DeGale vs Jack: Gervonta Davis primed for Jose Pedraza battle
Friday 13 January 2017 15:41, UK
Gervonta Davis believes he has the ability to defeat Jose Pedraza and is confident of claiming the IBF world super-featherweight title on Sunday morning.
Davis (16-0-KO15) – promoted by Floyd Mayweather – will challenge Puerto Rico’s Pedraza on the undercard to James DeGale’s unification bout with Badou Jack, live on Sky Sports.
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Pedraza is hoping to make the third successful defence of his IBF strap, having outpointed Stephen Smith last time out, but 22-year-old Davis has other plans.
Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, he said: “It's my first world title shot and I had a great training camp - I trained with top amateurs. I know Pedraza will come to fight because he's a great champion.
"It was a big step up for me when I first signed with Floyd Mayweather, but he took me under his wing and helped me do things I've never done before. It was new for me, coming from where I come from.
"I believe in my abilities and the work my team has put in during training camp. It's going to be exciting.
"I started fighting for the money, but I lost sight of what I really came to do. I've dedicated myself and I'm going to bring my heart and my mind into the ring.
"I'm going to show the fans and everybody watching what I'm really about. I'm not Mike Tyson, I'm not Floyd Mayweather or Sugar Ray Leonard, I'm just Gervonta Davis and I will become a world champion."
Pedraza, nicknamed ‘Sniper’, realises the talent of his young opponent, but says that his champion pedigree will assure victory.
He said: "I'm very proud and grateful to be here and representing Puerto Rico. I’m going to bring the heart of the Puerto Ricans into the ring.
“I'm ready to get to the fight and I've been training for a very long time. It's been a great camp with a lot of good sparring.
"Davis is a great fighter. He's very young and talented with a good record, but I am the champion. I'm prepared for anything he might bring into the ring.
"I am excited to fight in front of the great Puerto Rican fans in Brooklyn. I think it will help inspire me to give a great performance and defend my belt.
"I'm prepared for everything. I prepare like a champion every day so that we can get into the ring and execute our game plan. I just hope that he came ready for the fight, because if he's not ready, I'm going for the knockout."
Watch Jose Pedraza v Gervonta Davis on the undercard to James DeGale v Badou Jack's unification fight from the Barclays Center, New York, live on Sky Sports 1, 2am, Sunday, January 15.
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