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Two days before Adrien Broner goes for his fourth world title in his home state of Ohio, Broner and his opponent, Russia’s Khabib Allakhverdiev participated in a final press conference Thursday at the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Former three-division world champion Broner (30-2, 22 KOs) returns to his hometown against fellow former world champion Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight title this Saturday, Oct. 3 live on Showtime at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena.
In the co-feature, undefeated IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Jose Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his title against former world title challenger Edner Cherry (24-6-2, 19 KOs).
Below is what the fighters had to say today:
Adrien Broner:
“I told you I wouldn’t do any interviews or talk. Nothing has changed. I just want to thank everyone for coming. I will be victorious on Saturday night, October 3.”
Khabib Allakhverdiev:
“I don’t talk too much. I am ready to fight Saturday. He [Broner] is nervous. That’s why he’s acting like a clown.
“This is his hometown. It’s his last chance for a world title and he shows up late and makes it look like he’s joking around with everybody and doesn’t care. I’ve seen fighters do this before and it’s because he is scared.
“He knows what will happen on Saturday. He can clown around all he wants, but that won’t help him when we are in the ring. I feel great seeing him nervous. For me, this is just another fight and just another win and that’s what it will be.
“A win for me over this nervous clown. I am going to beat him in front of all his friends.”
Jose Pedraza, IBF Junior Lightweight Champion:
“Everyone says they’re going to come knock me out, good luck to him. It’s not happening. He has a lot of experience as a professional, but I have been fighting for a long time as well so I’m not worried about who he’s faced.
“I’m ready for 12 rounds but I want to get him out of there sooner. I’m going to work the body hard to try to get that done. I want to face the best. I’d prefer not to face another Puerto Rican but if it’s the best fight out there, I will face anybody.
“I have no prediction for the fight. I have a good strategy for the fight and if it works, I will win by knockout.”
Edner Cherry:
“I want to thank the fans. Everyone that has supported me. Tune in Saturday night. It will be a great show.”
