By Fantana: Exciting Brazilian middleweight Michael Oliveira took time out of his busy schedule ahead of his upcoming fight on November 20th to speak with a real man such as myself, me. Thanks to his publicist the legendary Bob Trieger I was able to get answers to some questions that reveal more about the man nicknamed ‘Chairman of the Board’. At just twenty years of age Michael Oliveira seems like he has a mature head on his shoulders and reveals in the interview that he is maturing with each fight and he cannot wait for his first bout in Brazil just over a week away. For those of you who have not seen Oliveira fight, he has an aggressive come forward style and constantly throws punches knocking out ten of his first twelve opponents. He really pleases the crowd with his assertiveness and gets them behind him, in a non-gay way. Born in Sao Paulo he and his family moved to Miami when Michael was just two weeks old but often he visits family and friends in Brazil where he has a growing legend amongst locals because he has performed heroic feats. For instance drunkards were causing trouble at a carnival and Michael Oliveira knocked out six grown men, aged just 15 at the time. The police came and saw these men sprawled out on the floor but Oliveira was not arrested as the police did not believe he could have done such a thing. The roughly translated nickname from the locals in that part of town for Michael is ‘The man with hands of dynamite’..
1- How are the preparations going for the Nov 20 showdown?
In terms of training we have been focusing on our conditioning, maintaining weight as best we can and getting solid sparring with Edvan Barros, a tried and true Super Welterweight who has been in with some tough names.
2 – Are you more apprehensive about fighting in Brazil or more excited?
This is my opportunity to shine a light on boxing here in Brazil, a somewhat forgotten sport to many, as you know Soccer is the main course of sports here but with my team we are poised to change the way boxing is represented here in Brazil. I am definitely looking forward to my coming out party on November, 20th and the crowd is guaranteed a good show.
3 – How long do you think it will be until you are ready for a title shot?
At this point in my career I am still developing as a Professional and maturing each day in the ring and outside as well. In terms of estimating my shot at a major tile (e.g., WBC, WBO,IBF or WBA) We foresee a period of a year and a half at best.
Although I have no hesitation at this point to step into the ring with some of the well known names in my division if presented with the right terms and agreement from my team.
4 – Have you any plans on fighting in the U.K.
Nothing immediate there although they are great fight fans and the Manchester Arena is very exciting for prize fights. It’s very similar to Madison Square Garden when it comes to local fighter support. Any American fighter who enters that Arena is bound to feel like an opponent I don’t know if we are quite ready for that level of excitement just yet but would welcome the opportunity if it presents itself at the right time, especially when there is more to do in the U.S. and here in Brazil.
5 – Who do you think will win Audley Harrison or David Haye and why?
Without checking I don’t know much about Harrison but I do follow David Haye as he has trained in Miami over the years. My favourite punch was the one David Haye landed on Enzo Maccarinelli in England awhile back. A super coiled right hand over Maccarinelli’s lazy jab. I give credit to Maccarinelli for being able to stand after that punch although Haye took him out shortly thereafter. Haye is accustomed to fighting abroad and my money is on Haye. Speed and power will always overcome an opponent.
Yours in manliness,
Fantana
About the author – Like Michael Oliveira Fantana is taking on all opponents, on Fight Night Round 4