Star Boxing: Tua vs. Barrett Quotes

Earlier today at the beautiful Palm Restaurant (Palm West) in New York City, Star Boxing hosted a luncheon press conference for Saturday night’s PPV show in Atlantic City.

In attendance were both main event fighters, David Tua (51-3-1, 43KO’s), Monte Barrett (34-9, 20KO’s), and their camps, Star Boxing President and CEO, Joe DeGuardia, Cedric Kushner (Tua’s promoter), as well as many of the event’s sponsors and an abundant of media.

DeGuardia kicked off the presser, thanking all those in attendance, especially the fighters and sponsors who made this fight possible. DeGuardia also took time to talk about the stacked undercard that features some of New Jersey’s and the greater Philadelphia area’s top talent, and includes six up and coming undefeated fighters.

DeGuardia then got into the main event at hand.

“This fight has been a long-time coming,” stated DeGuardia. “Both David and Monte came up together through the ranks, and for a long-time were considered to be two of the top contenders in the heavyweight division. These guys go back to the famous “Heavyweight Explosion Days”.

“I have been involved with Monte for a long-time, first as his manager, then as his promoter. Both of these guys look in great shape, and as everyone knows, David is one of the biggest punchers in heavyweight history. This fight has excitement written all over it, and I know that come this Saturday, everyone is going to be in for a real treat.”

Kushner was the next to speak, also thanking everyone for coming.

“This is going to be a terrific fight and a terrific event all around,” stated Kushner. “This is a very important fight for the heavyweight division. David is ranked number two in the WBO, and I can honestly say that I believe, and have believed for a very long time, that he is the best heavyweight out there without a championship belt. A win on Saturday night, should give him a chance to finally claim a championship.”

Barrett was the first of the two fighters to address the media.

“I want to thank Star Boxing, and everyone else involved with putting this event together. I also want to thank David for giving me this opportunity. I want to thank my team for getting me ready for this fight, I haven’t felt this new and restored since I beat Dominick Guinn. I am physically and mentally one hundred percent ready to go Saturday night.

“In some of my losses I just wasn’t right mentally, or I didn’t have ample training, but for this fight I have no excuses. I have a lot of respect for David, I know what he brings to the table and I know this fight isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but I trained my butt off, and I am not worried about what David is going to do Saturday night, I just need to worry about what Monte is going to do.”

Then Barrett made a very important announcement.

“Win, lose or draw, this is going to be my last fight, and I am looking to go out with a bang, not get banged out. I want to end my career on a high note, and everyone will see how prepared I am to do that come Saturday night. What makes this fight even more fitting to end my career is that it’s with Joe (DeGuardia), who I began my career with.”

Tua was the last to speak.

“I have had a great training camp and I am very focused and very well prepared,” said a noticeably very fit Tua. Must note that Tua looked to be in the best shape he has looked in years.

“I’m happy to be fighting back in Atlantic City, where I have had much success throughout my career. I am looking for a good strong test Saturday night from Monte. All my focus is on this fight and this fight only right now, I just can’t wait to get in that ring Saturday night.”

T-N-T at the Tropicana is being promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and will be shown live at 8 PM/ET – 5 PM/PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, Avail-TVN and DISH Network in the United States and Puerto Rico for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.

You can also catch the telecast in France, New Zealand, Australia, and via tape delayed in numerous other countries throughout the World. The exciting undercard will go live on PPV at 8 PM/ET – 5 PM/PT with the Tua vs. Barrett main event scheduled to go on air at approximately 10 PM/ET – 7 PM/PT.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are priced at $100 (ringside), $50 and $30. Star Boxing is currently holding exclusive $200 VIP Packages, call for more information.

Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by going online to Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Tropicana North Tower Box Office or by phone at (609) 340-4000. The Tropicana Casino and Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ.