Los Angeles, CA (December 14, 2009) – All World Contender Edison “Pantera” Miranda wanted when he and his promoter Warriors Boxing’s Leon Margules agreed to a co-promotional contract with Goossen Tutor Promotions and renowned trainer Joe Goossen three months ago was a second opportunity to challenge for a World Championship title fight. He didn’t have to wait very long! After annihilating former Mexican Super Middleweight Champion Francisco Sierra in just one round in his October 22 debut with his new team to win the WBO NABO Super Middleweight Title, the 28-year old Colombian native’s next fight will come against WBO 168-pound World Champion Robert Stieglitz..
“I didn’t think a title shot would come this quick,” said Miranda (33-4, 29 KOs). “I thought it would take longer. I am really happy to be fighting for a world title.”
Bordelandhalle in Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany will be the site of the January 9, 2010 event.
In his first attempt to win a world title, Miranda, who now lives and trains in Los Angeles, was 26-0 when he lost in his bid at the IBF Middleweight Championship belt worn by Arthur Abraham by decision — coincidently in Germany – back in 2006. In that hotly-contested bout, the heavy-handed Miranda broke the champion’s jaw, but it was Miranda who was left with a bad taste in his mouth that he carries with him still today from losing that controversial decision that even the hometown fans believed he won.
“I felt very awkward going to Germany because that is not my home, but the home of my opponent. Everybody knows I won that fight. I feel like the only way I am going to win over there is by a knockout. And that is what I plan to do.”
Ranked #5 by the WBO and #8 in the IBF and WBC, the big-punching Miranda has undergone a near complete makeover in his training methods and boxing style under the tutelage of Joe Goossen, while maintaining his punching power.
“Miranda has taken to our gym ethic which is very demanding,” Joe Goossen stated. “By his own admission he never came even close to putting this type of effort into the gym. Edison is really a superior athlete, but he was an athlete in hiding because as much power and strength that he brought into the ring, he either neglected or didn’t learn some of the more subtle things to use in a fight, which is using both hands and not just relying on the one big right hand. Now he can match skills with skills, not just power against skills. He is going to bring a more complete package to the table in January. I am very excited!”
For the 28-year old Russian-born Stieglitz (36-2, 22 KOs) taking on Miranda in Magdeberg will be a homecoming. Now living there, Stieglitz will be making his first defense of the title he won in Hungary back in August when he stopped Karoly Balzsay in the 11th round. His losses came against Alejandro Berrio in a battle for the vacant IBF Super Middleweight Title in his 30th pro fight in March 2007 and Librado Andrade in an IBF Title Eliminator in March of last year.
“I am so happy to be able to defend my title for the first time in my hometown,” said Stieglitz. “I know Miranda is a tough guy who has knocked out many fighters. But I have worked long and hard to win my world title and there is no way he is going to win here – let alone knock me out.”
Promoter Dan Goossen feels that the transition of Miranda from a one-punch fighter to complete boxer with lethal power in both hands will not only serve him well against Stieglitz, but will also align him with the other great stars making up arguably boxing’s most talented division – the super middleweights.
“I’m excited, along with my partner Leon Margules of Warrior’s Boxing, to see if Miranda will indeed show another weapon or two to his already lethal knockout power,” Goossen exclaimed. “If he does, and gets a win over Stieglitz, he would immediately put himself back into any talk about the fully loaded Super Middleweight division.”
Michael Oliveira Added to Dec. 18th card in Haiti
MIAMI (Dec. 14, 2009) – Fresh off of his impressive first-round stoppage of Gustavo De La Cruz last week in the Dominican Republic, unbeaten Brazilian middleweight prospect “Chairman of the Board” Michael Oliveira (10-0, 8 KOs) has been added to Friday night’s (Dec. 18) pro card at the Karibe Convention Center in Petionville, Haiti.
The 19-year-old Oliveira, a student at Miami Dade Community College, was born in Brazil but lives and fights out of Miami. The charismatic teenager is matched against dangerous Dominican puncher Edvardo Mercedes (5-2, 5 KOs) in an 8-round bout.
The power-punching Oliveira is being groomed as the heir apparent to Brazilian boxing star Acelino “Popo” Freitas, 4-time world champion, who retired two years ago.
“Even though Michael just boxed (Dec. 7) and will be fighting twice within 11days,” Oliveira’s father/promoter Carlos explained, “we took this fight because it’s a great opportunity for Michael to close out the year with a bang. There are many Brazilian peace keeping United Nations forces stationed in Haiti and Michael wants to give them an early Christmas present. They’re away from home during the holidays, serving their country, and this fight will give them a feeling of home and Brazilian pride with one of their own in the ring. Michael came out of his last fight in great shape. He’s only 19 and lives in the gym. We’re not concerned fighting again so soon. Everybody is really looking forward to it.”
Go to www.MichaelOliveria.com for more information.
Tucker Retains Title in Westminster!
Westminster, MD – In front of 2,500 boisterous fans at the Shipley Arena, Mark “TNT” Tucker retained his USBO Light Heavyweight championship Friday night with a hard fought ten round unanimous decision over wily veteran George “El Gallo” Armenta of Silver Spring, MD.
With a group of US Marines leading his loudly cheered ring walk, Tucker controlled the opening two frames by ripping Armenta with hard jab-straight left hand combinations. The hard charging Armenta had some success in the middle rounds with short right hands, but with the guidance of special assistant trainer Buddy McGirt, Tucker shook off a few rough moments to box effectively.
Armenta continued applying pressure in the late rounds with hopes of a one punch knockout, but the gutsy Tucker used an arsenal of heavy body punches along with straight left hands to the head while battling through a reoccurring in-fight hand injury to secure the victory.
Judge Gary Camponeschi scored the contest 98-92, while John Gradowski and Don Risher both had it 96-94 for Tucker, who also prevailed on scorecards of ringside media outlets.
“It was a great fight, he kept coming and was very tough”, said Tucker, who hails from nearby Eldersburg. “I got hit with a few punches I shouldn’t have, so I had to make adjustments to take charge and pull out the fight.”
Tucker improves to 13-0 with 7 KO’s, while the game Armenta falls to 13-5 (11 KO’s). Tucker’s next bout is tentatively scheduled for March 27 in Newark, NJ.
On the undercard, Jamar “The Truth” Freeman earned a unanimous decision victory over Omar Sims, while Garrett Wilson and Vincent Batteast pulled out close points victories over Adam Willet and Allen Perkins.
The four fight card was promoted by TNT Promotions 21, who worked hand in hand with Marine Toys for Tots to generate hundreds of donations from fans in attendance for needy children.
Since their inaugural card in February 2009, TNT Promotions 21 helped spring boxing to life in Northern Maryland. They have hosted six shows at the Shipley Arena, bringing in a large each time. TNT 21 also has the exclusive promotional rights to USBO Light Heavyweight champion Mark Tucker.
For more information, go to www.marktnttucker.com.