By James Slater: Fighting on last night’s under-card in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Colombian powerhouse Edison Miranda, boxing at a career-heaviest weight of 183-pounds, pounded out a wide UD over journeyman Rayco Saunders. The 30-year-old known as “Pantera” is now campaigning full time as a light-heavyweight and is now trained by Noel Carbajal.
Last night the often reckless puncher looked anything but, as he boxed a calm, patient eight-rounder. Prevailing by scores of 80-73 and 79-73 twice, Miranda improved to 34-5(29). 36-year-old Saunders, who has only been stopped once as a pro, is now 20-14-2(8).
Looking solid at the higher weight, Miranda worked behind a stiff-looking left jab and his right hand looked as powerful as ever. No real action developed until the 3rd-round, when a big right to the head hurt Saunders. Unloading with both hands as he looked for the stoppage, Miranda had the man known as “War” back-pedalling furiously. Having to eat a couple more right hands, Saunders made it through the torrid session.
The 4th and 5th were quiet rounds, and at times it looked as though Miranda was engaging in a practice session in the gym; trying things out. Saunders showed flashes of danger in the 6th and 7th, as he got through with a right hand to the head in both rounds. Miranda was made to back up in the 7th, Saunders’ best round of the night. Miranda looked a little tired, but he came back to boss the 8th and final round of the bout.
It will be interesting to see how far Miranda can go as a light-heavyweight. Last night’s win came against a limited opponent, but the former middleweight/super-middleweight looked good at the weight, his body solid. It really makes you wonder, looking at how natural he looks as a light-heavy, how “Pantera” ever made 160-pounds.
There are certainly plenty of good possible match-ups out there for Miranda. A fight with Jean Pascal could well be a real barnburner, as would a clash between Miranda and IBF champ Tavoris Cloud. It’s still early days in his light-heavyweight campaign, but Miranda looked last night as though he is in no mood to rush. Can the vulnerable, exciting puncher win himself a major title before his up and down career is finally over?