Up and coming Brazilian Middleweight Michael Oliveira 10-0(8) has been very busy of late since we did this interview he has fought again and is scheduled to fight once more this weekend. Oliveira 19, has time on his side but that’s one thing he hasn’t needed in the ring as he’s scored six first round stoppages in ten bouts to date. Now living in America he hopes to continue his impressive rise with a big 2010. Here’s what he had to say.
Hello Michael, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – You fought on 7 November on the Dawson-Johnson card. You stopped your opponent Francisco Osorio in seven to take your record to 9-0(7). What can you tell us about the fight?
(Michael fought this past Monday evening in the Dominican Republic, stopping Gustavo de la Cruz in the opening round to improve his record to 10-0, 8 KO’s
Michael Oliveira – My fight in Connecticut was a very nice experience. I got some exposure. It was something new for me and a good experience. I trained hard, went up there, and got the W.
Anson Wainwright – Do you know when you’ll be back in action?
Michael Oliveira – December 18th in Haiti.
Anson Wainwright – Your originally from Brazil, but have relocated to Miami, Fl. What made you and your family make this move? How do you find America compared to Brazil?
Michael Oliveira – I love Brazil. I moved here when I was 15 days old and don’t really know why my parents moved here. I like both places. I stay where my parents choose.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your support network. Who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also where do you regularly train?
Michael Oliveira – My mother, Christina, is my manager and my father, Carlos, is my promoter. My trainer is Danny Hawk and I train regularly at Normandy Gym in Miami Beach.
Anson Wainwright – Brazil isn’t know for it’s boxers. However your Grandfather sparred with the legendary Eder Jofre so Boxing has always been in your blood is this how you got into Boxing?
Michael Oliveira – Yes. My grandfather’s spirit makes me stronger. I feel all of his knowledge and experience helping me in the ring.. I was very little when we talked. He (the late Joao) was an amateur boxer, retired military man and physical education teacher. He sparred Jofre a few times in Brazil.
Anson Wainwright – Did your Grandfather ever tell any stories that you can share with us about his experience of sparring with Jofre?
Michael Oliveira – l was very young when we talked but he told my father that Jofre saw boxing like fencing. The only difference is you use gloves in boxing and a sabre in fencing.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us a bit about yourself that we may not already now?
Michael Oliveira – I don’t smoke, drink or party. I do like hanging around with a few close friends, but my life is boxing. I study Physical Therapy at Miami Dade College. I go the Brazil one summer and Greece the next summer. My mother’s father was Greek. I can speak English, Portuguese, Spanish and understand Greek.
Anson Wainwright – Your Nickname is Chairman of the Board, why are you known as that?
Michael Oliveira – I listen a lot to Frank Sinatra. Like my boxing idol, Rocky Marciano, he’s a legend and I want to bring legends like them back to boxing and music.
Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?
Michael Oliveira – I want to become the next Brazilian world champion, inspire young kids there to box, and be an inspiration to Brazilian people. I don’t want people to just see Brazil for soccer – there’s also boxing there.
Anson Wainwright – Who was your Boxing hero and what influence has he had on you?
Michael Oliveira – Rocky Marciano. A little of Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, too. I’ve grabbed a little from each an incorporated it into my skills.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for Boxing fans around the world?
Michael Oliveira – Not to blink; everything happens in a blink of the eye. To my fans, continue supporting me, I won’t let you down. Happy holidays and Happy New Year to all, God bless.
Best Wishes and good luck in the future. Enjoy the holidays.
Anson Wainwright
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