WEST POINT, N.Y. (April 22, 2021) – Ring City USA will return tonight with another high-stakes world title main event when Jelena Mrjdenovich (41-10-2, 19 KOs) makes the sixth defense of her WBA Featherweight World Title against Erika Cruz (12-1-0, 3 KOs), live from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and on NBC Sports Network. The main card on NBCSN will feature two additional boutsbeginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a three-fight professional undercard and intrasquad scrimmage bouts featuring West Point cadets beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT around the world on Twitch.

Ahead of tonight’s stacked card, the main event fighters had the following to say about their training camps, contrasting styles and their title fight:

Jelena Mrjdenovich

On headlining tonight’s Ring City main event: “I think every fight is exciting, whether you are the first fight or the last fight. You come to do your job and try to put on a show. I love the fact that Ring City is showing another main event women’s fight. It is always exciting to have females headline shows, especially on a major network.”

On being trained by Johnathon Banks: “It was hard making a decision to go with someone else to begin with. I went with Johnathon because we mesh well, we get along well. We have the same like-mindedness. Having him not there last fight, on top of everything else I had going on, it was challenging. But I am a world champion and I rise to the occasion. This time can only be better and we are excited to showcase what we are working on.”

On training camp: “I had amazing people around me. Johnathon was with me the whole time. I had Nonito Donaire, Jessie Vargas, Rachel Donaire. Just good vibes, good people. When we were leaving, I looked at Nonito and Jessie and Johnathon, and I was kind of sad we were leaving. I’m excited to fight. But it just shows how hard we worked, it felt easy – but don’t get it twisted, we worked our butts off. This is one of the best camps we have ever done.”

Her prediction for tonight: “I think we can expect a good, action-packed fight. I know that Erika has put in the work. I know she comes to fight. I love going to war so hopefully we have a great stylistic match. My plan is to do what I did last time but just a little better.”

Erika Cruz

On not having her father in her corner: “It means twice the work. It means I need to work twice as hard to bring a victory back to him. Jelena is a legend, but I am also in a great position and I have enough to show her tonight.”

On fighting Jelena Mrdjenovich: “Every time a Mexican gets in the ring, we are going to give a war. But I know for Jelena, it was a complicated fight (against Paola Torres) and I think it will be the same thing for her this time as well.”

On her southpaw style: “I think it may be a complicated fight. Every time you have a righty against a lefty, it’s a bit complicated. We may get our feet crossed or there might be some head butts. It’s going to be a complicated fight for her.”

On being in the Mexican National Guard: “By the grace of God, if I win this fight it will open a lot of doors. I will always be representing the National Guard. I am finishing my studies as the legal profession is concerned. It will be a great thing for me, and I hope a lot of great opportunities will come.”

Main Card Begins Tonight at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBCSN

WBA Featherweight World Title Fight – 10 Rounds

Jelena Mrdjenovich (41-10-2, 19 KOs) vs. Erika Cruz Hernandez (12-1, 3 KOs)

Welterweight Fight – 10 Rounds

Juan Pablo Romero (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Denier Berrio (22-2-1, 13 KOs)

Welterweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Bobirzhan Mominov (12-0, 8 KOs) vs. Angel Ruiz (16-1, 12 KOs)

 Bonus Undercard Action Streams Live at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on Twitch

Super Middleweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Christian Mbilli (17-0, 16 KOs) vs. Jesus Antonio Gutierrez (27-4-2, 14 KOs)

Featherweight Fight – 6 Rounds

Jalan Walker (8-0, 7 KOs) vs. Angel Antonio Contreras (11-4-1, 7 KOs)

Junior Lightweight Fight – 4 Rounds

Daniel Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Luis Alvarado (1-2)