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With a little over one week remaining before the highly anticipated showdown between 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward and hard-hitting Edison Miranda, the two talented fighters participated in a media conference call along with promoter Dan Goossen.
In the featured bout, the undefeated and No. 2 ranked Ward will fulfill his dream of staging a pro fight in his hometown when he takes a big step up in class to face Miranda, a Colombian knockout artist who has fought top-notch competition throughout his career, on Saturday, May 16 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA.
The 12-round fight for Ward’s NABO and NABF super middleweight titles will be the featured bout on a special Saturday primetime edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, live on Showtime at 9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast.
Ward, a highly touted and talented 25-year-old, is 18-0 (12) and was the only boxer from the United States to capture a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece and remains the last American to win gold. Miranda is 32-3 with 28 knockouts.
Dan Goosen: “We’re looking at this as Andre’s coming out party, not only in Oakland, but to the world for 168-pound supremacy.
“Let’s face it, he’s taking on a tough nut to make his statement. But that’s what it’s all about; no risk, no reward. That’s the way that Andre has always conquered everything in his life, even leading up to the Gold Medal. I believe he’s going to be the preeminent 168-pounder in the world.”
Edison Miranda: “I’ve prepared well for this fight. I’ve trained very hard. I know that Andre is going to be a very tough opponent, but I know I am going to walk away victorious after this fight.’’
Andre Ward: “I want to thank my hometown and everybody that is involved and working really hard to put this together. I’m preparing like I always do, I’m staying focused like I always am. I’m going to win on May 16 for my hometown fans.”
Question: Is Ward the best fighter you have faced in your career?
Miranda: “No, Andre is not the toughest fighter I’ve ever fought. Howard Eastman is.”
Q: How will you beat Andre Ward?
Miranda: “I’m going to knock him out in the 10th round.”
Q: Is Edison Miranda the toughest fighter that you’ve faced in your pro career?
Ward: “Absolutely, on paper. I put emphasis on paper. We won’t know until I get in the ring on May 16. I think I’m going to be a lot tougher than he thinks I’m going to be.
“I don’t have any predictions, but I can guarantee you this: I’m coming into this fight, even though I’m in my hometown, I’m the underdog in my mind. I’m always like that. Gold Medal aside, everything else aside, I’m coming in as the underdog. That’s how I prepared, that’s how my focus is. I’m going to shock a lot of people in this fight”
The event will originate from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, and will be presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Leonard Productions.
The Ward-Miranda bout will be presented in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing. Tickets are on sale NOW, starting at just $25. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. PT. The first non-televised fight is 5 p.m. PT.
Fight week activities in Oakland include an open workout on Tuesday, possibly at the City Center, a final press conference at the City Center and the weigh in at the Plaza at City Center.
All fight week activities are open to the public.
