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James De La Rosa tipped the scales at 149 pounds and Tim Coleman tipped the scales at 147 pounds during Thursday’s weigh in at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Md. Hometown favorite Fernando Guerroro measured 159.75 pounds while Tyrone Watson weighed in at 161.75 pounds.
The four undefeated rising stars hope to excite and impress Friday, on ShoBox: The New Generation live at 11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast. In the 10-round main event, highly touted welterweight prospect and former World Boxing Council (WBC) youth welterweight champion De la Rosa, 17-0 (12), of Harlingen, Texas, will attempt to knock out his fifth opponent in six fights when he takes on Baltimore’s own Coleman, 14-0-1 (3).
The 10-round middleweight co-feature will pit Salisbury resident and native Dominican Guerrero, 9-0 (9) against Pittsburg middleweight Watson, 7-0 (3)).
The evening will be promoted by Duva Boxing, in association with Cavazos Boxing, Prize Fight Boxing and Baltimore Boxing Club from the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland.
James De La Rosa:
“This is going to be a good fight, I can promise you that. Coleman has a good jab and a good chin, so it’s going to be exciting. He doesn’t have much power, but I know he’ll keep it coming. Coleman’s a good, fast guy. He’s sparred with everyone you can think of, but we’ll handle him.
“We want to be the aggressor because I know he won’t. I’m ready to go. I feel good. On Friday night, people are going to see that I can fight. My jab is good, my uppercut is good. Everything went well in training. I’ve been getting better everyday. I know I can give it 10 good rounds. I’m prepared for anything.”
Tim Coleman:
“I’ve waited for this moment my whole life. This is the biggest fight I’ve ever had. I don’t see this kid dealing with me. I’ve done my homework and I’ve trained hard. I’m not taking anything for granted, but this kid can’t beat me. I’ve been in with a lot of punchers, a lot of strong durable guys. He’s been in there with tomato cans.
“He’s a young kid, so I know he’s going to come out and try to be in charge. But I’m going to try to frustrate him. I’m not going to run. I’ll be aggressive on Friday. I’m going to use everything, everything I’ve learned. If I get hit, believe me I’m going to bite down and fight back. I have to keep it exciting because it’s on Showtime.
“I’m looking to get in with whoever Showtime throws at me. I’m ready to fight. Tomorrow night is crucial for me. I know have to come out with a win and I will. I’ve fought a few lefties. I’ve had plenty of experience against lefties. I’m not worried.
“I’m a hooker, that’s always been my money shot. My left hook is my game. I was in camp with Oscar (De La Hoya), so I can’t fight better opposition than that. I’ve had hard, hard sparring. World championship sparring. There’s no ring rust for me.
“I learned a lot training with Oscar. He taught me some tricks. Oscar has a big left hook, which is far better than De La Rosa’s left hook will ever be. I’ve never touched the canvas and I’ve been in the ring with all the world champions that you can think of, but I’ve never touched the floor. You better believe I won’t touch the canvas on Friday night.”
Fernando Guerrero:
“I’m not feeling the pressure. Once you think like a champion you need the pressure to bring it down. I’m very excited. This is what I’m waiting for. Friday night in front of my hometown fans and on national TV? It’s on.
“I just try to stay relaxed. Once the bell rings it’s on. I know he has some good skills and a good record, but we’re ready. I’m not going to make any mistakes in there. From what I know, he’ll try to box against me, especially after he feels my power.
“I’m prepared to go the distance, but I’ll take the opportunity to knock him out if its there. Sparring with Paul Williams taught me a lot. That’s been a great experience for me. I can fight guys at any size. I’ve fought guys who are 6’4’’ or 6’5’’. I’m used to tall guys. Height doesn’t matter to me.”
Tyrone Watson:
“It’s different fighting a southpaw, but I’ve been sparring with them nonstop. Hopefully, one big punch and I’ll have him gone in the first round. It’s different, but it’s the game. It’s the boxing game.
“I’ve sparred against size and speed for southpaws. Fast guys and big guys. You name it, I’ve been in the ring with it. We’ll wait and see what he does until the first round. After the first round it’s our fight.
“He won’t be able to handle the pressure. I’ve never been knocked down. This kid has never been backed up, but he’s going to be backed up on Friday night. I’ll try and fight my game, but if I have to box, I’ll have to box.
“I’m coming down in weight, so I’m hungry. But I’ve been running to help lose the pounds. I feel strong and I feel light. I worked with Kelly Pavlik, Roy Jones, I’ve been training with the best. Even though I’ve been inactive in the ring doesn’t mean I’ve been inactive in the gym.
“Pavlik can hit, that’s why I’m not really worried about this guy. I’ve been in there with the best. I’m still learning, and I’m still fresh. Whatever he lets me do, I’ll do.”
