Nicaraguan brawler Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga began Wednesday's final news conference by thanking God.
Then he launched into a verbal barrage against Sugar Shane Mosley, questioning his manhood with a string of profanity and racial slurs.
Mayorga, 34, known for lighting cigarettes and pounding beers in the ring to celebrate his victories, promised to a deliver a beating that will send Mosley, 37, into retirement when they meet Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at The Home Depot Center.
“I've seen all the reports about how much of a man he is and how he's not afraid to stand and fight. I want to see how true those stories are,” Mayorga scoffed.
“If he comes to run, I want him to let me know. That way I can bring rollerblades and I will give him the pink outfit like I promised him last press conference.”
Mayorga (29-6-1, 23 KOs) also challenged Oscar De La Hoya to a rematch, saying: “How can he retire fighting a featherweight?”
Mosley (44-5, 37 KOs) called Mayorga a comedian and reminded him that he knocked out Fernando Vargas twice while Mayorga labored to a majority decision over Vargas.
“That's the difference,” Mosley told Mayorga. “Remember that when you get into the ring with me and you want to go toe-to-toe. You said that toe-to-toe thing with Vargas.
“Let's stand toe-to-toe and fight. Remember that you don't run. You sit there and take it like a man.”
HOTBEDS
Mosley-Mayorga is the big fight of the week, but it isn't the only major fight card going on in So Cal this week.
Here is a look at the big fight cards going on in Southern California this week:
Paul Williams (34-1, 25 KOs) vs. Andy Kolle (17-1, 12 KOs) and Chris Arreola (24-0, 21 KOs) vs. Israel Garcia (19-1, 11 KOs), tonight, at Soboba Casino in San Jacinto (Versus, 6 p.m.): Williams, the WBO 147-pound champion, moves up to 160 pounds for this fight. Arreola might be the top U.S. heavyweight prospect.
Bernabe Concepcion (26-1-1, 15 KOs) vs. Giovanni Caro (11-4-4, 9 KOs), tonight, at Sycuan Casino and Resort in El Cajon: Who will be the next big thing to come out of the Philippines? Many are banking on Concepcion, who is managed by Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.
Vicente Escobedo vs. Dominic Salcido, Friday, at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon (Telefutura, 8 p.m.): Salcido has moved his way up the rankings fighting on club shows throughout Southern California, and he gets a huge opportunity against Escobedo, a 2004 U.S. Olympian.
Wilson Reis (5-0) vs. Abel Cullum (11-1), Friday, at Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez (Showtime, 11 p.m.): The first EliteXC bantamweight champion will be crowned when Reis and Cullum hook up. Orange County fighters Giva Santana, Shane Del Rosario and Erik Apple will be in action on the televised portion of the card.
To check out post-fight audio interviews with Cornelius Lock and John Molina, click here.
