Ring V: Night Of The Samurai Presser Quotes
Photo By Matchroom Boxing/Mark Robinson
Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso came face-to-face for the first time this week during Thursday’s Final Press Conference in anticipation of Saturday’s ‘The Ring 5: Night of the Samurai’ event in Riyadh.
This occasion is presented to boxing fans on behalf of Riyadh Season by SELA, Matchroom Boxing, and The Ring Magazine – streamed live on DAZN.
Eddie Hearn made his arrival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to preside over today’s press conference held at the Global Theatre located in Riyadh’s stunning Boulevard World.
‘The Ring V: Night of the Samurai’ is scheduled for this Saturday at Mohammed Abdu Arena, courtesy of Emirates NBD in Boulevard City.
The fight lineup also highlights former Bantamweight World Champion Junto Nakatani, who is stepping up to Super Bantamweight for his debut in the division, going against Mexico’s Sebastian Hernandez, Kenshiro Teraji defending his world title at Super Flyweight against Wilibaldo Garcia from Mexico, as well as Taiga Imanaga clashing with Dominica’s Eridson Garcia, and Reito Tsutsumi facing Mexico’s Leobardo Quintana.
Ahead of Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in, now set for 3pm KSA Time, here’s a look at what the fighters expressed at today’s Press Conference:
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES:
Naoya Inoue “This fight is going to be extremely significant for my future – and how I perform in it will be instrumental in achieving pound-for-pound No. 1. Therefore, I am going to give it my all. I assure you that my belts will not be returning with him (Alan Picasso) to Mexico. This is an essential fight in the Super Bantamweight division, which will unfold on Saturday. I am prepared. All the Japanese fighters here possess a high level of skill and a robust mentality. That has been established, and we are all set to deliver commendable fights – planning to return home (to Japan) with victorious outcomes.”
Alan Picasso “To start, I want to express my gratitude to (His Excellency) Turki Alalshikh, The Ring Magazine, and the promoters. I appreciate everyone involved in making this possible for me. It’s incredible to be here. Naturally, I wish to extend my respect to Japan and all the Japanese fighters. However, on Saturday, it won’t just be the ’Night of the Samurai’ – it’s going to be an Azteca night. We represent Mexico, and every single fighter on this card fighting for Mexico is doing so for our people. We act on the blood that flows within us. I’ve dedicated countless hours and kilometers to reach this moment. I take immense pride in my efforts – and bringing those belts back to Mexico would instill so much pride in my country, so I won’t let them down.”
Junto Nakatani “Firstly, I want to show my appreciation to everyone for having me on such a significant platform. I have been training at full capacity, so you will witness the best version of myself on December 27.”
Sebastian Hernandez “Junto Nakatani is an exceptional fighter and I am genuinely thrilled for this match. I have done my utmost to prepare, so I will also deliver my very best in this fight. Thank you for everything.”
Willibaldo Garcia “Anyone who thinks I’m going to lose is mistaken. I’m geared up for victory. I am prepared for battle – I intend to win and deliver a knockout.”
Kenshiro Teraji “It’s imperative that I perform well and secure a win in what is a monumental match for me. I need to advance my career, so I shall ensure I emerge victoriously in this World Title fight. I have always wanted to fight (Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez), so I aspire to showcase my skills sufficiently to earn that opportunity in the future.”
Leobardo Quintana “I’m prepared – and I’ve been ready for the prior week. I feel quite strong and am set for triumph.”
Reito Tsutsumi “I recognize this as a valuable opportunity to shine on a grand platform this time. Hence, I want to relish it on Saturday and enjoy it as much as possible.”
Eridson Garcia “Thanks to Matchroom and Turki Alalshikh for bringing me here. Certainly, I am ready to turn the tables and win the bout on Saturday.”
Taiga Imanaga “I’m thrilled to be here in Riyadh, and I want to ensure that my presence is acknowledged on such a prominent stage by striving to win, so please continue to support me.”
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman “Welcome everyone to Riyadh as we conclude what has been an extraordinary year for Riyadh Season and The Ring Magazine. The advancement of boxing here in Saudi Arabia and the vision of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has been nothing short of inspiring. We have witnessed almost everything in the Kingdom – yet the incursion of the Japanese has yet to occur. Until now. That emerging force in global boxing is represented here today. Certainly, this is the ‘Night of the Samurai’. However, I can sense a strong vibe in the room today for Mr. Picasso and many of the challengers here, so it is very much, ‘Viva Mexico Cabrones!’ We are aware of the intentions of Mexican fighters: they come to battle. And on Saturday, there will be a clash between Mexico and Japan, in what I believe is one of the finest cards we’ve witnessed in Saudi Arabia. Reflecting on recent times, especially being showcased on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing, we have experienced it all. Previously, we’ve held the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championships twice and earlier this year, the Light Heavyweight Undisputed Championship featuring Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, along with Canelo Alvarez capturing the Undisputed Super Middleweight Titles. We’ve also hosted The Ring’s two epic Eubank-Benn events in front of over 70,000 fans. We’ve even shut down Times Square (in New York City). We’ve accomplished it all. Despite crowning numerous Undisputed champions, only one male Undisputed Champion remains, and that is the legendary Naoya Inoue, who is here as the sole reigning male Undisputed champion and ready to defend his titles this weekend. This card is undoubtedly among the strongest we’ve seen, featuring a multitude of outstanding fighters. You won’t want to miss a moment. It’s exhilarating and promises to be a monumental night for boxing.”
Rick Reeno, The Ring Magazine CEO “I appreciate everyone for being present. Obviously, it’s Christmas Day, so I want to wish a Merry Christmas to all. I informed everyone that this day would eventually arrive, when Eddie Hearn would host a Ring press conference! Eddie always wants to save a few bucks, so he was eager to host today. As Eddie mentioned, this is an incredible card. We have some of the best talents on display, both currently and for the future. The discussion has already begun about a potential Japanese mega clash between (Naoya) Inoue and (Junto) Nakatani. However, we have two formidable contenders here in (Alan) Picasso and Sebastian Hernandez. These individuals have a vast fanbase in attendance, and they are eager to disrupt the plans. Expect a lot of fireworks as we wrap up the year. The year isn’t over yet, and we might even witness an upset. Anything can occur. We will also see the future of Japanese boxing represented by Reito and Taiga (Imanaga), showcasing their talents. They are both on a challenging step-up, unlike some regions where opponents are chosen carefully; in Japan, they relish being fast-tracked. There, it’s sink or swim. Either a fighter has the goods or they don’t. The managers and handlers aren’t hesitant to place their fighters against tough opponents early on. They prefer to gain clarity sooner rather than later before further investment into a fighter—something I respect, as we often encounter overly careful matchmaking. This approach is likely contributing to the rise of Japanese boxing. They aim to create exciting bouts, and aren’t afraid to make them. That’s why in recent years we have witnessed numerous fight of the year contenders emerge from Japan. Moreover, Kenshiro (Teraji) is aiming to rebound and embark on an exciting new chapter in his career as well. He is immediately moving up in weight to face a formidable competitor and a World Champion in Willibaldo Garcia, who has made it clear he is prepared for a war. I am genuinely eager for this – we can expect abundant thrilling action at this event. In fact, I’m looking forward to it so much that I plan to enjoy it alongside my friend, Eddie Hearn.”
Published: 2025-12-25 17:21:00
source: fightnews.com
