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Amir Khan, WBA Super Lightweight Champion
“Zab’s a tricky southpaw who’s won many world titles but I don’t think this is his time. He doesn’t have the hunger that I do. I don’t think he can take the belt I have off of me.”
“We have a game plan for the fight, so I know how to beat Judah and I’m already way ahead of schedule. This is going to be a big fight in the U.S., but it’s also big for my fans in the U.K. and I’m happy for them to come over.”
Zab Judah, IBF Junior Welterweight Champion:
“I’ve beat a guy from Mexico, from Argentina, from Africa and now I will beat a guy from the United Kingdom – just call me the international assassin.”
“I’m ready and focused. It was a long road back to the top, but this is what a champion is made of. When they’re knocked down, they rise back up to the top.”
“Amir’s an assassin with speed and power, but I’ve been where he’s been and he’s going to have to do it in the lights. Amir can deal with a loss right now. It’s ‘Super’ Judah time.”
Richard Schaeffer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:
“There has been tremendous interest in this fight. The casino just ordered an additional block of tickets. HBO has been criticized plenty, but they haven’t been given enough credit for the great string of fights they’ve put on lately.”
“Both guys are going to come at their best. That’s the story line here. This really is do or die.”
“We know Zab is a real champion and I believe this is the most dangerous fight for Amir thus far, but this is what Amir wants. He has set his goals and he wants to be a unified champion. He knows this is a dangerous fight but you don’t become the best without challenging champions.”
“Mark my words, Amir will be the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Amir is the man because he has the unbeatable team of Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza behind him.”
Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events:
“We’re trying to get him [Zab Judah] to the place where he belongs. That place is as the best pound for pound fighter. This is a classic match-up between a young star, Amir Khan, and a veteran in his prime, Zab Judah.”
Freddie Roach, Khan’s Trainer:
“Zab’s been around for a while. He’s a very slick southpaw but we’re working on it everyday and Amir is way ahead of schedule.”
Pernell Whitaker, Judah’s Trainer:
“He’s a great fighter. One of the best in the world today. We still have work to do, this is just the beginning. He is back in training camp working for something, not just in there working for nothing. He’s getting in that ring to unify the titles.”
Asif Vali, Khan Promotions:
“I’m absolutely confident that thousands of fans will make the trip across from the U.K. and they’ll have a great time in Vegas. Amir wants to be the best pound for pound boxer in the world and this fight is the next step for us.”
“The way Amir is training is fantastic. He’s really sharp right now. The way he is hitting, really frightens me – watch out Team Judah!”
Tony Walker, Director, Affiliate Relations at HBO PPV:
“We have two champions coming from different places in their careers who are both looking to win on July 23.”
Bob Halloran, Director of Sports, MGM Mirage International:
“Events at Mandalay are nice and cool but we’ve got a hot fight here. Amir is undefeated in Vegas. People always ask when he’s coming back and we’re excited to have him back in our building.”
“Looking at Judah, who would think that this man is closing in on 50 professional fights?”
Khan vs. Judah, a 12-round WBA and IBF Super Lightweight Championship Unification fight, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events in association with Khan Promotions and Super Judah Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets priced at $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50 go on sale Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. PT and will be available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com .
In the United Kingdom, the event will be broadcast live on Primetime Pay-Per-View,channel 480 on Sky for £14.95. For fans who want to travel to Las Vegas to see the fight live, Team Khan has teamed up with leading Thomas Cook brand Flexibletrips to provide a range of tailor-made travel packages for fans who want to be there in person. Packages include flights, hotel rooms and fight tickets. More information is available at www.amirkhan2vegas.com or by calling 0844 8798298.
A stacked slate of undercard bouts will be announced at a later date.
