Undefeated super middleweight Andre Ward (18-0, 12 KOs) and hard-hitting contender Edison “Pantera” Miranda (32-3, 28 KOs) participated in a press conference on Tuesday in Oakland, Calif. Miranda was not in attendance, but took part and answered questions from the media via speaker phone. They meet in what should be a highly charged bout on May 16 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, Ward’s hometown. The twelve-rounder will be the featured bout on a special Saturday Primetime Edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME. “The fight will only go up to the 10th round and that’s because that is when I am going to knock Andre Ward out,” vowed Miranda. “Andre Ward has never been in the ring with a fighter like me – he hasn’t fought anyone talented. If there is one thing that you notice about Andre’s fights, he’s always running. Andre doesn’t have the heart of a champion. He is holding onto his one achievement, The Olympic Gold Medal, but that is all he will ever achieve. I feel sorry for Dan Goossen to have invested so much money in such an untalented fighter.”
He continued, “I have over 30 fights. If you compare the challenges that I have taken on throughout my career they are far more than what Ward has faced. I’m fighting in Andre Ward’s backyard. During the first two to three rounds, you will hear the crowd cheering for him, but as I dominate him and show the fans how a real boxer performs, I guarantee you…you’re going to hear them chanting my name at the end of the night.”
Ward, who will be taking a step up in class when he defends his NABO and NABF 168-pound belts while fighting for the first time as a pro in his hometown, responded “I am excited to fight in my backyard. It’s going to be a competitive fight and that is what I will be ready for on May 16. I keep my composure because I don’t need to disrespect my family, who is at this press conference, or the boxing fans. Miranda can say anything that he wants right now and I am not going to react, but you can bet that I will retaliate in the ring on May 16.”
I receive periodic E-mails from the Miranda site and I received one today....
April 22nd, Carolina, Puerto Rico:
Edison Pantera Miranda is always looking for a challenge. On May 16th he will have his hands full when he faces USA's last Olympic gold medalist, Andre Ward, in his hometown of Oakland, California."I want to fight the best. Andre Ward is undefeated and considered to be the future of the super middle weight division. I want to put a stop to that dream and force the champions to fight me. I have fought all over the world, going to Oakland to face him is no big deal."
Pantera has been having a fantastic training camp and says he is in the best shape of his life. "I am taking this fight extremely serious and have been training as hard as ever. Andre Ward was a great amateur fighter. But this is the big leagues. There is no protective gear to soften my punches Andre. I hope your skills include a graceful way to hit the canvas, because that is what your fans are going to see on May 16th."
I Love the Trash talking. Hopefully he's right.
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KOFTY!
PL season 4 champ! PL season 5 champ!
Last edited by RawlyPiff : 04-22-2009 at 04:58 PM.
This fight is not going all 12 rounds, no way, no how. I'll say Miranda by TKO 9. From what I've seen from Ward, his speed may give him some problems, but I don't think he could seriously hurt Miranda in this one.
Got to go for my man Edison on this one. Ward has looked a little shaky, in the chin departmet, in the past against low level opposition so I expect him to get taken out by Miranda.
Ward has good defensive skills and he's gonna need them.
i think Ward is the better fighter, but will his chin hold up? is a completely different question. as well as miranda having alot more ring experience.
i think there will def be a KO and i think Ward could hurt Maranda if he goes about his game plan. which i think he will as he seems to be a very focused and dedicated young lad. should be a great fight either way both fighters are exciting. definately not a fight i would like to put money on.
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I was there 08/04/2009 at Anfield and believe me those scouse b*stards went so very quiet! 3-1! shhhhhh!
Well i also think Ward is the better boxer, but Miranda is a power house. It's the whole reason why i'm worrying for Ward simply because i've seen Mirandas work.
The problem is whether Miranda can hit Ward or not who (atleast from what i've heard from friends who sparred him) is he is incredibly fast and great defensively.
If he he can defeat Miranda then I see his stock going up quite a bit.
Me and my gymmate are gonna be watching it. He says he knows Andre personally so he might get us tickets and if it's true then i'll get to talk to him. I just hope he doesn't get Ko'd cause that'd make me feel a bit awkward.
Edison Miranda vs Andre Ward
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