by Jaime Castro-Núñez – The first month of the year seems to be a good time for 28-year-old super middleweight challenger Edison Miranda (33-4-0, KO’s 29) of Buenaventura, Colombia, now fighting out of Los Angeles. It was in January 2008 and 2009 when he knocked out both David Banks and Manuel Esparza, respectively. January 9, 2010 was the date in which “Pantera” would face WBO titleholder Robert Stieglitz. Unfortunately, he was struck with the flu and the bout had to be canceled. While recovering from the ill, Edison looks ahead to an unforgettable, action-filled 2010 in which the belt will belong to him.
Thanks to Mrs. Marylyn Aceves, the WBO NABO super middleweight titleholder took some time off early today to speak with me. Here is what he had to say:
Jaime Castro-Núñez: Edison, first of all, thanks for your time. How do you feel?
Edison Miranda: Let me start by saying I was in perfect conditions to fight Robert Stieglitz, but suddenly I started to feel bad, my stomach hurt. So my trainers Joe Goossen and Ricky Funes bought some medicines that worked well at the beginning. Then I went to spar and at the end of the session I felt very bad, with fever and nasal congestion..
JCN: How do you feel right now?
EM: A lot better. I just sparred and trained a little bit. I felt very well and now I have to resume training because I haven’t done anything in almost fifteen days.
JCN: Regarding the fight with Stieglitz, what do you know about that?
EM: To tell you the truth, I don’t know what Stieglitz’s promoters decided to do. I have no idea what they want to do now.
JCN: You’ve been training here in LA for a couple of months already. What can you tell about this new experience?
EM: It’s been pretty good. You know that before coming to Los Angeles I had been working and training in Puerto Rico with José Bonilla and when you live and travel with a person for three years, you get used to it. Now that I live in LA it’s the same thing with Joe Goossen and Ricky Funes, they treat me very kindly, so the transition has been very smooth. I haven’t had any trouble with that. Regarding training, it’s been a learning experience, self-improvement, correcting defects. I’m adjusted to the new camp and in perfect conditions.
JCN: Jorge García-Beltrán taught you the basics of boxing in Barranquilla. Then you were relocated to Puerto Rico, where José Bonilla took you to another level. Now you’re under Goossen and Funes’ umbrella. Tell us the kind of things you are learning now…
EM: José Bonilla and Joe Goossen are fantastic trainers, you know. Bonilla taught me how to maximize my power. The difference is that every trainer has his own book, his own techniques and schedule. Right now I’m getting adjusted to Goossen’s techniques. I repeat, José Bonilla is a superb trainer and looking back I believe he could implement different techniques with me. I think the way Joe does it is better for me. Now I’m aware of little things I used not to see, small things that in a fight against top contenders are crucial. It takes less than a second for a fight to change.
JCN: I would say that under Joe Goossen’s wing you’re reengineering yourself. We’re supposed to see a new Edison Miranda against Francisco Sierra, but the fight wasn’t long enough. What can we expect from this renovated Edison Miranda in 2010?
EM: As you mentioned, I fought in October and I was hoping to show what I’ve learned with Joe Goossen. I tried to show it, but I released the big hand I always throw and we saw the knock out in the first round. I couldn’t show anything in 2009, but rest assured that in 2010 the new Edison Miranda will be seen.
JCN: Is there anything else you want to add?
EM: That I probably could go to Germany and fight, but I thought of myself and the fans who are waiting for Edison Miranda to become champion of the world. I don’t want to disappoint my fans. I believe it’s better for everybody if I’m at 100% and not at 50%.
JCN: Edison, thanks for your time and happy New Year…
EM: Thanks to you Jaime! You know I always be ready for both journalists and fans. I’m here because of you guys. And happy New Year!