"Hook City!" final presser

Report by Drew Amendola
Photos by Scott Foster

Over a hundred members of the media and fight community were present at the final press conference for Saturday’s "Hook City!" event at the Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

“Hook City!” features all time great Roy Jones Jr (53-5, 39 KOs) taking on two time world champion Jeff Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs) for the NABO light heavyweight championship at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. In the co-main event, two-time former super middleweight champion Danny Green (26-3, 23 KOs) of Australia battles Julio Cesar Dominguez (20-4-1 14 KOs) of Argentina for the vacant IBO cruiserweight title. If Green is victorious, he has an opportunity to fight the winner of Jones vs. Lacy in Australia this winter.

Other televised championship cards are cruiserweight contender B.J. Flores (23-0-1, 14 KOs) against Epifanio Mendoza (29-4-1, 25 KOs) for the NABO jr heavyweight championship and a much anticipated bout for the between Verquan Kimbrough (21-1-2, 7 KOs) and Jason Litzau (24-2, 20 KOs) for the vacant NABF lightweight crown.

Jones came to the press conference dressed as a pirate. He joked with the press with his opening comments but then he suddenly turned serious and ripped off his pirate outfit.

"This is serious,” said Jones. “We ain't bringing no trash. This is the real deal!"

Lacy had earlier joked about the eight-year age difference between him and Jones, but Jones was quick to respond: "This old man ain't quite as old as he looks."

Lacy was much more subdued when he took the microphone: "I am in great shape and I am putting it all on the line Saturday," said a confident Lacy.

Green - known as a hard-hitter brawler - seemed to indicate a new direction for his game plan this Saturday. "I have been working on angles. Using my brain instead of my brawn,” said the Aussie warrior.

Green had a high regard for his opponent, noting "He has had a ten-week notice. I know he is ready and prepared." However Green said, "He is going to have to be a lot faster than what he has shown (from tapes)."

B.J. Flores was all business regarding his match with Mendoza. "I know I need to be impressive," said the cruiserweight contender.

Mendoza, who is noted for his knockout power with 25 knockouts of his 29 wins, was not present at the conference but that did not stop Flores from predicting: "My fight will not go the distance!”

Another promising bout on the televised undercard of “Hook City!” is the battle for the vacant NABF lightweight title between slick stylist Verquan Kimbrough and the brawling Jason Litzau. "I see a great night and need my best performance,” said Kimbrough of the classic boxer vs. puncher matchup.

Also on the undercard.

Ray Nahr (21-1) takes on Marteze Johnson (26-37) in eight round super lightweight bout.

Yaundale Evans (pro debut) meets Frederick Bowen (pro debut) in a four round super featherweight contest.

Gabe Pham (pro debut) encounters Troy Pollock (pro debut) in a super middleweight four rounder.

Leroy Thomas (12-1) battles Gabe Brown (18-10-4) in a six round heavyweight affair.

Daniel Baff (10-1-1) goes toe-to-toe with Richmond Dalphone (2-5-2) in light heavyweight six rounder.

Isaac Salter (pro debut) takes on Paul Foret (1-13) in a four round super middleweight contest.

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“Hook City!” featuring eight-time world champion Roy “Captain Hook” Jones, Jr. (53-5, 39 KOs) and two-time super middleweight world champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (25-2, 17 KOs) is presented by Square Ring Promotions in association with Left Hook Promotions and the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. “Hook City!” will be broadcast live on pay-per-view at 9pm EST / 6pm PT.

Tickets are still available at all Ticketmaster locations by calling 800.745.3000, online at Ticketmaster.com and at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office.