Joe Smith Jr and Maxim Vlasov met ahead of their bout for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight Championship Saturday night at the Osage Casino Arena in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on ESPN.
Joe Smith Jr: “I was 100 percent ready to come back in February, but it's okay. I had time to enjoy my wedding day and now I'm ready to go again. I know what I'm going for. He is a dangerous and aggressive guy with a lot of experience, but I have prepared well and am going to give my all 100 percent to come out the winner, become the world champion and hear the words “and the new!” - it will be an amazing feeling. That's all I've been striving for since I was 15”.
Maxim Vlasov: “I am sure you will not see rust on me in the ring. I prepared well. I have honed my skills and am ready to give my best 100 percent. I feel just like a younger boxer who is less experienced because this is a great chance for me. This is a big responsibility, a big risk. I am very motivated for this fight."
“I took preparation seriously, watched many of his fights and learned a thing or two. I do not like to talk about the weakest or strongest sides of my opponents or divulge any strategies or plans related to the battle," Vlasov said.
