Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KO’s), holder of the World Boxing Association (WBA) World Super Featherweight Title, is gearing up for his first title defense against number one ranked Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KO’s).

The fight will be held in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and will be a co-feature bout on HBO World Championship Boxing. 

The final press conference was held today in Las Vegas and both fighters are ready to rumble.  “I am excited to be back to back on HBO” said the champion Machado.

Machado is also very proud of the elite boxing eyes set upon him, saying “It is a dream come true to have Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya watching my fights.”

Machado is very confident, saying “I am ready to defend my title,” and further closing out the press conference by thanking everyone from sponsors to family, “Thank you to all my sponsors, I am so happy for this opportunity.”

Mensah, on the other hand, talked about being very prepared and confident in taking the title from the champion.

“We prepared before we came, I came to fight, and I came to do my best. Everything will be alright because we prepared. I am ready. I am ready for Machado.”

In closing Mensah also thanked many people and for getting the opportunity to be televised on HBO while fighting for the WBA title. 

“I am grateful to have this opportunity. I thank everyone coming here to watch, I thank my people, I thank everybody.”