by James Slater – For all those “boxing junkies” out there who are missing their regular fight action due to the fact that it’s a quiet time for boxing during the Christmas holiday season, rest assured the action will soon restart. The first “world” title fight set to take place in 2010 is the intriguing and likely to be explosive WBO 168-pound title clash between champ Robert Stieglitz and the always fan-friendly Edison Miranda.
As hard as it’s been for the boxing nuts to have gone without seeing any fights for the past week-and-a-half or so, spare a thought for these two guys, who have had to train and remain focused over the Christmas period; instead of enjoying themselves as we have all been doing.. Come January 9th, however, it will all have been worth it for one of the two warriors, and Jan. 9th will also be the date in which fight fans can settle back into their schedule of watching at least a big fight or two each month.
The 36-2(22) Stieglitz of Germany, who will be making his first defence, is not a big name outside of Europe, but he is hoping a win over Miranda, especially a spectacular one, will help turn him into one. A tough and gutsy fighter who is always in great physical shape – as anyone who saw his quite incredible come-from-behind title win over Karloy Balzsay will know – the 28-year-old will not give up his title without a dogfight; if at all.
For though most fans seem to think the Colombian banger known as “Pantera” will finally get his hands on a major belt in January, it’s by no means a certainty. Stieglitz, despite being stopped twice – by Alejandro Berrio and Librado Andrade – has a good chin; maybe a better chin that 28-year-old Miranda possesses. As such, and as powerful as he certainly is, Miranda had better not be thinking he will go in there and blast the new champion out. Having reportedly hired Joe Goossen as his new trainer for the upcoming fight, it seems Miranda is doing all he can so as to make it to the top this time.
The first “world” title fight of the new year sure figures to be an exciting one; regardless of what tactics each guy adopts. Miranda, win or lose, is never in a dull fight, and Stieglitz has also thrilled those fans who have been lucky enough to have seen him fight. Miranda, under the tutelage of Goossen, may come out more cautiously than usual, as he looks to feel his way into the fight, but at some point the bombs will start to fly – from both sides. Not as big a hitter as the challenger, Stieglitz has still stopped way over half of the men he’s beaten. The edge in power goes to Miranda, the better chin and possibly stamina belongs to Stieglitz.
The pressure is on both men to win. Stieglitz doesn’t want to lose his title in his first defence, and Miranda, 33-4(29) has to know he will be most fortunate to ever get another chance at a big belt if he loses this one. Sure to bring out the best in both men, this pressure will see to it that neither leaves anything in the ring. Yes, Miranda always has a chance to end a fight against anyone quickly, such is his raw power, but I see a long, hard, war of a fight taking place next month and not a blow-out.
There could be a couple of knockdowns along the way – with both men being hurt a number of times – before a weary Miranda sees his second “world” title challenge become a successful one, as he wins a close decision.