Jermall Charlo: I Am The Best Fighter at 160

NEW YORK (October 17, 2019) - Undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and highly-ranked contender Dennis Hogan went face to face for the first time Thursday at a press conference to preview their showdown taking place Saturday, December 7 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Charlo look to make the second defense of his middleweight title against the Irish Hogan, who fights out of Australia and nearly captured a 154-pound crown earlier this year.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan:

JERMALL CHARLO

"Brooklyn, we're back. It's been a while since we've fought here but Barclays is home for Lions Only. Barclays Center is the spot where everyone wants to fight. It feels like a new home.

"I want to thank Dennis Hogan for accepting my challenge. This belt isn't going anywhere. I'm making a home for it at Barclays Center.

"Hogan has some big hopes. Middleweight is my division. I want the biggest fights at 160. That's not on the menu right now, so I'm going to take care of what's here.

"I am the best fighter at 160-pounds. In due time, the world will get a chance to see me reveal the best version of myself.

"I'm not worried about Hogan's confidence. He is just number 30 to me. We're going to get in there well prepared. I could fight tomorrow. Hogan is going to get a chance to see what he can do against my speed and my skills.

"This is going to be a knockout on December 7. I'm going to walk him straight into it. I'm going to give him exactly what he wants.

"This training camp has gone really smooth so far. I'm focused on being relaxed in the ring, so that when it's time to explode, I'm ready. I want to go in there and have fun and keep working towards that next level.

"We've watched what we need to of Hogan. He's not on my level. It's time to get back to where I've always been. Barclays Center and SHOWTIME is my comfort zone. I'm on fire and I'm ready. I'm back where I want to be.

"I'm coming to Barclays Center to beat Hogan down. That's what I'm going to do. I'm one of the best finishers in the world and I'm going to get a chance to show everyone on December 7."

DENNIS HOGAN

"I'm very happy to be here in New York. I've fought here before and it's always a great time. I'm looking forward to getting back in there again and being part of the rich boxing history of this city.

"I'm looking forward to becoming the next Irish fighter to come to New York and become a world champion.

"I believe that me taking this fight speaks volumes on what kind of fighter I am. I'm on record that I feel like the champion in my heart, and it's only a matter of time before the belt is on my wait. It's destiny. It's time for me to become world champion.

"I'm one of the hardest workers in the sport. Anyone who trains with me, knows that. I have laser focus on that belt and I believe that it's mine.

"Five years ago I was told super welterweight was the weight to campaign at. At that point I was the light heavyweight champion of Ireland. But as I went down in weight, that knockout power seemed to leave me. That last bit that I won't need to drain for this fight will be all the difference and all I need on December 7.

"I've always been heavy-handed, but I think the power will be back. I have the speed of a welterweight, the agility of a 154-pounder and the chin of a heavyweight. When you put it all together, this is going to be a great fight.

"I've visualized myself wrapping the WBC title around my waist for years, and that dream has become manifest. I will wear that belt around my waist and paint the town green afterwards.

"I know that I'll have big support at the fight, but I don't rely on it. I know Charlo is a great fighter. But for me, this has nothing to do with him. This is about my destiny and my dream.