Before this weekend’s fight between former NFL running backs Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell, the two appeared at their final press conference and discussed their training for this fight and how their experience as professional athletes in football could be transferred to the ring. Check out some excerpts of what both had to say about Saturday’s matchup below with some video highlights above.
Le’Veon Bell on his thoughts on facing Adrian Peterson and his preparations for the fight
“I think I have a great opponent,” Bell said. “I get to be in front of a lot of people and show my skills and show what I’ve been working hard on.
“I’ve been doing a lot, obviously, running around, a lot of rounds with the gloves, a lot of sparring. I understand AP is one of those guys, he looks at his football career, he’s one of those guys who always gets in shape, he’s always in better shape than the others, he works hard. So I tried my best to reach that level, try to go above that level if I can.”
Adrian Peterson on what he learned during his boxing training that he’s looking to show off this weekend
“Really learning how to pick your shots, being smart. People look at my style of football and of course I have also been able to transition into the ring. But in football I can get a little out of control at times, and in boxing you have to be very precise and choose where you’re going to try to deliver that knockout blow.”
Peterson on whether he thinks their respective running styles will translate to what we’ll see in the ring.
“Yeah, but like I just said, boxing is a totally different ball game. So you have to be patient, you have to understand where you need to hit and when too. So I’m not just going to be out there pulling hay, that wouldn’t be my style if I didn’t play football like I did. You have to be smart, this is a different arena when you’re in that ring, you have to be smart, pick your shots and be good with your defense.”
Peterson’s prediction for Saturday night
“At the end of the day, I walk away with a W.”
Bell’s prediction for the fight.
“Obviously I’m confident in myself, so obviously I’m going to get in the ring to show my skills to the world, show people why I’m here, why I’m doing this.”
