Gary Russell Jr. defends his WBC featherweight title Saturday.
Standing opposite Russell will be unbeaten challenger Mark Magsayo.
The bout headlines the Showtime event from Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Earlier this week, both fighters were part of a pre-fight press conference to discuss the bout.
“At the end of the day, I’m a gladiator and I love what I do. I love showing the skillset that I bring to the sport of boxing. Nothing has come easy for us. This is not unfamiliar territory for me or my family,” Russell said. “There are no concerns about ring rust. I’m always in the gym. I haven’t taken two months off from training since I was about four or five. Boxing is not just what I do, it’s a lifestyle for me.
“If I go out there and I destroy Mark on Saturday, then the big fights that I want, those fighters won’t be in a rush to face me, not that they are now anyway. I’m always trying to give the same message when I enter the ring. I believe in intellect over athleticism, no matter the situation.”
For Magsayo, this is the chance to secure his spot in the division and history books.
“Gary is a really good fighter. I’ve wanted to fight him for a long time. Now the opportunity is here and I can’t wait for the fight. I’m not expecting any ring rust from Gary Russell,” Magsayo said. “I think I’m the fighter who wants to beat him more than anyone else has. I’m here to give him his second loss on Saturday night.
“It’s great to have Freddie Roach and Marvin Somodio helping me every day. I thought that I already knew boxing, but when I came to the gym they corrected my mistakes and made me a much more accurate puncher.”