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Edison Miranda Interview: Bellew will know what it is like to be hit by a real man!

Big Hitting, Edison ‘Pantera’ Miranda descends on the UK, on the 8th September, to fight Liverpudlian, Tony ‘Bomber’ Bellew at the Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, London. ‘Pantera’ is a well-known, popular and controversial character who has traded blows with some of the best names in boxing including Andre Ward, Lucian Bute, Arthur Abraham and Kelly Pavlik. The 31 year old has often fallen short against the very best but does hold very good KO wins over the likes of Howard Eastman and Allan Green.

Colombian, Miranda (35-7, 30 KOs) has had mixed results since stepping into the light heavyweight division back last year. His last fight was a points loss to respected contender Isaac Chilemba, over 10 rounds, in February. The fight was evenly poised until Miranda sustained a cut in the third – the nasty blood flow, seemingly affecting his vision and performance.

Now, he is looking to get back in the mix and is fighting a man, in Tony Bellew, whose stock has risen since a gallant but unsuccessful points loss to, current WBO light heavyweight champion, Nathan Cleverly. ‘Bomber’ was last seen impressively stopping Danny MacIntosh in five rounds, in April.

Bellew (17-1, 11 KOs) is the younger man, at 29, by two years while Miranda has over double the amount of contests: 42 to Bellews, 18. The experience and level of competition is, undoubtedly, with the Colombian fighter but the fresher fighter is the man hailing from Liverpool.

Both men have plenty of power and the contest has the potential to be both exciting and explosive. The press conferences alone will be worth the fee, as both are confident talkers.

I caught-up with Edison to get his thoughts on the upcoming fight.

Ringnews24.com: You’ve had success in the UK before, when you knocked-out Joey Vegas (5th round). Are you looking forward to returning to the UK?

Edison Miranda: Definitely, I loved London during my past visit and have wanted to return. I have a very big fan base from all over Europe and I would like to give them all a great fight on September 8th.

Ringnews24.com: You have fought some of the best fighters in the World, like Andre Ward. How big a challenge is Tony Bellew?

Edison Miranda: I had never heard of Tony Bellew before. He has not fought anyone but a paper champion (Nathan Cleverly), who he lost to. I have seen him fight now and I do give him respect, he comes to a fight. Edison Miranda will show him something he has never seen before in the ring. Before the end of the night the fans will be chanting my name.

Ringnews24.com: Tony Bellew is a big powerful Light Heavyweight. Do you rate his power?

Edison Miranda: I have been in the ring with the most powerful hitters in the game. A few of these power hitters have put me on the canvas, but I have always gotten up. It takes a lot for me to respect a fighter’s power – after the wars I have been in. I do not consider Tony Bellew a big, powerful hitter. I challenge him to go toe to toe with me in the middle of the ring. Then he will know what it is like to be hit by a real man!

Ringnews24.com: How is training going for the fight?

Edison Miranda: I am having the best training camp, sparring against Chad Dawson, a true champion has really been great. I am working as hard as ever; I am not taking this fight lightly. A big KO win is very important for my career and I will be ready to deliver.

Ringnews24.com: If you beat Tony Bellew, would you be interested in challenging, WBO light heavyweight Champion, Nathan Cleverly?

Edison Miranda: I would like to return to the UK and fight again. Cleverly holds a belt, and that has always been something I’ve wanted, so that would be a possibility. I also have always wanted to fight Carl Froch. He and I would put on a night to remember.

Ringnews24.com: What’s your Prediction for the fight with Tony Bellew?

Edison Miranda: KO in the 6th round.