By Mark Vester

Confirming BoxingScene.com's news story from Tuesday, Lucian Bute (25-0, 20KOs) told reporters he will defend his IBF super middleweight title against Edison Miranda (33-4, 29KOs) on April 17 on HBO. The fight will take place in Montreal, Canada. Bute-Miranda will be the co-feature with middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik's title defense going on top as the televised main event of HBO's split-feed show. Pavlik's possible opponent is Sergio Martinez.

Miranda has been beaten in his four biggest fights, which came against Andre Ward, Arthur Abraham twice and Kelly Pavlik. This may be his last shot at glory. Bute will not underestimate Miranda.

“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,” Bute told STV.

Trainer Stephan Larouche is putting Bute's camp together. He thinks the two styles will make for an exciting fight. Bute's camp will take place outside of Quebec for a period of 6 to 8 weeks.

“Styles make fights. I know this is a boxing cliché, but it’s the truth! 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,” said Larouche.

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