Last Of The Contenders Sergio Mora Ready For Showtime Boxing Showdown With Vernon Forrest

ByBoxing Press


© Joe Miranda / Showtime Boxing

Sergio Mora participated in a recent media workout as he winds down preparations for the biggest fight of his career against Vernon Forrest, 40-2 (29), for his WBC Super Welterweight title this Saturday, June 7, on Showtime Championship Boxing at 9 p.m. ET/PT and delayed on the west coast.

Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), of Los Angeles, won “The Contender” television series on Oct. 15, 2005, with an entertaining and hard-fought split decision over Peter Manfredo, Jr. The fight with Forrest is exactly what Mora has been aiming for and should prove to be his toughest challenge to date.

As part of a world championship doubleheader on Showtime, the evening will kick off when Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, the previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs). The Quintana-Williams bout is a rematch of a WBO welterweight title fight that Quintana won in a shocking upset on Feb. 9, 2008.

The fights, which will take place at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., will be promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Northeast Promotions.

SERGIO MORA

“After my last two performances, I was really down. I needed the motivation. Forrest has provided me with the motivation I needed. I have learned not to take things for granted.”

“This is maybe my fifth or sixth fight out of 21 that I have been completely motivated.”

“Forrest is an old lion and a cagey veteran. He is a smaller Bernard Hopkins. He has all the tools in the book. He has all the punches.”

“Last year was a lost year for me. Boxing is stressful. Even if you want to fight, sometimes promoters and business matters get in the way. Boxing is mental, physical and spiritual. It takes more than training. It takes handling your personal life.”

“I had some off years. I was going to get to this position (fighting for a world title) even without ‘The Contender.’ Boxing needed some fresh blood. Now, it is my time.”

“I just need to prove myself. You have to roll with the punches. I don’t care what people say. I don’t care what critics say.”