good use and accomplish what I’m set out to do.

Gabriel Bracero: “There was a time when I was away in prison. I would receive boxing magazines in the mail and see Paulie there and on TV. I wanted to be Paulie’s competition and have his success. By him giving me this opportunity I can accomplish that. I’m thankful but I’m taking him down.”

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