Daniel Jacobs expecting Peter Quillin to be at his peak

Daniel Jacobs expects Peter Quillin to be at his best when the pair clash for the WBA world middleweight title at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night.

Brooklyn-native Jacobs defends his WBA belt against undefeated Michigan fighter Quillin, himself now based in Brooklyn.

"A lot of people have said this won't go 12 rounds but you never know how a fight will go," Jacobs said at the final press conference before the fight.

"Sometimes a war is expected and a boxing match breaks out. You never know how a fight will go. We're prepared for the best Peter Quillin, whether he's coming forward, backwards or side-to-side we do what we have to do to get the victory.

"I'm in a comfort zone at Barclays Center with my friends, family and fans cheering me on but I also like that he has his people cheering too. That's extra motivation. Technically, there are people in my backyard rooting for me to lose.

"Peter Quillin said he didn't want to fight me, years ago. Because of our personal relationship he said he didn't want to fight me. I respected his opinion but I didn't agree. This was back when he was a champion.

"I feel like I have the skill to be the best out there. When I get this victory I want to keep fighting bigger and better opposition.

"I just need to keep fighting at the elite level for 12 rounds in match-ups like this. I'm a fan of the sport and I want to be in there with all the top guys. That's why I called out Peter Quillin.

I feel like I have the skill to be the best out there. When I get this victory I want to keep fighting bigger and better opposition

"I'm expecting the best Peter Quillin. When you expect the best and it doesn't turn out that way, I can rely on that preparation.

"We've both gone through intense training in order to make weight and be the best that we can be on fight night."

Former world champion Quillin, who vacated the WBO title last year, is looking forward to what looks like a mouth-watering clash between the two Brooklyn-based fighters.   

"Everybody wants to be a part of something that's bigger than themselves," he said.

"Daniel Jacobs. I want to thank you. You're the champ and you called out the undefeated challengers. I come from nothing, so I'm thankful to have this light and this opportunity.

"My dad came here without shoes or a shirt, just a pair of pants. Now his son is fighting for a world title on this stage.

"Everyone on this stage fights with their own story. I just want everyone to give respect. We all fight for different reasons and we just want to have people support us for positive reasons."