Quotes & Weights: Travis Walker, T.J. Wilson, Omri Lowther & Jesus Rodriguez

ByBoxing Press
In the first of three consecutive ShoBox: The New Generation telecasts that will feature promising heavyweight prospects, hard-hitting, undefeated Travis Walker (25-0-1, 19 KOs) will defend his IBA title against former national amateur champion, southpaw T.J. Wilson (11-1, seven KOs), tomorrow/Friday, Oct. 19, on SHOWTIME live at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

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© Jan Sanders
Goossen Tutor

The co-feature will match Omri Lowther (9-0, 8 KOs) and Jesus “Chuy” Rodriguez (16-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight bout. The telecast will originate from Raley Field in Sacramento, Calif.

Duva Boxing, in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions, will promote the event.

In the ShoBox main event Friday, Feb. 2, IBF No. 10-ranked “Fast” Eddie Chambers will face IBF No. 3 Calvin Brock in a 12-round IBF heavyweight title elimination bout at Tacoma, Wash. On Nov. 16 in a special ShoBox event airing live from St. Lucia, WBC No. 7-ranked Cristobal Arreola will face dangerous, undefeated challenger Teke Oruh in a 10-round fight for the WBC Continental Americas title.

NOTE: THURSDAY’S WEIGHTS – Walker weighed 240 pounds, Wilson 282; Lowther weighed 138, Rodriguez 139½.

TRAVIS WALKER
“It is surreal that he thinks he can beat me in just his second fight in 32 months, but it is great that he is talking so confidently about fighting me. I hope he really comes to fight because I prefer it that way. But whether Wilson is here to fight or box, I am going to be focused and aggressive and really bring it.

“Let’s see what he really has. I feel I am ready to step up against top-10 contenders, but I know I have to win this one first. There is a big target on my back. It will be a big plus for anybody if they beat me. So there’s no way I’ll overlook anybody. I’ve fought two left-handers in a row so that will not be a problem.

“But I know it is important that I not only win, but look good. So, you won’t see me fighting in cruise control. There is so much on my plate. I want to continue to impress SHOWTIME so they will ask me back. I have to keep doing what I am doing.

“He’s something like 6-foot-6, but I love fighting taller guys than me (note: Walker is six-four-and-a-half). This is going to be a great fight Friday night. I hope everybody watches me cut him down to size.’’

T.J. WILSON
“I think Walker’s made a big mistake by taking this fight and underestimating me the way he has. He is going to learn a lesson on Friday – the hard way – to never underestimate me. There is more to me than what you see on paper. He’ll find out Friday.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I thank SHOWTIME and everyone involved for making it happen. Obviously, Walker thinks he can beat me which is why he accepted the fight. But he is in for the surprise of his life.

“I feel great and I am in great shape. I know if I fight smart and do what I have to do, it will be OK.’’

OMRI LOWTHER
“To go from fighting on the undercard three days ago to fighting on SHOWTIME is very exciting and a tremendous opportunity for me.

“But as great as fighting on television is, so is keeping the zero at the end of my record. One punch can change everything, so whether I’m fighting with no one watching or fighting before millions on SHOWTIME, I don’t want to lose my “O.’

“I am a boxer who likes to apply pressure, get off first and dictate the pace and Rodriguez likes to come forward so I don’t expect I’ll have to look for him. Style-wise, this can’t be anything but a great fight and I am really looking forward to it.

“A lot of my fights have ended early (all of his knockouts have come in three rounds or less, including six in the opening session) but the one time I went six rounds was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

“Going eight rounds will not be a problem, if the fight goes that far. I have been sparring eight and 10 rounds with different sparring partners. But it doesn’t matter if I win by KO or decision. The important thing is to win.’’

JESUS “CHUY” RODRIGUEZ
“When I was younger and weighed 300 pounds and was dealing with all the trouble I got in, people laughed at me and said I was never going to make it. This is my golden opportunity to prove all the people who laughed at me wrong.

“I made mistakes, but I did the time and am older and much more mature. I am focused. My trainers (Max Garcia and “Coach” Don Familton) have worked very hard to help improve my skills. I know I am better.

“I am fighting a good guy with a lot of knockouts, but I am here to keep it going and win again. I am confident and ready for a top showing. If he runs, it is going to make it even better for me.’’