Don King was welcomed by Miami Mayor Thomas Regalado at a press conference held at Miami's AmericanAirlines Arena today where King formally announced a WBC heavyweight final elimination bout-with the winner earning the right to face Vitali Klitschko-between 2004 Olympic gold medalist and now undefeated Odlanier "La Sombra" Solis (16-0, 12 KOs) and WBC No. 1-ranked Ray "The Rainman" Austin (28-4-4, 18 KOs). Also on hand was arguably the most recognized and most marketable fighter on the card, Ricardo Mayorga, who will be returning to the ring on the same date after a 2-year layoff. Check out what all the participants had to say.
"It's great to have another King in Miami, Don King," Regalado said.
Austin said he plans to make the most of his opportunity.
"I feel blessed to be in this position," the Cleveland native said. "I'm going to bring the rain, and you know what comes with that: the pain."
Solis made it clear that fighting as a professional was always a dream while he lived in Cuba. Now living in Miami, he has arrived where he always wanted to be.
"This match is the key we have been missing, the chance to fight for the heavyweight championship. It's been a long road. I will not let anyone down."
Undefeated IBF light heavyweight champion Tavoris "Thunder" Cloud (21-0, 18 KOs), from Tallahassee, will defend his crown against hard-punching Colombian native Fulgencio Zuniga (24-4-1, 21 KOs).
"I know Zuniga is a puncher, and I am taking him very seriously," Cloud said. "After I'm done with him-which I will do-I've got some bigger fish to fry."
Raw Quotes
Ray Austin (WBC No. 1-Ranked Heavyweight): "I feel blessed to be in this position. I'm bringing the rain and you know what comes with that: the pain."
"Don King is the best thing that ever happened to me and boxing. I will make the most of this opportunity."
Odlanier Solis (WBC No. 2-ranked heavyweight and 2004 Cuban Olympic heavyweight gold medalist): "This match is the key we have been missing, the chance to fight for the heavyweight championship. This is what I have been dreaming and working toward since I first picked up a pair of boxing gloves.
"It's been a long road, and now I'm here. I will not let anyone down."
Ahmet Oner (co-promoter of Odlanier Solis): "It's great to be working with Don King. I chose Don to present this because he is a great promoter.
"Odlanier Solis was one of the biggest fighters ever in Cuba. I believe he will win this fight with Austin and go on to defeat Vitali Klitschko to become the WBC heavyweight champion. I became a promoter with Solis, so it's great to see him so close to achieving his dreams."
Tavoris Cloud (Undefeated IBF light heavyweight champion): "This is going to be a great fight and a great event. I know Zuniga is a puncher, and I am taking him very seriously. After I'm done with him-which I will do-I've got some bigger fish to fry."
Al Bonanni (Trainer of Tavoris Cloud): "I saw Tavoris for the first time six years ago at Miami Jai-Alai. He was brought in as an opponent, but he won the fight.
"What I saw in him-and you will all see on Dec. 17-is if you hit him, he hits you back harder. He's aggressive, a real crowd-pleasing fighter."
Mike Marrone (Heavyweight contender who will be fighting in a WBC elimination bout against Darrel Madison): "My trainer Eddie Chambers and I are going to do great things. Vero Beach [Florida] is behind me. Darrel Madison is a good heavyweight like me. His nickname is "King David." What I want him to know is we are developing the best jab in boxing. When we are done with him, his new nickname will be "Burger King."
Guillermo Jones (WBA Cruiserweight Champion): "I work and train hard. I am always hungry like the tiger, and a tiger likes to eat meat. I am ready for my next challenge."
Ricardo Mayorga (Former three-time world champion): "I want people to believe in me again. I have a hunger to be world champion again. I expect to win on Dec. 17."
Selcuk Aydin (Undefeated welterweight): "I am here to support Solis. I have been waiting two years to fight Andre Berto, and it looks like Ahmet Oner and Don King are going to get it done."
Angelo Santana (Undefeated lightweight contender from Cuba): "I am happy to be going back to the ring on Dec. 17. I am happy with the progress in my career, and now it is time for me to move to next level of competition."