Boxing Quotes: Danny O’Connor vs. Franklin Gonzalez

CES puts on the “ShamRock’d” fight card Friday, March 19 at Twin River Event Center in Lincoiln, RI. Headlining the show is an eight round light welterweight clash between Danny O’Connor and Franklin Gonzalez.

Jimmy Burchfield (CES, President): “This is going to be a great show, a few days before St. Patrick’s Day (Irish), and the night of St. Joseph’s Day (Italian). In boxing, though, we’re all one ethnic group. At this show we’ll have Vinny Paz representing the Italians, Micky Ward the Irish.”

Micky Ward: “It’s going to be a great show. Jimmy always puts on a great card with competitive fights. That’s what fans want to see. I’m training a couple of guys fighting (Joey McCreedy and Sean Eklund). I’m not going to tell you they’re both going to win. They’re both ready and will give it their best — may the best man win.”

Vinny Paz: “I love Micky Ward. He ducked me. (“You were too light,” Ward said.) He’s a great guy and warrior. Jimmy Burchfield is my man.”

Danny O’Connor: “It would be easy for me to be up here and take all the credit, but it’s a team effort, and I don’t think they get enough credit – Leon Margules (promoter), Dave Keefe (head trainer and co-manager) and Rob Valle (co-manager). I want to thank my friends, family and fans. You keep me motivated. I want you to know how much I appreciate it.

“I am exciting to be in my first main event. It’s so close to home a lot of my fans will be able to watch me. I trained for this fight with (world champion) Juan Urango at the Fight Factory in Tampa. I consistently had good sparring. I’m going to keep doing what’s been successful. I’m improving each fight and, hopefully, this time I’ll top my last fight here.”

Jaime Clampitt: “Jimmy has always been a huge supporter of female boxing, something I’ve been quite involved in. It’s so tough for us getting fights and I thank Jimmy. This is a really exciting time for me. My daughter has her first birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. I gave birth last year and here I am fighting again. I feel better than before. I want to thank everyone for supporting me all the way.”

Eddie Soto: “I didn’t have to take this fight but Eklund deserved it. I was to say I was only down once, the other time I slipped (in their first fight won by Soto). I’m very strong and coming to fight hard for all my Latino fans out there. It (first fight vs. Eklund) could have gone either way. I wasn’t a judge and didn’t score the fight. I’m ready. Don’t leave your seats if the lights go out because it’s only going to be from all of our punches”

Sean Eklund: “Eddie (Soto) didn’t have to take this fight; you’re showing you’re a man. Me and Eddie will deliver. I’m looking forward to this fight, especially getting away from training with Micky. It’s been brutal.”

Joey McCreedy: “I love fighting at Twin River. I’m going back to the future with Dicky Eklund and Micky Ward at my side. It brings back good memories. Like Micky said, me and Sean are ready. I feel bad for whoever I’m fighting. I’m like a pit bull in a cage. They’re going to let m out March 19th. We’re a big family at CES; you gotta go hard or go home. It’s do or die for me.”

Keith Kozlin: “I’m really excited to be back fighting at Twin River. It’s a great place. My family and friends live it here. Jimmy always puts on great shows like this show here. I’m proud to be part of it. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.”