Former Two Division World Champion Bernard Hopkins (Right) and Enrique Ornelas (Right) pose on October 14, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the press conference to announce their December 2, 2009 bout at The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia which will be televised live on VERSUS.
ENRIQUE ORNELAS QUOTES
“I am looking forward to the fight. I want everyone to know I am going to train my hardest and it is going to be a great night.
“Thank you to those who spread the word and make sure you let people know that December 2 is going to be a night fight fans won’t want to miss.
“This is the opportunity of a life time and I am going to step it up and go toe-to-toe with Bernard Hopkins.”
BERNARD HOPKINS QUOTES
“At the end of the day this fight is not about me. It’s not about me because I wanted to do something good and bring something good to Philadelphia. I have to win this fight for the big picture.
“If I come out of this fight with zero balance in my pocket I am good. I am not looking to get Vegas money or Atlantic City money.
“We got VERSUS involved. They are expanding into all different cities. They are putting Philly on the map. We are bringing boxing back to Philly. We are giving back to the community.
“I don’t have to call media and say I am writing a check. I am putting all of these elements into a pot of what I think is the best soup you can make.
“The only reason this is about me, is because I didn’t want to sit around and wait for a fight to come along. I make things happen. I thought to myself, ‘How can I take something that some media may perceive as me sitting and waiting for someone to fight, and turn it into something good?’ I needed to come up with something that can bring life back to the city of Philadelphia.
“Enrique is a tough customer and I know from his record he is strong, never backs down and comes to fight. I will train very hard for this fight like I do for every fight. I know it is going to be a tough fight. When they asked me about fighting him I told them I don’t want to be a part of making the matches, as long as it fits the bill I am fine with it.
“People asking me about the Roy Jones fight but I am not thinking about that right now. He will be fighting the same night across the world and we both have to take care of what is first in front of us before I start thinking about fighting him. And don’t forget I am 44 years old and it wouldn’t be smart of me to think ahead. I only have to think about who is right there in front of me.
“Philadelphia is hot and it is going to get hotter because of boxing. We have the talent now we just need the outlets. Now we have it. December 2 the chapter begins. Not only does my boxing career continue, but the promotion of me and of our company (Golden Boy Promotions) is going to invade Philadelphia that night too. That is where it starts, through me that night.
“This is something for the young fighters that are here today. (To the fighters) This where I pull you all up for all of us, but I can’t fight for you. This is where I give back, but I do it quietly.
“We want to give an opportunity for the young fighters from Philadelphia to get a fan base. Philadelphia was once known for its boxing history and it has lost that and I want to make history in another era where I bring it back.
“Everything we are doing, someone can relate and understand that this is a good thing and it is coming form the heart. Now I realize that this is the best way to do it. To accomplish a lot of things in one act. Come out to see a 44 years young, not old, to inspire all the guys who are old to become young again.
“All I can say is enjoy me why I am here. If you can do it at this age, then understand that once it’s gone it might not be exposed to you in your lifetime. I am here to give you that history.”
All Photos by Brian Dowling – Hoganphotos/GBP