Sergio Garcia Defends European Crown Against Ted Cheeseman In London

All the boxers taking part on the Matchroom Sport promoted card at the O2 in London on February 2, took part in a press conference at Glaziers Hall at London Bridge on Monday.

In the main event Sergio Garcia defends his European junior middleweight title against unbeaten Londoner Ted Cheeseman.

Below is what the main event boxers and the undercard boxer had to say about their respective bouts.

Sergio Garcia - Torrelavega, Spain - 28-0, 13 KO’s - defending the EBU European Super-Welterweight title against Ted Cheeseman:

"In truth this is a great opportunity for me and Spanish boxing, we’re going to put on a show. I have a lot more experience than him but at the end of the day this is boxing so I’ll have to put in a performance on the night. It’s nice to hear my promoter backing me but right now the challenge is on February 2nd so I’ll take care of that night and then we’ll see what comes next."

Ted Cheeseman - Bermondsey, London - 15-0, 9 KO’s - challenging Sergio Garcia for the the EBU European Super-Welterweight title:

"For this fight, it’s a European title, he’s highly ranked with the World governing bodies, and the thing is once you win a European title, there’s only one other step after that. When you turn pro, your goal is to be a World Champion. You don’t yourself fully know if you’re going to achieve that.

"You don’t even know if you’re going to get a shot at it, but if I win this fight on February 2, and I’m highly confident I will after watching my opponent’s fights and studying his style, then I’m in line. I’m there, I’m in line, I’m basically there for a world title shot.

"As you say, it’s a World level fight, so I’ll go and put on a good show on February 2, and show how much I’m improving and show what level I’m at."

Lawrence Okolie - Hackney, London - 10-0, 7 KO’s - Cruiserweight:

"I did a lot of learning inside and outside of the ring in 2018. It was a good learning year, I packed in a lot of experience into 10 fights. I want bigger tests and more grudge matches in 2019. It’s about balance, I was pushed fast in the amateurs. There’s a big gap from domestic to World level and I’m still learning."

Jake Ball - Surrey, England - 12-1, 9 KO’s - fighting Craig Richards for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

"I’ve been training well and preparing hard for it. The actions that I’ll show on February 2nd will speak louder than any words that I can say. I respect Craig and I know he’s a good fighter, but he isn’t as good as me and it’s as simple as that. Come fight night I’ll show it. I’m not afraid of any man.

"When I fight Craig in February I’ll be 100% fit and ready. I pulled out through injury, it’s not as if I had another fight lined up. All the hard work in the gym will show on the night."

Craig Richards - Crystal Palace, London - 13-1, 7 KO’s - fighting Jake Ball for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

"Im not going to pretend that the last few months haven’t been frustrating. With Jake ’no balls’ pulling out, it’s been frustrating. He called me out in June and he’s been sitting on the bench injured since. Then we was meant to fight in October but he lost his balls and followed through in his trousers. Then we were meant to fight in December and it didn’t happen. Why didn’t you turn up in December?"

Felix Cash - Wokingham, England - 10-0, 6 KO’s - fighting Rasheed Abolaji for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title:

"I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a long time coming. The Commonwealth belt is right up there and I’m looking forward to going in there and putting a performance on. I want to show everyone what I’m all about and push on towards some bigger fights. Obviously it’s one fight at a time but I’ve got full confidence in my abilities. Hopefully once I get my hands on this Commonwealth title more fighters will be tempted so step in the ring with me. I’ll go in there, bust this fella up and then bring in the next one."

John Docherty - Montrose, Scotland - 2-0, 2 KO’s - taking part in his third professional contest at Super-Middleweight:

"My first two fights went very well. I’m looking forward to getting out again on February 2nd and progressing with my career. Fighting in Italy was a good experience for me, I already had experience of fighting all around the World as an amatuer but the atmosphere in Italy was unique. I’m looking forward to getting another knockout on February 2nd. I would say I’m ready to step up now but Tony Sims and Eddie Hearn keep my feet on the ground. When the opportunity comes I’ll be ready."

Fabio Wardley - Ipswich, England - 5-0, 4 KO’s - Heavyweight:

"December 22 was a great card and a great night to be a part of. I announced myself and showed everyone a little bit of what I can do. It was a fairly easy night for me, a comfortable win. I’m ready to go again. I’m excited to get out there in front of a big stage again and show off.

"I pay attention to what’s going on in the Heavyweight landscape but at the same time I’m focused on my own career and I’m looking at titles and where the gaps are in the division. There’s a lot I can do and I bring something different that a lot of Heavyweights don’t have. I’m just looking forward to having a very busy year and making more of a name for myself."

Charles Frankham - Crowthorne, England - making his professional debut at Super-Featherweight:

"I’ve been working really hard with Tony (Sims) and the boys. I’m looking forward to getting in there now and doing the job. I feel like I’m ready for the pro game now. I’ve been sparring with Martin J Ward, Joe Cordina and Ricky Burns - they’re bringing me on loads. I’m going to take my time and try and get as many bouts under my belt as I can in 2019."