After receiving news that their bout was going to be the main event in Las Vegas, both Richard Commey and Jackson Marinez got put in the spotlight today as they were the ones in the final press conference. With the fight being a couple of days away, they provided content that showed they are ready to go on Saturday night.

First up was Marinez (19-1, 7 KOs), who looks to bounce back from the first loss of his career. He was placed in this bout after fighting Rolando Romero for the interim WBA title which ended up as a decision loss that many felt should have went in his favor. That bout was an experience that Marinez would like to put behind him on Saturday. However, the attention that it received opened the path for this opportunity and he wants to make the best of it.

“I see myself as a king without a crown,” Marinez said. “Even though I lost in controversial fashion, it opened up bigger opportunities for me and I’m taking full advantage of them.”

Marinez sees Commey as a great opponent and respects the fact that he is facing someone that has been in high-profile fights.

“Right now, I have a great opponent in front of me, a former world champion, and I’m ready to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m excited and proud to face someone like Commey.”

As the former IBF lightweight champion, Commey (29-3, 26 KOs) has been waiting since his defeat to Teofimo Lopez to get back in the ring. The 33 year old from Accra, Ghana wants to get back on the winning track over Marinez

“It’s been over a year since I fought,” Commey said. “I lost my title to Teofimo Lopez. It was a little bit hard for me to take it. I learned my lesson. It’s redemption time for Commey because I still got a lot in there, and I want to be a two-time world champion.”

The lightweight division has a good number of contenders in it, and with a win Commey puts himself in that list. Lou DiBella – Commey’s promoter – said that he should fight for a world title if he is the victor on Saturday night, and Commey feels that many avenues for big fights will be available.

“Once I win this fight, there will be a lot of doors open for me. The lightweight division is packed now. Winning this fight would put me back in the mix.”

Cover photo by Mikey Williams of Top Rank