Omar Figueroa: I’m excited to get in the ring and see what I can do

Photo From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

SAN ANTONIO (December 10, 2015) – As fight night nears, the fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC and NBCSN cards held a final press conference Thursday in San Antonio before their respective showdowns at the AT&T Center.

The main event pits undefeated star Omar “Panterita” Figueroa takes on former world champion Antonio DeMarco. Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with heavyweights Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola and Travis “My Time” Kauffman, who had a heating exchange when they faced-off Thursday.

Also in attendance and participating on the NBCSN portion of the telecast were former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, San Antonio-prospect Mario Barrios and Omar Figueroa’s brother Brandon Figueroa.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailingm@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.

Here is what the participants had to say Thurday:

OMAR FIGUEROA

“My family has always supported me from the beginning and has been with me every step of the way. They’re the reason I’m here.

“I’m excited to get in the ring and see what I can do. I haven’t been healthy enough to reach my full potential and I’m excited to see where I am right now.

“We made it work for the Burns fight and performed to the best of our abilities. I had a fractured hand for all of camp. It did prove to me that I could deal with adversity

“I can’t wait to see what I can do and I cant wait to give them a great show. I love San Antonio and we’re not going to disappoint. It’s going to be a war and I’m coming out victorious.

ANTONIO DEMARCO

“I want to thank the press for getting behind this event and letting the people know that I’m ready to go and give a great performance.

“I want to thank Omar and his team for this fight happening. Mexican blood runs through my veins and when you get two Mexican fighters inside the ring, expect a terrific fight.

“I know Omar has done his part and I’ve done mine. My camp has supported me and are such an instrumental part of what I do. It’s been a great camp and I feel incredible.

“People have asked why I came back? Well you will find out on Saturday night.”

CHRIS ARREOLA

“I’ve made all of my opportunities and earned them. I’ve made every fight worth my while. Nothing was given to me.

“Kauffman and I have sparred many times. For him it’s been a paid vacation. I’ve been lazy sometimes and Kauffman knows that. He didn’t have to really work against me.

“Let’s look at who Kauffman has fought, he’s fought a bunch of nobodies. He’s taken care of those guys, but I wouldn’t even use them for sparring

“I was terrible my last two fights. None of those fights woke me up. I didn’t train hard enough and I blame myself. It showed in my performance.

“The fact that Kauffman wanted to fight me makes sense. He thinks I’m done and that I party too much. After this Saturday, I’m going to party after I beat him down.

“This is not a cakewalk, I trained so hard because I know Kauffman is a great fighter. He is not going to make a name with me. I’m the Grinch, I’m going to steal his Christmas.”

TRAVIS KAUFFMAN

“I want to thank everyone for this opportunity. Chris and I go way back. At least 10 years. We were in camp with Hasim Rahman and we are personal friends, but come Saturday night it’s business, there are no friends.

“Chris has had many opportunities and knocked at the door. But he hasn’t taken advantage of it. This is a huge opportunity and I’m going to take advantage.

“This isn’t an easy test. Chris will not quit. I have to do what no one else has done, and make him quit.

“We’ve sparred 200 plus rounds, but sparring and fighting are two different things. I’m a different fighter then when we sparred.

“There are no friends on Saturday. I’m taking care of business. This is my time. I want everyone to watch me get known in this business.”

VICTOR ORTIZ

“Once again we’re back, finally. I’m feeling good. I’m privileged and honored to share the stage with these champions.

“I’m going to keep my business in the ring. We’re going to have a great time. Watch me go get it on Saturday night.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“I’m very excited to be fighting back home in San Antonio. Fighting for my city in my city has to be the best feeling of my career. I’m so excited to put on a show on Saturday.

“This is a great opportunity in so many ways. I really look forward to ending they year with a bang and celebrating with my family and friends.

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“”My supporters and fans have always supported me. My family has always been there for me. I’m so thankful to have this opportunity to do what I love the most, which is to fight

“I’m excited to be here with so many great fighters. I want to give the San Antonio fans a show.”

JESSE JAMES LEIJA, Texas Boxing Legend

“I want to thank the fans throughout my career who have supported me and continue to support our work promoting fights.

“We want to bring the best fights possible to San Antonio. We’ve done a great job the last few years. You don’t have to go to Las Vegas, just drive to AT&T Center and you get a Las Vegas style show.

“I’ve known a lot of these guys and we’ve formed a brotherhood. I hope everyone is safe on Saturday night and may the best man win.”

MIKE BATTAH, Leija Battah Promotions

“We’ve been working fights like these for almost 4 years and we’re bringing memorable fights to San Antonio. A lot of these fights that we’ve brought are still talked about today.

“You can’t miss Saturday night, it’s a big show and it’s helping San Antonio be the fight hub that it is. Make sure you come and see the great local San Antonio talent that are building their careers up.”