Michael Oliveira: “I bring back the old school” By Benny Henderson Jr. (April 22, 2010) Doghouse Boxing
Coming up April 24th from San Paulo, Brazil, the undefeated middleweight prospect Michael Oliveira 11-0 (9) looks to keep his record intact as he takes on fellow unbeaten prospect Miguel Cobas 9-0-2 (2) for the vacant WBC Youth Middleweight title.
The hard hitting Brazilian born boxer, who earned the 2009 Brazilian Athlete of the Year award, is taking the fight world by storm with his heavy hands and willingness to box, brawl and bang. The nineteen year old made his debut in the summer of 2008, and since then has banged out eleven consecutive victories, stopping six in the opening round.
In this exclusive interview conducted by Doghouse Boxing, the young gun speaks out on his upcoming bout, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.: Give the readers your thoughts on your upcoming fight against Miguel Cobas.
Michael Oliveira: Well, every fight for me is a physical fight, I never underestimate anyone. Because you never know what anybody has under their sleeves, how hard they have been training or how in shape they are, or how hungry they can be. But this is my second title, and I am going to be just as prepared as I usually am for a fight, and I promise you way better.
BH: You won Brazilian’s Athlete of the Year, how exciting was that for you?
MO: It was amazing, I didn’t expect it, I went up against great athletes, and I didn’t think I could do it, but I did it wit my hard work and dedication, and everything I put into it paid off. It was the best feeling, very amazing.
BH: You have an undefeated record and beginning to make a name for yourself, you are moving up in the world and you are only nineteen years old, how do you stay grounded and stay focused on the fight world and training at such a young age?
MO: There are temptations, going out partying and stuff, but I have never drank in my life, I have never smoked or did drugs, so that is a plus, that helps out a lot. But going out with friends, I guess, when you love something, and you do it because you love it, you will be willing to give up anything. I have my mind set, that after I am done fighting, I will be able to do what I want to.
BH: How would you describe your style?
MO: Well, I am a very good inside fighter, I can box just as well. One of my strengths, I think and I analyze, I focus and I read my opponents.
BH: Do you know anything about this guy you are fighting?
MO: Actually I don’t, I know his record, but I don’t like to judge anybody by their record, all I can tell you is that I am training my hardest, my best, and I am going to be ready for whoever comes.
BH: Is there any message you would like to send out to Miguel Cobas before the fight?
MO: Ah, yes, may the best man win.
BH: Why should a boxing fan want to tune in or witness ringside a Michael Oliveira bout?
MO: Because I bring back the old school and I add a little bit of the new school, and no matter what sport tries to come in and take over, boxing will always be boxing, and I think that style and the energy that I bring to boxing help bring and take kids out of the streets to the sport, and make the boxing world a better place.
BH: Anything you want to add to or say in closing of this interview?
MO: Actually I want to thank you guys for giving me the opportunity for being here with Doghouse Boxing, and to pay attention I am just a nineteen year old boy trying to get successful in his career, and I thank you guys for giving me a little help and an edge to keep going. And, also, I would like to add in saying to my opponent, good luck, and may the best man win.
For more info in Michael Oliveira, check out www.michaeloliveira.com And thanks to publicist Bob Trieger of Full Court Press for setting up this interview.
