Exclusive Boxing Interview: Edison Miranda

© PanteraBoxing.com

Just days before his fight with Kelly Pavlik, SaddoBoxing spoke with “The People’s Champ”, Edison “Pantera” Miranda. One of the most exciting and quotable fighters in the sport, Miranda never fails to put on a good show. Pantera possesses some of the heaviest hands in boxing and a self confidence that appears to border on cockiness.

Having spoken to Edison a few times now, I am convinced that he truly respects his opponents and the sport of boxing. He just believes himself to be the best in the world and who can blame him?

In a sport dying for some likable, charismatic, entertaining young fighters to light the way for boxing’s future, you need look no further than Edison Miranda.

SaddoBoxing: You have knocked off Willie Gibbs, Allan Green and Howard Eastman within the last year and a half. All three of them are considered title contenders, with Green being undefeated before he got in the ring with you.

Edison Miranda: “I have studied Pavlik’s fights and I see enough flaws and holes in his defense that I know I will be landing early in this fight. I am always patient and show my opponents some respect. But as soon as he makes his first mistake, he will feel my right hand on his jaw.

“He is not slick or quick like Green, so I feel he will be much easier to knockout. Green showed some great survival skills and was able to move around and clinch when he had to. Pavlik does not have these kinds of skills and this will result in a KO early for me.”

SB: Everyone always talks about your power while overlooking your boxing skills. You outpointed Allan Green, also knocking him down twice, who many considered to be a polished boxer/puncher. What are some technical aspects of your game that you have worked on improving while training for Pavlik?

EM: “Jose Bonilla, my trainer, has been great for me. I have learned to become more patient and I protect myself better. I have always had good skills, but I rarely have to use them. If I need to dance around and box, and can do that as I showed against Allan. But make a mistake and give me a chance I and will leave my skills behind and go for the kill. It is hard for me to hold back when I am in the ring when I know my opponents are hurt badly, but I am becoming more relaxed with my attacks and this has led to better accuracy in my punches.”

SB: What is the biggest difference between Edison Miranda now and when you first became a professional?

EM: “I am still the same person, but I am a better boxer. Living and training in Puerto Rico has changed my life as a boxer. There is so much respect here for the sport and my trainer has taught me much about skills and tricks that I had never used. I used to always go for the kill and was able to get away with it fighting my first 20 fights.

“Now I am fighting some of the best in the division. I show them respect until they make a mistake, which they all do. My hunger has not changed. I have always wanted to fight the best and have never turned down a fight. This will never change. Until the day I retire from the sport, people will never say Edison Miranda ducked someone!

SB: You are one of the most quotable fighters in boxing. You have been fairly vocal in you distaste for Jermain Taylor and his choice of opponents. What do you think about the current middleweight champ? What do you think about his decision to fight Cory Spinks?

EM: “Jermain is not a real champ. I went to Vegas and watched him fight Hopkins both times. He put on a horrible boxing performance. Ever since than I have made it my goal to knock this China Town champion out. He has never faced anyone with the power I have and he will learn quickly that I am not a welterweight. The day he steps in the ring with me I will show the world what a true middleweight champion is supposed to look like.

“Taylor will not be standing when the fight is over. No disrespect to Cory, but he is not a middleweight and should not be fighting at this weight. He is quick and has good skills, but if Jermain has trouble with him, what is left of his fans will be jumping ship. He needs a KO and there is no excuse why he should not be able to get one. I think it has been more than 2 years since he last knocked someone down. He has lost respect from many fans. ”

SB: You had a turbulent childhood and you’ve been forced to battle plenty of adversity in order to get to where you are both as a man and as a professional boxer. How did you turn your life around and what advice would you give to youngsters who are down on their luck and feel like they’re trapped in a bad situation?

EM: “You need to have faith in God. Even when times are really bad, God has a purpose. I have been through some really tough moments, but I have always followed my dreams. Boxing is easy for me. I have been through much worse than when I was younger and I have learned to fear nothing. I will never back down from anything or anyone.”

SB: Bernard Hopkins has said that you are the fighter that he is passing the torch to. Have you ever met “The Executioner”? How does it make you feel to have a future Hall of Famer and all-time great say that about you?

EM: “I have a great respect for Bernard. I have talked with him briefly though my managers. He is a great champion and it is an honor that he wants to pass the torch to me. However, I will do what he could not do and that is knock Jermain Taylor out. Whether he gives me the torch or not, I will earn the middleweight belts with my fists.”

SB: Did you watch the De La Hoya/Mayweather Fight? If so, what did you think of the fight and who did you think won?

EM: “I am sick of hearing about this fight. I am focused on my fight this weekend and do not care to talk about it. Next week go ask Oscar what he thought of Miranda vs. Pavlik.”

SB: Name three current fighters that you would pay to see and why?

EM: “Bernard Hopkins, Joan Guzman, Jose Luis Castillo.”

SB: Clearly you want Taylor after you face Pavlik but can we assume that a rematch with Arthur Abraham is in your future? Aside from Taylor, would he be your first choice for an opponent?

EM: I” will fight anyone. I plan to stay at 160lbs, but if the fight is right, I could easily move up in weight. Taylor is the one I want the most, but I think he fears me and will run. One day I will finish the job with Abraham. When that time comes I will make sure there are no promoters or officials that stand in my way.

“I know I won the fight, but I did make mistakes. I learned from these mistakes. A true champion comes away from hard times with more passion. I don’t want to go back to Germany again. After I beat Jermain, I want Arthur to fight me in American where he does not have babysitters.”

SB: Tell us something about Edison Miranda that would surprise people.

EM: “When I am away from the boxing ring, I am a very nice and generous person. I like to help people out that are more unfortunate than me. I’m the kind of guy that will pay a $1 toll on the interstate with a $10 bill and tell the person to keep the change. I respect all the people who work hard for a living and like to help whenever I can.

“I know the $9 tip for someone like that will make their day happier and put a smile on their face. I want to make a lot of money so I can give back as much as possible to the many good people that it tough. If you can’t make others happy, than you can’t be happy yourself.”

SB: How did you get the nickname “Pantera”? Who gave it to you?

EM: “My managers Steve and Greg came up with the name. They say when I enter the ring I turn into an animal, a panther (in Spanish Pantera). Now, everyone I know calls me by that name. Even my closest friends.”

SB: In closing, is there anything that you would like to say to your fans?

EM: “I know all boxing fans want a guy that is not scared to fight. They pay to get entertained. I will always give 100% in any fight and give the fans what they want. I don’t care if I am fighting a dangerous guy and know I won the fight, I will go for the kill.

“That is just what is inside me. My opponents are my enemy and I will not stop until they are finished. Edison Miranda will always give the fans what they want to see.”

The author thanks Edison Miranda for taking the time and Edison’s manager Steve Benbasat for making this interview possible.