This is my destiny
PHOTOSPORT was a great fighter. He should have been champion, he knocked out so many champions. That shows you how hard this goal is.
It was a tough lesson learned for Kevin, one we have used to get to this point. That’s why I have to take this opportunity.
Don’t think I’m underestimating Andy Ruiz. Just like me, he has motivation, drive and hunger.
He’s dangerous. I’ve told many people don’t underestimate Ruiz because of how he looks – he punches hard, fast and strong. I think Ruiz will surprise many when he arrives today. He is going to be lean and mean, in the best condition of his career.
Some have questioned his buildup and itinerary.
You can look at his plans two ways – he’s coming here with great fitness and looking to maximise his altitude advantages, or he’s making the wrong call by arriving here so late. He will trust those around him and as a fighter that’s all you can do. Parker versus The Boxer How both camps weigh up their contender’s chances in Saturday’s winnertakes-all world championship fight
I’m looking forward to a bit of interaction with Andy over the next few days. I believe there will be mutual respect. I enjoy an opponent’s company outside the ring, I’ve even had lunches with some the day after fights. In the ring, of course, it’s a different matter.
How does this week pan out? I’m sure it will go quickly. Last week flew by. Today is my day off. I’ll go to church and spend the day with my family and have some time to myself. That’s important.
‘ Andy Ruiz is dangerous. I’ve told many people don’t underestimate Ruiz because of how he looks – he punches hard, fast and strong. I think Ruiz will surprise many when he arrives today. He is going to be lean and mean, in the best condition of his career.’
Then it’s back into the media rounds and keeping my training ticking over. Friday is weigh-in and a day when we have a family prayer. Then it’s fight day. It’s team day and we have a routine we stick to. We’ll have breakfast, do our traditional team walk, a team lunch, play cards, tell some jokes, play music, maybe even a little dancing. It’s light-hearted and relaxing. That mood will flow into our changing room.
Then it will be time to walk into the arena. I stood in the middle of Vector Arena the other day and I looked around, I absorbed the space and the volume of the place. I imagined it with 10,000 fans packed in. It’s going to be amazing.
I visualise myself doing well in the ring. I also visualise Ruiz getting the better of me here and there. But I know I can dig deep.
And I amprepared. I’ve had a great camp and I’ve always said with the right preparation I can beat anyone. That’s what gives me confidence. I’m ready to fulfil my destiny. I’m ready to fulfil my grandfather’s prophecy.