This fight is a dream come true for me. I fought in Hollywood, Florida vs. Edison Miranda, against Andre Dirrell in Detroit and vs. Andre Ward in Carson, California. But the flair of a big-time event was missing. I was at Manny’s fight vs. Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in 2011 and the atmosphere captured my imagination. Afterwards, it was my wish to one day step into this very ring and on April 9 I will finally get the chance to share the spotlight with the “Pac-Man”. I do not take a win that night for granted, as Gilberto Ramirez is a young upcoming boxer from Mexico, one of the greatest fighting countries. He wants to write history by becoming the first Mexican to win a world championship at super middleweight. But myself being an Armenian, living and fighting out of Germany, I have two values to fight for: pride and honor. I will go into this fight with the following words on my mind: “Mejor morir de pie que vivir arrodillado!” This is going to be my greatest victory. Thank you!

Miami, Florida got treated to Mike Tyson’s Judgement Day on Thursday, July 10 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida and was shared around the country LIVE On FOX Sports 1.

Iron Mike celebrated his birthday week with an excellent show which staged a main event rematch between Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez 22-3-1 (11KO) and Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy 20-0(12KO) for for Mendez’s IBF title. All night Barthelemy was content keeping the champ at jabs length offering an occasional 2 punch combination before moving into space. This kept the champ following the Cuban and creating certain pugilistic melanin for the previously fired up crowd. There was very little in-fighting and when an exchange seemed probable it was abandoned mostly by the Cuban letting Mendez off the ropes. The fight showed a little life in round 8 as the two engaged in some welcomed live boxery. Barthelemy was deducted a point in each of rounds 9 and 10 for low blows, however they did not look intentional. Barthelemy showed effort in the last round to put a tiny period at the end of a very conservative but yet successful performance. The final call was all three cards for the new champion Barthelemy. 115-111.

In January live on ESPN Barthlemy knocked out Mendez with punches illegally thrown after the bell ending the second round. Mendez’ promoter, Iron Mike Productions appealed the decision and the fight was ruled a “no contest” with the IBF mandating this rematch.

Mendez fighting out of Brooklyn, was a 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian. He had an incredible 238-13 amateur record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the prestigious Pan-American Games, as well as winning a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships. Mendez captured the IBF crown March 9, 2013, stopping defending champion Juan Carlos Salgado in the fourth round.

Warriors Boxing-promoted Barthelemy, also 28, is a former Cuban Junior National Champion who lives in Miami. He originally became Mendez’ original mandatory challenger by way of a second-round knockout of Fahsai Sakkreerin last June.

Light heavyweight Umberto “El Don” Savigne 13-1(10KO) took out a very dormant and stale Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy 26-6(18KO) in just two rounds. Lacy offered very little competition and certainly did not look like a former world champion in this WBC FECARBOX light heavyweight title bout. From round one Savigne controlled every second right until the end where Lacy sat in the corner and ate punches punches until referee Sam Burgos stepped in and saved Left Hook from a sustained beating. The miserable end came at 2:04 of round two. Humberto Savigne is a 2 time Central American Championships Gold medalist and a 2 time Pan American gold medalist as an amateur. Humberto Savigne had over 400 amateur fights coming off of a KO win over undefeated Jackson Junior on ESPN March of 2013. Savigne is the current WBA fedelatin, WBO latin and WBC fecarbox Champion..

“My kid will be the next Pay-Per-View Superstar” – this is what Mike Tyson said earlier this week of 18 year old welterweight Erickson Lubin 6-0(5KO) who stepped up in completion when he faced tough Noe Bolanos 25-10-1 (16KO). The former national amateur champion Lubin, nicknamed “The Hammer” used his long reach to keep a nice distance while often connecting with his left hand; both straight and underneath onto his veteran Mexican counterparts chin. Lubin gained great experience and rounds while efficiently out boxing the 27-year old Bolanos and often landing the Left-handed hammer. “He is the best I have seen in forty years in boxing,” commented Pedro Rogue current USA boxing coach, and former coach of the Cuban National team. All three judges scored the bout 80-72. Over the course of his ten-year professional career, Bolanos has faced numerous contenders and highly regarded prospects including Vivian Harris, Victor Cayo, Ed Paredes, Luis Ramos Jr. and Rene Gonzalez. This was a great test for the young Lubin and will show his team the areas he can improve while stepping up.

Cuban slugger Yunier Dorticos 18-0(17KO) punched his way to a unanimous decision win over a blown up Edison Miranda 35-10(30KO) who weighed in at a career high 198 pounds moving all the way up from middleweight to the Cruiserweight division. Dorticos pushed the pace from the opening bell landing solid straight rights and uppercuts. Miranda’s experience aided his survival, however he looked like a middleweight fighting a Cruiserweight in terms of size, he was able to take the big punches from the hard hitting Cuban. By the end of the tenth and final round Miranda’s face showed the beating he took from the over sized Cuban. The cards read 99-91 and 100-90 twice.

Featherweight Dennis Galarza 5-0(3KO) looked sharp with a quick dismantling of Cody “Red Rooster” Walker 1-1 with a KO at just :58 of round one by way of excellently placed ripping body shots set up beautifully by boxing’s most important punch… a stiff jab.

Light heavyweight Leo Hall 3-0(3KO) picked up another KO win at 2:33 of round one. The Detroit native Hall had Juan Ortega 1-2-1(1KO) down from two excellent straight right hands, and then finished him off after he rose from an eight count with a nice assault.

Cruiserweight Ramon Luis Nicholas was Disqualified in the first round giving the win to Dakota Dawson 3-0(2KO). Dawson rocked Nicholas in round one and in return was knocked down by two big shots and another while Dawson had his knee down disqualifying him in Round one.

MONTREAL (September 26, 2013) – While media attention has focused on Saturday night’s “The Return Of Superman” main event (airing live on HBO in the United States), featuring World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring Magazine and lineal world light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (21-1, 18 KOs) in his first title defense against former world title-holder Tavoris “Thunder” Cloud (24-1, 19 KOs), the remainder of this stacked card at historic Bell Centre in Montreal also showcases five other Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) world-class fighters in action.

First, former WBC, The Ring Magazine and lineal light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (22-2-1, 16 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since defeating Aleksy Kuziemski last December. His opponent is American George “Honey Boy” Blades (23-4-2, 16 KOs). The last time the WBC #2-rated Pascal did not participate in the main bout of a major event was back in December of 2007, when he faced Brian Norman at the Bell Centre. Joachim Alcine then successfully defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title belt against Alfonso Mosquera in the main event.

Jean Pascal

“It is a privilege and a luxury to have Pascal’s participation in Saturday night’s event,” said President Yvon Michel of GYM. “He is still considered one of the biggest stars in the light heavyweight division and we all look forward to seeing him back in action. He’s fighting for all the right reasons on Saturday and it was good to see him happily smiling during training camp. Currently there is no opponent who is more important for Jean’s career than Blades. I expect an inspired performance from him as HBO executives watch him in action.”

The 39-year-old Blades has been a professional boxer since 1999. From his pro debut through 2007, he won 20 of his first 22 pro fights to join the ranks of world heavyweight contenders. In June of 2007, he had a world title shot against World Boxing Organization (WBO) light heavyweight champion Zsolt Erdei (26-0-0), who won by 11th round technical knockout in Hungary. Blades has won his last two fights, most recently against James Morrow (12-19-3), on February 16 in his home state of Indiana.

Another world light heavyweight contender from Montreal, whose return has been long anticipated, is North American Boxing Association (NABA) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light heavyweight champion, Eleider “Storm” Alavarez (12-0, 8 KOs). The WBA and WBO #4 Alvarez faces fellow Colombian, Edison “Pantera” Miranda (35-8-0, 30 KOs). Alvarez has won his last three fights by knockout, including the last two against the world-rated opponents Danny McIntosh and Nicholson Poulard. Alvarez wants his world title shot soon and a convincing victory on his part could precipitate many things in the short or medium term.

Eleider Alvarez (R) explodes

Miranda is a dangerous puncher, whose early meteoric rise resulted in a pair of unsuccessful world title fights, seeks to revive his career. According to his promoter Leon Margules, Miranda doubled his training workouts, “Edison is only 32 years old but he is aware that he must absolutely win September 28th because it is his last chance, explaining why he has trained in Florida with so much determination.
Because he and Alvarez are both Colombian, their fight is so much more personal, passionate and emotional for both warriors.”
Another GYM fighter patiently waiting to explode on the international scene, middleweight prospect David Lemieux (29-2-0, 28 KOs), will also be in action Saturday night at Bell Centre. Now ranked #14 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and #15 by the WBC, Lemieux takes on American upset-specialist Marcus Upshaw (15-10-2, 7 KOs) . The latter is well-known in Quebec having shocked Quebec fighter Renan St-Juste three years ago in Quebec City “At 6′ 4” with an aggressive style, it is possible that David may look bad at times in this fight, but this is the kind of strong and complicated opponent that will allow David to grow,” Lemieux’ trainer Marc Ramsay commented. Lemieux has won his last four fights by KO and his opponents lasted a total of only six rounds during this sequence.

Welterweight Antonin Decarie (27-2, 7 KOs) fought his last two times before HBO cameras and, despite losing his last fight to Argentina Carlos Abregu (35-1, 28 KOs), he showed the right stuff to evolve into a potential world champion. The 30-year-old Decarie, rated #10 by the WBC, still has a very bright future ahead of him. He has also been selected to represent North America in the WBC’s World Cup tournament that should get underway in late 2013. In a six-rounder to stay active, Decarie will face the Frenchman Salim Larbi (17-3-2, 5 KOs) this Saturday evening. Larbi fought for the WBO world title as recently as 2012.

IBF I / C and NABA welterweight contender, IBF #3 rated Kevin Bizier (20-0, 14 KOs), of Quebec, will also be back in action after fully recovering from a painful ankle sprain. His opponent is veteran Giuseppe Lauri (53-14, 31 KOs), a native of Italy who now lives in Hungary. Bizier could be one of the main headliners of a GYM event tentatively scheduled for November in Quebec City.

Finally, Saturday night’s event will allow former world amateur champion Artur Beterbiev (1-0, 1 KOs) to continue learning, this time in a six-round, light heavyweight fight. To demonstrate the confidence that GYM places in Beterbiev, in only his second professional outing, the Russian prospect will fight a veteran of 47 professional fights, Rayco Saunders (23-22-2, 10 KOs). It’s highly usual for a young prospect like Beterbiev, who hasn’t lost since a cut cost him an amateur match in 2003, to fight a veteran such as Saunders so early into his pro career.

“Superman Returns,” headlined by the world light heavyweight championship between defending champion Stevenson and challenger Cloud, is being presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Don King Productions (DKP) and Gary Shaw Productions (GSP), in association with Mise-O-Jeu and Videotron.
Saturday night’s gala event at Bell Centre promises to be memorable, featuring an awesome line-up of fighters in significant matches.

Doors at the Bell Centre will open Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET. Stevenson vs. Cloud on HBO in the U.S. is slated to start around 10:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets are available at Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666 or Boxing Club Champion (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $ 50 in the red up to $ 300 on the floor.

About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc.: Yvon Michel (GYM) Group was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers with a support frame in direct competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its founding nine years ago, GYM has promoted 109 events, some of which have made history in ticket and PPV sales like Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television for Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the USA. A total of seven different GYM boxers have participated in 17 world title fights. Under the tutelage of GYM Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight in 2007, Jean Pascal won the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in 2009, and since June 2013 Adonis “Superman” Stevenson has held the WBC, The Ring Magazine and linear light heavyweight.

MONTREAL (November 5, 2012) — It is now confirmed that, after 17 months of waiting, the World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight champion from 2009 to 2011, Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs), of Laval (Quebec, Canada), is returning to the ring on Friday, December 14 at the Bell Centre.

Loyal fans of the popular Fast & Furious Boxing Series will benefit from the long awaited return of the world-class fighter Pascal, who will face Aleksy “Ali” Kuziemski (23-4, 7 KOs) Dec. 14 in the second of the four exciting matches featured on the Fast & Furious Series 3.0.

Pascal hasn’t fought since losing on points to Bernard Hopkins in May of 2011 at a packed Bell Centre. His absence on the international scene left a gaping hole in the light heavyweight division. Pascal has two option proposals for 2013: the first is a fight on Showtime against International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Tavoris Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs) in February, the other a rematch against WBC champion Chad Dawson (31-2, 17 KOs) on HBO in March.

Before he challenges for another world championship, Pascal must return to the various association’s rankings, a position he lost due to his prolonged absence. Only an impressive victory against Kuziemski will give Pascal optimism for 2013. “After a few unsuccessful tries,” Pascal said “I know that this time is correct. My training is going well, my health is excellent, and I started hurting my sparring partners in training. In 2013, I will be world champion, crushing anybody who tries to stop me.”

Kuziemski has a lot of experience in amateur boxing having won a bronze medal at the 2003 World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand. He (Poland) and Pascal (Canada) participated in the 2004 Olympic in Athens, Greece. Kuziemski lost on points to current World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Beibut Shumenov. A veteran of 27 professional, Kuziemski held the prestigious European title from 2008 to 2009. He unsuccessfully challenged for world title twice, stopped in the 11th round by former World Boxing Organization (WBO) light heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer (38-2, 30 KOs), and in the fourth by reigning WBO titlist Nathan Cleverly (24-0, 11 KOs) last year.

Kuziemski won his last fight in March of this year against Leo Tchoula (9-2, 8 KO) by second-round technical knockout in Poland. “Kuziemski is a solid professional who learned to box in the great Polish amateur system that has been very successful in Europe,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. He also fought in World Championship. He certainly has the tools, maturity, and experience to provide a solid examination for our boxer (Pascal).”

David Lemieux in co-feature

Relentless slugger David Lemieux (27-2-1, 26 KOs), of Laval, fights a middleweight opponent to soon be announced in the 10-round co-feature. We already know who he is but a contracts administration is preventing GYM to disclose his name for the moment. A hint: he has fought over a 10 rounds fight against universally acclaimed middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez. Lemieux is a Montreal fan-favorite because of he is a powerful, offensive-minded fighter without compromise.

Eleider Alvarez vs. Edison Miranda

Multi-talented North American Boxing Organization (NABO light heavyweight champion and adopted Quebec son, Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (10-0, 6 KOs) takes on heavy-handed Colombian Edison “Pantera” Miranda (35-8, 30 KOs) in a 12-round NABO title defense. Alvarez faces the stiffest test of his young career in the 43-fight veteran, 31-year-old Miranda. Miranda wanted Pascal as his opponent and he was promised a shot, if he defeats his Dec. 14th opponent. Since his third-round, technical knockout loss to Lucian Bute for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight title in 2010, Miranda moved up to fight in light heavyweight division. Although he’s lost three of his last five fights at 175-pounds, losing top leading prospects, Miranda’s power and Kamikaze-style of fighting represents a constant danger to everyone and keeps spectators fascinated. Alvarez’s coach, Marc Ramsay, commented, “A while ago, ‘Storm’ asked me to fight Miranda because he hates his attitude and personality. This will be a very personal fight for him; a very emotional battle ahead!”

Kevin Bizier & Logan McGuinness remain active

Also in action in the Dec. 14th event is fearsome slugger and reigning NABA welterweight champion, Kevin Bizier (18-0, 13 KOs), from Quebec city, who returns to the ring in a fight allowing him to remain active in preparation for his very important fight on the February 8 Fast & Furious show. Another NABA champion, super featherweight Logan McGuinness (18-0-1, 9 KOs), of Orangeville, Ontario, a protégé of Adam Harris, will defend his crown in a 12-round bout. McGuinness is not a stranger in Montreal, where he has fought five times, knocking out Drumondville’s Benoit Gaudet in 2011.

GYM will present a total of seven professional fights with more details coming shortly.

The Dec. 14th event will be available for viewing by fans in the comfort of their homes via Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV in Canada, as well as on WealthTV in the United States.

GYM wishes to thank its key partners, including Pierre Bibeau of Loto Quebec, Robert Dépatie of Videotron, Pierre Dion of TVA Sports, Jacques Aubé of Evenko, Charles Benoit and Martin Spalding from Astral Radio, Coors Light, Marc Roberge, Martin Trudel and Guy St-Pierre of Tonikgroupimage, Marcel Savard of BLlitho, Houston restaurants, Adidas and Rival. Almost all have been with GYM since its beginning and their participation is as important as it’s appreciated.

Tickets are on sale now for the Dec. 14 event at the Bell Centre, as well as the entire GYM boxing series, the innovative and popular “Fast and Furious.” Tickets, starting at $36.00, are available to purchase at the Bell Centre, or at evenko.ca, or by calling GYM at (514) 383.0666. Season tickets for the next three Fast & Furious series events for a significant discount on reserved seats.

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About Groupe Yvon Michel Inc:

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers, supported by coaching and management for competition. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. Since its inception eight years ago, GYM has produced 106 events, including historical ticket sales and PPV viewership for Pascal vs. Hopkins I and II. GYM has produced more than 300 hours of television with Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV, TVA Sports, VOX, TVA, CBC, RDS and V, in Canada, as well as HBO, Showtime and ESPN in the United States. A total of six different GYM boxers have participated in 16 world championship fights. Under the tutelage of GYM, Joachim Alcine captured the WBA super welterweight title in 2007, and Jean Pascal the WBC light heavyweight crown in 2009.

Isaac Chilemba scored the biggest win of his career when he took a ten round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Edison Miranda at The Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas.

Chilemba controlled the action using his height as he moved in and out. Miranda was cut badly around the left eye that was caused from a headbutt.

Miranda never seemed to get into the fight as it was Chilemba who did was he pleased. Both guys were docked points in round five for Rabbit Punching.

With being a bloody mess, Miranda was not able to mount much offense and the lead that Chilemba had built up was safe from the once-feared punching Miranda.

Chilemba, 174 lbs from South Africa is won by scores of 97-91; 96-92 and 96-92 and is now 19-1-1. Miranda, 174 1/2 lbs of Hollywood, FL is now 36-7

In a battle of undefeated Jr. Lightweights, Rances Barthelemy scored an eight round unanimous decision over Hylon Williams Jr.

Barthelemy mixed up an assortment of punches and styles as he used his length and jab and at other times he worked well on the inside by featuring an uppercut. Williams did not have many answers. It was a spirited effort by Barthlemy as he switched from orthodox to Southpaw and Williams never seemed to get any type of rythem.

Barthelemy, 130 lbs of Las Vegas via Cuba won by scores of 80-72; 79-73 and 79-73 and is now 15-0. Williams, 130 lbs of Houston, TX is now 15-1.

Undefeated knockout artist Magomed Abdusalamov scored a second round stoppage over Pedro Rodriguez in a scheduled four round Heavyweight bout.

Rodriguez had an effective first round before getting hammered on the ropes by eating about ten shots that was punctuated by a big left hand that sent Rodriguez to the canvas and the fight was stopped by referee Russell Mora.

The time of the stoppage was 1:04 for Abdusalamov, 227 lbs of Oxnard, CA and is now 13-0 with all wins coming via knockout. Rodriguez, 243 lbs of Miami is now 7-1.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ–Andre Ward made his claim to be the best Super Middleweight in world as he pounded out a lopsided twelve round unanimous decision over Carl Froch to retain the WBA and capture the WBC, Ring Magazine and Super Six world Boxing Classic Championships.

Ward was masterful in every way and he looked like a seasoned baseball pitcher dealing for nine innings but in this case it was for twelve rounds. Froch was kept off balance by the diversity of punches coming from the hands of Ward as when it looked like Froch expected a jab, a lead left hook would either land in his face or the body of the British fighter.

The two would engage in some serious exchanges but it was always Ward landing first and last which drew ooohs and ahhs from the crowd at Boardwalk Hall. Ward continued his variety as he even started bullying Froch on the inside and landing hard shots to the body. Froch was a step slow during most of the exchanges and Ward built up an insurmountable lead.

Froch started to get in some offense midway through round eleven and the beginning of round twelve as Ward seemed to slow just a little bit which gave Froch just a little glimmer of hope but Ward was never in any danger and cruised home to the victory.

Ward, 168 lbs of Oakland, CA remains perfect and is now 25-0 with the 115-113; 115-113 and 118-110 victory victory. Froch, 167 1/2 lbs of Nottingham, ENG is now 28-2.

“It’s supernatural. These are all great fighters. That’s why you don’t hear me talking badly about them before the fight. I know what I’m getting into. I just want to be a little bit better on the night of the fight.”

“He’s very good defensively,” Froch said of Ward. “I couldn’t get my shots off. I never found myself in the range. Ward was either too close and smothering me or too far away.”

“Right away, I was actually surprised how slow Froch was,” said Ward. “We were just able to beat him to the punch and that’s what won us the fight.”

Froch was gracious in defeat and offered no excuses. “I lost tonight, fair and square. I had a bad night.”

He elaborated, “I couldn’t get anything going. He’s very slippery. It was very frustrating for me. It was a bad night.”

In a bloody eight round Light Heavyweight bout, Cornelius White scored a unanimous decision over Yordanis Despaigne.

Both guys were cut with Despaigne cut from a punch in the opening frame. The blood was evident as both were wearing white trunks and by the end of the fight both were turned crimson. It was White who pushed the action and landed the more volume shots.

White, 173 lbs of Houston, TX won by score of 60-53; 59-55 and 59-55 and is now 18-1. Despaigne, 174 1/2 lbs of Coral Gables, FL is now 9-2.

Former world title challenger Edison Miranda scored a fifth round stoppage over Kariz Kairuki in a scheduled eight round Light Heavyweight bout.

Miranda rocked Kairuki in round one with a big right hand and controlled the action until the fifth when he landed a big right that sent Kairuki and his mouthpiece to the canvas. After Miranda charged Kairuki and knocked him down before he had a chance to replace the mouthpiece but no knockdown was ruled. Miranda then battered Kairuki with hard right and left and referee Alan Huggins stopped the bout at 2:15 of round five.

Miranda, 175 lbs of Carolina, PR is now 35-6 with thirty knockouts. kairuki, 174 1/2 lbs of Tampa, FL is now 24-10-2

Bowie Tupou hung on and scored a ten round unanimous decision over Donnell Holmes in a Heavyweight bout that featured fighters with only one defeat.

The action was mostly slow paced with Tupou scoring with little combinations while Holmes was following Tupou around the ring. Tupou dropped Holmes in round seven from a hard over hand right. Holmes shook it off and finished the round. Holmes made a late stand in the final frame as he landed two hard left hooks that got the attention of Tupou but he was never in any serious danger.

Tupou, 242 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 95-94; 96-93 and 95-94 and is now 26-1. Holmes, 226 lbs of Ivanhoe, NC is now 33-2.

Heavyweight John Lennox battered Jeremiah Witherspoon and scored a third round stoppage in a scheduled four round bout.

Lennox landed a hard combination that sent Witherspoon into the ropes and he quickly followed up by landing a hige barrage that rocked the head of Witherspoon back and forth several times before the bout was stopped fifty seconds into the round.

Former Middleweight and Super Middleweight title challengers, Edison Miranda and Allan Green will appear on the June 4th undercard that will feature the Super Six WBC Super Middleweight title match between Carl Froch and Glen Johnson in Atlantic City according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

15rounds.com was informed on Wednesday that Green (29-3) will take on Philadelphian Dhafir Smith (24-20-7).

Miranda will fight an opponent to be named.

“I’d like to get him in the mix and make some money,” Warriors Boxing promoter Leon Margules said. “Edison is a very exciting fighter. He adds a lot to the game of boxing. If he comes back and looks good, he can still stir it up and be a factor.”

Lucian Bute scored a third round stoppage over Edison Miranda on an explosive uppercut in front of a raucaus crowd at the Bell Center in Montreal, Canada.

Bute boxed well over the first two rounds until the action heated up in the third frame. Miranda landed his best punch of the fight early in the frame when he got through with a solid straight right. That only upped Bute’s pace as he landed a nice combination that was followed by that heard turning uppercut that put Miranda on the canvas. Miranda got to his feet but staggered backwards and the fight was stopped at 1:20 of round three.

Bute, 167 lbs of Romania is now 26-0 with twenty-one knockouts. Miranda, 167 lbs of Carolina, Puerto Rico is now 33-5.

When Edison “Pantera” Miranda 33-4(29) steps into the ring next month and will try to win a world title at the second attempt when he faces Lucian Bute for Bute’s IBF Super Middleweight title. The fight will take place on home territory for Bute in Montreal. Miranda hopes capitalise on this fantastic opportunity which goes out on HBO. Miranda is used to fighting with his back to the wall in both life and the ring, the bigger the challenge the more he likes it. He’s an all action knock out artist who can back up his words more often than not. Miranda 29, is a highly entertaining fighter who fans and media a like enjoy watching. Previously he’s come up short in some of his biggest fights losing twice to Arthur Abraham PTS12 where he broke Abraham’s jaw and then LKO4. He also lost to Kelly Pavlik KO7 & Andre Ward PTS12. This fight gives Miranda the chance to prove he’s not a nearly man anymore. You can bet on one thing there will be fireworks in Montreal on 17 April.

Hello Edison, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on getting the opportunity to fight Lucian Bute for the IBF 168 title. What do you think of that fight?

Edison Miranda – I am very excited for this opportunity. Bute is a great fighter and has a big heart. I will need to be at my best to defeat him.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think Bute does well and what do you think you can capitalize on?

Edison Miranda – He likes to fight and so do I. It will be a very good fight for the fans. He makes mistakes and we are working on taking advantage of these.

Anson Wainwright – You were scheduled to fight Robert Stieglitz for his WBO title in January but became ill. What can you tell us about this?

Edison Miranda – I was very upset having to cancel that fight. I was so much looking forward for the chance to fight in Germany again and in front of all the European fans. We had been training very hard and I had gotten sick. We tried to work through it slowly, but it just kept getting worse. I finally got to the point where I couldn’t even get out of bed. I wanted to train and stay in shape but it was not possible.

Anson Wainwright – Since we last spoke i believe you have changed trainers and now train with Joe Goossen in L.A. How did the change come about? What difference has this made to you?

Edison Miranda – I have always had great respect for Joe Goossen. I got to meet him and talk with him when I was in Oakland to fight Andre Ward. After that fight I felt in my heart it was time to make a change. Jose Bonilla is a fantastic trainer and he is like a father to me. I still talk to him almost every day. My managers and I both liked Joe Goossen for me and we set up a time to meet and it felt great. I knew very quickly that Joe would be a trainer that could get me to the next level. I feel like a new boxer already. People will see what Joe Goossen has done for me on April 17th.

Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Super Six tournament that they are showing on Showtime? Who has impressed you and who do you think will win it?

Edison Miranda – I have said from the beginning that Andre Ward will beat Abraham in the finals.

Anson Wainwright – You have inside information having fought three of the six fighters in the Super Six. Who do you think will win the upcoming fights between Abraham-Dirrell, Ward-Green & Froch-Kessler?

Edison Miranda – Abraham will KO Dirrell. Ward will beat Green, but it will not be as easy as most people think. Don’t sleep on Allen Green. He is a very strong fighter. Froch will beat Kessler.

Anson Wainwright – Who do you consider to be the best fighter you have fought so far and why?

Edison Miranda – Andre Ward is the best fighter. I was in great shape for that fight. I would have beaten almost anyone else. He surprised me with his incredible athleticism. Andre will go on and be a great fighter for many years. After I beat Bute, maybe we can have a rematch when the tournament is over! With Joe Goossen helping me, I think we can expose his weakness.

Anson Wainwright – You are known as a big puncher having KO’d 29 of your 37 opponents leading to a 78% KO rate but which knock out do you consider your best and why?

Edison Miranda – Although my knockout of David Banks is considered to be one of the highlight KOs of all time, I still consider my stoppage of Howard Eastman to be my most memorable stoppage. That was the day people learned the name Edison Miranda and my power was no longer questioned. After April I may have a different answer for this question (laughing).

Anson Wainwright – You fought in Britain last March, can you tell us about that experience?

Edison Miranda – The people in London are very friendly and supportive. It was a small fight in York Hall. A place with much history in boxing. My hopes were to maybe return there someday and face Carl Froch. He and I would put on a great fight for the fans in Britain.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans & Bute?

Edison Miranda – I want to thank my fans for sticking with me. It has been a rough ride these past few years and I know that I have let them down. My concentration since my loss to Andre Ward has been on boxing and I stay very focused. My switch to Joe Goossen has been better then I could have ever dreamed. If anyone is going to be in my corner to help me become a champion, Joe is the right man for the job. I am sure that Bute is training very hard and not looking past me. I promise to give him the fight of his life and a war for the fans to enjoy.

Thanks for your time Pantera, good luck on 17 April.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, IBF Super Middleweight champion Lucian Bute will defend against former Middleweight title challenger Edison Miranda in April 17th in Bute’s adopted hometwon of Montreal.

“It will certainly be a pleasure for me to box again at the Bell Centre and to defend my title for the fifth time in front of my fans,” said Bute, a native of Romania based in Montreal. “I am taking Miranda very seriously. He demolished many good fighters and is a notorious puncher. I will have to keep my concentration level on high to stay champion.”

HBO will carry live coverage of the bout in the United States and hopes to pair it with Kelly Pavlik defending the middleweight championship against junior middleweight titleholder Sergio Martinez from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Pavlik-Martinez is still in negotiations.

“This is another shot for Edison and with his new trainer, I think we’ll do fine,”Said Leon Margules, who is Miranda’s co-promoter. “We’re excited about the fight. I think he can knock Bute out. Edison wants to show he belongs with the top 168-pounders and this is a great opportunity for him.”

Stephan Larouche, Bute’s trainer, said the styles of the two fighters — Bute being the skillful boxer and Miranda the brawler — should make for an entertaining fight.

“Styles make fights. I know this is a boxing cliché, but it’s the truth,” Larouche said. “Once again we have two world-class athletes with different styles that, when mixed together, have all the ingredients to explode. The fans are in for a treat.”