Media Workout: Tyson Fury & Otto Wallin Kick Off Mexican Independence Day Weekend Card in Style
Tyson Fury sure knows how to dress for the occasion. Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion, entered Tuesday’s media workout in a traditional lucha libre wrestling mask. Fury will defend his title against fellow unbeaten Otto Wallin Saturday at T-Mobile Arena as part of the Las Vegas’ Mexican Independence Day Weekend festivities (Pictured: Tyson Fury – Photo credit: Hector DeLaCruz).
Tyson Fury interviews
Photo credit: Hector DeLaCruz
WBO junior featherweight world champion Emanuel Navarrete will defend his title against Juan Miguel Elorde in the co-feature (ESPN+, 11 p.m. ET), while former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza will take on Mexican veteran Jose Zepeda in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.
Otto Wallin
Photo credit: Hector DeLaCruz
The entire undercard, including Pedraza-Zepeda and appearances by Gabriel Flores Jr. and heavyweight sensation Guido Vianello, will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
This is what the fighters had to say at the media workout.
Tyson Fury
“I’m just enjoying life, taking one day at a time and inspiring people to do well in their life, too.”
“I wore a traditional Mexican mask because it’s Mexican Independence Day Weekend and the ‘Gypsy King’ is here in Las Vegas to put on a show for all the Mexican fans. Viva Mexico!”
“I can defeat all the heavyweights with one hand. As you saw today, lightning speed, lightning reflexes for a giant. I’m a giant of a heavyweight. There has never been a heavyweight like me. There has never been a man of my size who can move like that. I’m a natural freak of nature. I defy every law of gravity. It shouldn’t be possible for a man of my size or my weight to move like that.”
“I have no interest in future fights. One day at a time in my life. One fight at a time, one hour at a time. ‘Cause that’s all we have. We’re not promised tomorrow, so we live every day like it’s our last as our Lord tells us to.”
“You’re going to see a great fight on Saturday, a real Mexican, 6-foot-9, 260-pound giant.”
“Do I look like I’m enjoying life? One hundred percent. I’m ecstatic to be alive. A true blessing from God. I’m very thankful that I was given this life. I’m thankful to be here in Las Vegas and thankful for all the people that turned out.”
“Otto Wallin is a tall blonde, just the way I like them. We’ll see what he brings on Saturday.”
Otto Wallin
“I don’t know Fury too well, but I have to Las Vegas to put up a great fight and pull off the upset. We’ve seen a big upset in the heavyweight division already this year.”
“I’ve dreamed of a fight like this since I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to fight a big fight in Las Vegas. All of my hard work has paid off and led me to this moment. Sweden’s last heavyweight champion was Ingemar Johansson, and that was 60 years ago. So to make that type of history would be extra special.”
Emanuel Navarrete
“I am really excited to accomplish another dream of mine of fighting as a world champion in Las Vegas and on such an important date for my country, Mexico. We are celebrating our nation’s independence, and on September 14, I will go to the ring to put on a great show for my country. I will make them proud and raise our flag high.”
Juan Miguel Elorde
“I accepted this challenge without hesitation. It is my dream to become a world champion, and when I got the offer, it was a great day. But now, it’s time for me to put on a great fight and bring the WBO title back to the Philippines.”
Jose Pedraza
“I am thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas on such a big card. This will be another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico classic, and the first step as I chase my goal of becoming a three-division world champion. Only Puerto Rico’s greatest fighters have done that.”
“This will be my debut at 140 pounds, and I didn’t want an easy fight. I know that he gave Jose Ramirez a great fight, and I want to prove that belong in the world title picture at 140 pounds as well.”
Jose Zepeda
“I am very thankful to Zanfer and Top Rank for the opportunity to show my Mexican warrior blood on such an important date for my country. We will show the Mexican style, and we will give the fans another Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fight.”
“I had a great showing against Jose Ramirez earlier this year. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the decision, but I know I have what it takes to become a world champion. Against Pedraza, I will show that I deserve another world title shot.”
Gabriel Flores Jr.
“These are the types of platforms I want to perform on. I am happy to once again be fighting in Las Vegas and on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. My opponent is tough, but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”
Guido Vianello
“It is always an honor to fight on Tyson Fury’s cards. I fought in Las Vegas in June, and it was a special experience. I can’t wait to get out there and do it again.”
“I have a new trainer in Kevin Barry. Kevin understands my style. My athleticism is more like Wladimir Klitschko, and he’s teaching me the art of boxing like a big man. I’m using my size better and punching harder than ever.”
“I’m in camp with Joseph Parker, and I’ve learned a lot from watching him train and prepare. Boxing fans will see my improvements in this fight.”
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Salita Promotions, tickets for Fury vs. Wallin priced at $606, $456, $306, $206 and $106 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-929-7849.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
Use the hashtags #FuryWallin, #NavarreteElorde and #PedrazaZepeda to join the conversation on social media.
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.
Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.
ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com.