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Dusty Harrison-Mike Dallas Jr. Press Conference

On Wednesday, May 11, Washington, D.C.’s undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (29-0, 16 KOs) and Bakersfield, California’s Mike “The Silent Assassin” Dallas Jr. (21-3-1, 10 KOs) participated in the final press conference at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C. in advance of their May 13 fight at the DC Armory. Hernandez-Harrison vs. Dallas Jr. will headline a throne boxing event in a 10-round Welterweight bout that will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT and streamed live on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.com.

Co-featured fighters including Dorado, Puerto Rico’s Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle (20-2, 15 KOs) who faces Thomas “KO” Snow (18-2, 12 KOs) of Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia Heavyweight prospect Darmani “Rock Solid” Rock (Pro Debut) who takes on the beltway’s own Carlos “DC Diamond Cutter” Black (1-3) were also in attendance at the press conference on Wednesday. Below is what the fighters, promoter and other dais guests had to say at the press conference:

DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON:

“I want to thank Mike Dallas Jr. for coming into D.C. He has my respect for coming into my hometown and fighting. I’m really ready for this fight. I may have gotten in the best sparring that any fighter has ever gotten [for a fight]. I went from [sparring with] Canelo and came home to spar with Demetrius Hopkins, Austin Trout and Lamont Peterson. I don’t know if there’s better sparring than that. Camp has been great. I’m definitely ready for the fight. I want to thank FILA and Geico for supporting me. I hope everyone comes out on Friday, May 13 at the DC Armory. I know we will put on a good show.”

MIKE “THE SILENT ASSASSIN” DALLAS JR.:

“I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity and keeping me strong through hard times. I had a good camp. I want to thank BET for having me on. Come Friday, it’s going to be a good fight. I’m mentally and physically there. I dug deep in camp and I’m ready to bring it in this fight. I wish my opponent the best. It’s going to be a tough fight. I’m ready to go in there, give it my all and give you guys a great show. Come and watch the fight on May 13.”

ORLANDO “ORLANDITO” DEL VALLE:

“I would like to thank God, Roc Nation Sports and their entire staff for believing in me and giving me a second shot at my career. I won’t let you guys down. Becoming a world champion will be my only way to thank you guys so after this fight I’m ready for that.”

“Thank you BET and TIDAL for allowing us to showcase our skills on national TV and over the internet so that boxing fans around the world can have a glimpse of what the near future holds.”

“This fight means a lot to me. It’s the biggest fight of my career. I need to win this fight if I really want to get closer to a title shot. I’m in the greatest condition and shape of my life. On Friday night, expect nothing but fireworks from Orlando Del Valle. I guarantee you that a title shot for Orlando Del Valle will be coming. A champion for Roc Nation Sports is very, very close. So once again, thank you all and don’t miss the action on Friday night.”

DARMANI “ROCK SOLID” ROCK: “I’m just looking forward to seeing everyone come out on May 13 at the DC Armory when I make my pro debut.”

DAVID ITSKOWITCH, COO Boxing – Roc Nation Sports:

“An action packed undercard of emerging and established talent and exciting entertainment from the boxing hotbed of Washington, D.C. telecast live on BET and streamed live on TIDAL.com…May 13 is an event that no one should miss.”

“This event would not have been possible without the support of a number of people and organizations and I would like to take a moment to thank the following…our sponsors: Corona, FILA, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Shoe City, Pepsi, RCN and The DC Lottery. I’d also like to thank Stephen Hill, Connie Orlando and their team at BET as well as Greg O’Dell and the staff of Events DC for helping us bring a throne boxing event to Washington, D.C.”

“BET’s vision and commitment for putting together innovative live entertainment is a big reason why we are here today. We are thrilled to be partnered with BET to bring another throne boxing event to fans across the country. We’re also excited about the fact that as a non-traditional boxing network, they have thrown their hat into the ring which we believe has, and will continue to, attract new fans to the sport.”

“Events DC works tirelessly to bring high profile events to Washington, D.C. and of late, they have helped to turn the District into a boxing hotbed.”

STEPHEN HILL, President of Programming – BET:

“BET Networks is excited to partner with Roc Nation Sports to broadcast the second live throne boxing event on BET. Friday, May 13 will be lucky for us as we get to bring to the world this top-notch sporting event showcase including live entertainment from Roc Nation’s own Justine Skye, DJ Cipha Sounds and BET personality Big Tigger, who will be welcomed back to BET with open arms. “At BET Networks we’re committed to delivering more variety and original programming and like throne boxing, our content is engaging, emotional and entertaining. We are thrilled to welcome throne boxing back to BET. We know audiences love live sporting events like boxing, so this partnership fits like a glove. “Last but not least, thank you to Washington D.C., the birthplace of BET Networks, and myself, for hosting us in this great city. We look forward to a great fight on Friday night.”

ERIK MOSES, Senior Vice President and Managing Director – Events DC Sports and Entertainment Division:

“Boxing is back in Washington in a very big way. We have had the pleasure of hosting three championship bouts in the last three months at the DC Armory, which is a great place to watch a fight if you have not been there. “This fight card in particular has a very special place in my heart, as it should for others from Washington, because it’s about as local as it can be. We’ve got a hometown hero, who, if you have not seen him fight, see him now before you can’t afford to see him. Dusty Hernandez-Harrison is going to be a big star and he represents Washington, D.C. in a way that few do. Check him out now before you’re paying big money in Vegas to see him fight. “The fight is also being broadcasted by another home-grown institution, and that is BET. It’s great to see sports back on BET, and boxing in particular, coming from the DC Armory as the host venue. Tickets are still available. We look forward to hosting everyone who wants to come out and cheer on all these fighters, but Dusty in particular so we can have another championship fighter in D.C.”

ANDREW HUFF, DC Boxing Commission:

“Roc Nation Sports and Events DC are helping to ensure that the legacy of the District’s boxing history continues. On behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser, Adam Weers, who is the chairman of the District’s Boxing and Wrestling Commission, Miss Kimberly Lockett, who is another commissioner and myself, welcome to Washington, D.C.”

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Lukie Ketelle

Lukie Ketelle