Top Rank’s unbeaten super featherweight contender Andres “Savage” Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) is strapping up for the fight of his life against Puerto Rican challenger Bryan Chevalier (20-1-1, 16 KOs). This 10-round rumble is not just any fight; it’s the appetizer to the main course, where O’Shaquie Foster tangles with Abraham Nova, all part of the ESPN-televised tripleheader. The fists will fly on Friday, Feb. 16, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, with ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ broadcasting the brawl live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Cortes, hailing from Las Vegas, is turning every stone and maybe some tires in his gritty preparation for this monumental clash. Sporting an unbeaten record that’s made some noise in the boxing scene, Cortes is pumped to rocket his career sky-high by duking it out with a seasoned scrapper like Chevalier. Let’s just say, his training regimen is more intense than a caffeine-fueled all-nighter.
“This is it, the big show, what I’ve been sweating for my whole career,” declared Andres Cortes, whose cornerman is none other than his brother and trainer, Luis Cortes. “It’s my first time in the national TV spotlight, and I’m ready to show off my elite boxing chops. Bryan Chevalier? Tough guy, sure, but I’m not stepping back. I’ve been pushing myself to the edge in training, and it’s paying off big time. I’m feeling like a million bucks and will be in top form come fight night.”
Bagging a win in this scrap will not just be a notch on Cortes’ belt; it’s his golden ticket to a world title fight, cementing his spot in the super featherweight division.
“Chevalier is as dangerous as they come, ready to climb the ladder just like me. The fans are in for a treat – a no-holds-barred Mexican vs. Puerto Rican showdown. I’m here to show everyone that ‘Savage’ isn’t just a nickname; it’s a warning. I’m gunning for the big dogs of the division.”
Cortes had a bit to say about his recent slog at the gym, his looming scrap with Bryan Chevalier, chucking punches in New York City on the telly, and a bit more.
Talking about the sweat and tears in the gym:
“Just knocked off a brutal training camp. My brother and I have been slogging it out in Las Vegas, no rest for the wicked. This camp, I’ve been pushing my limits, all set to show everyone I’m cut out for the champion’s belt. I’m here to make a statement, to me, the fans, and the big shot who’s got me on the books. My graft’s going to be plain to see in the upcoming tussle.”
Chinwag about the tangle with Bryan Chevalier:
“Chevalier’s got my respect, he’s on a bit of a roll with his wins. We’re both hard as nails, love a good scrap, so it’s going to be a right treat for those watching. He’ll have his crowd of Puerto Rican supporters, but I’ve got that Mexican fire in me. I’m dead set on turning this into a legendary Mexico vs. Puerto Rico clash. I’m stepping into the ring aiming to floor him.
On his debut brawling on ESPN:
“This is my first time throwing punches on ESPN, and I’m not about to muck it up. Everyone’s going to see why I’m the dark horse of boxing. Got that champion’s spirit in me, and it’s going to be on full display this Friday.
On the dream of duking it out in New York City at Madison Square Garden:
“Been dreaming of having a go at Madison Square Garden, the big kahuna of boxing on the East Coast. It’s a proper honor to have a bash in New York City, and I’ve got Top Rank to thank for this golden chance. It’s a step up towards a title fight, and I’m geared up to dazzle.”