Canelo vs Smith Undercard Results and Quotes

Sadam Ali

“The plan was to get the knock out, but that didn’t happen with this victory,” said Sadam Ali. “My opponent definitely had a Mexican style to him, and I was not expecting the reach he had with his arms. I knew I hurt him in the exchange of blows in the fourth round, and other times throughout the fight. This is still the win I needed and worked hard for, and I know the next fight I am in will demonstrate my will power.”

Vergil Ortiz Jr.

“I feel motivated with this win. Never in my dreams did I expect to be on such a stage so early in my career,” said Ortiz. “In the ring, I knew my opponent was hungry for redemption early because he kept trying to throw some overhand punches. But I kept tight, and when I landed my double jab and straight right punch combination, I had a feeling that he wasn’t going to get back up. I am glad I have such a solid start to my career, and I’m looking forward to more massive fights.

Hector Tanajara Jr.

“It’s an amazing feeling being able to fight in my home state – I could hear my family members cheering from the stands, and it’s a blessing that they were able to come out to my first HBO performance,” said Hector Tanajara Jr. “I honestly thought I was going to be able to get the knock out, but my opponent wanted to brawl, and he had a resistance in the ring that I didn’t expect. In the end, I got my victory, and back to the gym we go.”

Joshua Franco

“I feel amazing getting the knock out in front of all my fans,” said Joshua Franco. “This was only a taste of the things to come – Roberto Diaz wanted me to get into the ring with a fighter that would give me a tough time, and I think my performance tonight showed that I can take on any opponent. I knew the first time he fell that it would only take a couple of shots until I could get the Knock Out.”

Zachary Ochoa

“I felt good in the ring, I knew I could stop him, but I hurt my knuckle in the second round blocking his right hand hook and counterpunching him with my left hook,” said Zachary Ochoa. It’s a good experience for me, to make sure that all my training is working.  He was a tough guy, resilient, but I was in control the whole time. I knew my body shots were hurting him and I continued doing that to break him down. I knew going in it was going to be a tough fight, but we trained exactly for this, and we are ready to take on the next talented fighter.”

Alexis Salazar

“I felt good throughout the fight. I feel it was my technique that won this fight for me,” said Alexis Salazar. “My opponent was a tricky guy to fight, and I thought it would be an easier night for me because of his loss streak on his record, but he made me work and I think it was a good experience.”

Anthony Yarde

“Obviously I’m happy to get the win, but I was trying to carry him a bit. I wanted more time in the ring, I wanted to get some rounds in and take in more of this experience in AT&T Stadium. That’s why I didn’t follow up after I hit him with my left hook. But overall I got the win, so I’m content with that.”