Andre Ward, of Oakland, will fight for the first time as a pro in his hometown when he faces dangerous, hard-hitting Edison Miranda in the main event on Saturday, May 16, at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA.
The 2004 Olympic Games Gold Medallist and the last boxer from the U.S. to bring home the gold, the world-ranked Ward, 18-0 (12), will be taking a step up in class when he defends his NABO and NABF 168-pound belts against Miranda, 32-3 (28), of Colombia. Miranda's only losses have been to world champions Arthur Abraham and Kelly Pavlik.
Promoter Dan Goosen:
“Goossen Tutor Promotions just came off of two very exciting wins over the weekend and we are continuing the momentum with the announcement of this great challenge that Andre Ward is presented with in front of his Bay Area fans. Edison Miranda is a tough opponent that, with a victory, will catapult Andre to the top.
“Andre may be respectful and quiet at this press conference, but don’t let that fool you. He’s a mean son of a blank when he’s in that ring. Miranda will find that out on May 16.”
Andre Ward:
“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.
Edison Miranda:
“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. 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. 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.”
Robert Rowell, President, Golden State Warriors:
“We are very pleased to have Andre Ward fight in his backyard and our home, Oracle Arena. I do follow Andre Ward’s career and know that this fight against Edison Miranda is going to be an exciting one for the fans.
“We are proud to assist bringing what will be an exciting match to Andre’s hometown fans.”
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