Boxing Quotes: Garcia – Perez – Kirillov – Rivera

The 20th anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING continues with a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER on Saturday, May 6, on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). In one of the 12-round world title fights, Alejandro “Terra” Garcia (25-1, 23 KOs) defends his World Boxing

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Association super welterweight belt against local favorite and former world welterweight champion Jose Antonio Rivera (37-4-1, 24 KOs). In the first half of a twinbill promoted by Don King Productions at the DCU Center at Worcester, Mass., talented, exciting southpaw Luis “El Demoleder” Perez (23-1, 15 KOs) defends his International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight belt against mandatory challenger and No. 1 contender Dimitri “The Baby” Kirillov (28-2, 10 KOs).

ALEJANDRO “TERRA’’ GARCIA

“I want to thank God and SHOWTIME for this opportunity. I love SHOWTIME for giving me a chance to show what kind of fighter I am. This is great exposure for me and I really appreciate it.

“I believe once more people see me fight, I will start to get more respect. They love me in Tijuana but that is where I am from. I know my time is coming and that I must win Saturday.

“This is going to be a great fight. I know Rivera is very strong, and I am not underestimating him.

“I’m willing to fight any of the 154-pound champions. I’ll fight any of the top contenders. But all they want to do is fight the old guys. They are afraid to fight young guys like me. They know they’ll lose.’’

JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA

“This is the best 154-pound world title fight of the night and I hope everyone can see it. No one will be disappointed. Thanks to all for making it happen. I am proud and honored to be fighting on SHOWTIME.

“I have been in this sport a long time, and this my greatest opportunity for the world to see me fight, and win. I really want this. I have a ton of respect for Garcia coming to Worcester to defend against me.

“There is no way this cannot be a war. People raved how exciting my fight was against Luis Collazo, but this one is going to be better. I am prepared to do whatever it takes and give my absolute all to win.’’

LUIS PEREZ

“I want to thank Don King for getting this fight on SHOWTIME and for the opportunity for me to fight in this great country again. I am very prepared and look forward to demonstrating my ability for everybody to see.

“I don’t know much about the challenger, except he is the No. 1 contender and I have to respect that. This will be a great fight. I know he did not come all the way over from Russia to lose.

“I have worked hard to become a champion, and worked even harder to remain one. There are a lot of good fighters in the 115-pound division, but I feel I am the best. After Saturday, I welcome the opportunity to unify the titles against any of the world champions.’’

DIMITRI KIRILLOV

“This is my first opportunity to fight in the United States and it is very important for me to put on a good performance for the American public to see. I want to thank Don King and SHOWTIME for this chance.

“I am a good boxer with good boxing skills and technique. I had a great training camp and sparring in Los Angeles for this fight.

“Perez is a great champion, but I am ready to give my best. My lifelong dream is to become a world champion. I came close in my first try, but lost. I don’t’ plan on letting anybody down this time.’’