Alberto ‘Explosivo’ Machado knows how important it has been for Puerto Rican boxing to triumph at Madison Square Garden in New York and with that in mind, the super featherweight champion of the World Boxing Association intends to cement that legacy this Saturday when he exposes his belt against the American Yuandale Evans.

This afternoon at the final press conference, Machado said he was eager to fight again at Madison Square Garden for the first time since 2014 and give boxing fans a great taste of his skills, with Evans saying he is willing to do the same and whatever is necessary to become world champion.

“This is my second fight in the mecca of boxing (Madison Square Garden), Miguel Cotto, who is my promoter, had great fights here and for me it is a pleasure to continue the story,” said Machado (20-0, 16 KOs). “I cannot wait to defend my title before my people from Puerto Rico here in New York, I’m ready,” he added.

Freddie Roach, trainer of the champion of the WBA, said he was very confident of coming out of the fight with his fighters hand raised. “Machado is better every time. Each day the fight approaches, I feel him hitting harder and harder, almost like a heavyweight. I hope Evans has talent or a train will pass over him,” he said.

Evans, however, does not seem to care about Machado’s punch or Freddie’s words. “I come to tear down the mountain. I know it’s a big mountain, but I’m ready. The story of my life has been coming from below and this Saturday I will defeat the champion,” said the aspiring world champion.