Boxing Perspective: Edison Miranda

By Daxx Kahn July 22nd, 2008 All Boxing Articles

Is "Pantera" the John Mugabi of our era?

There is nothing more appealing than a knockout if you are a fight fan. In fact, 99.9% of the time, that's what the average fan tuning in is hoping to see. I am a firm believer that only the dedicated fan appreciates a good tactician in the ring and can enjoy the finer parts of the "Sweet Science", such as head movement, footwork, defense and ring generalship.

In boxing, a man who posses one punch knockout power is a man destined for fame and a great deal of devotion from fans. That devotion and also fame usually arrives quickly, turning the one punch monster into a boxing demi-god, but just like the demi-gods, such the devotion and adulation is abandoned shortly after some disappointments.

In certain ways, punching power deters phenoms with it to ever improve themselves, because the short term admiration leaves them with no desire to improve.

That lack of improvement does not bring the moment of truth known as "Tommorow" and it not only cheats the fighter of eternal boxing glory, but the sport of another great fighter.

The power punching warrior past the top of his game is only remembered in quick passing conversations held with fellow enthusiasts that happen to bring up one moment of the past, leaving the ex-fighter a man of what had been 15 minutes of fame but now only 15 seconds of it.

This train of thought came to me about three weeks ago after watching the rematch between Arthur Abraham and Edison Miranda just before catching a replay of Marvin Hagler vs. John Mugabi on an episode of ESPN Sports Classic Boxing.

It also reminded me that I cannot remember the last time I heard John Mugabi's name spoken by a fan or commentator, yet when I watched the Hagler vs. Mugabi replay, they kept referring to Mugabi's brutal power, how he is feared by opponents and Hagler needs to be wary of the strength that Mugabi posseses. More...

Where Are They Now?: Vito Antuofermo

By Shawn M Murphy June 18th, 2008 All Boxing Interviews

Recently it was my great pleasure to speak with former World Middleweight Champion Vito Antuofermo. Antuofermo was born in Italy, later moving to the United States. Antuofermo was a New York Golden Gloves Champion as an amateur, and won the World Middleweight Championship in 1979 over Hugo Corro.

After a defense over Marvin Hagler in a controversial draw, Antuofermo lost the title to Alan Minter by split decision. Antuofermo, known for a tendency to bleed, would also lose rematches later to Hagler and Minter via TKOʼs.

Well known fighters he would beat included Emile Griffith, Bennie Briscoe, Denny Moyer, Willie Classen and Eckhard Dagge. After a loss in 1985 to Matthew Hilton, Antuofermo retired with a record of 50-7-2.

Shawn Murphy: Mr. Antuofermo, how did you get your start in boxing, was it in Italy or the US?

Vito Antuofermo: I started as an amateur in America at age 17. I had a very good amateur career. I won the Golden Gloves title in 1970. In 1971 I was defeated in the finals by a guy named Eddie Gregory [later known as Eddie Mustafa Muhammad]. Eddie was a future light heavyweight champ and a big puncher. I did beat him the year before that loss.

SM: I have read in a previous interview that winning the Golden Gloves title was as proud a moment as when you won the middleweight title?

VA: Yes, Shawn I still believe that. It was a real honor to win the Golden Gloves. My son wanted the Golden Gloves title real bad too. He was a very good boxer but also was a very good student. He won his first three fights. In his last fight he didnʼt get the decision. I thought it was a bad decision. The guy that beat him ended up winning the title. I was very proud of him. I wouldnʼt want him to go pro, though. More...