By Ryan Songalia
Eyeing a June showdown with the undefeated Jean Pascal, Edison Miranda first has to deal with reality. A "Reality Star" that is, a term used in boxing circles primarily with negative connotations. On Friday night, "Pantera" squares off with David Banks, a Contender cast member with a record of 15-3-1 (2 KOs). Alongside Miranda-Banks, Jean Pascal will meet Omar Pittman in the co-main event. Should all go accordingly, the plan is to match Miranda and Pascal in a bout that features two of the sport's most unpredictable sluggers.
This is Miranda's second consecutive fight in Hollywood, FL's Hard Rock Casino since losing to now-middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik. Miranda related his perspective to BoxingScene.com.
BoxingScene.com: What does fighting David Banks accomplish for you?
Edison Miranda: "This will be my first TV fight since my loss to Kelly Pavlik. I want to show my fans that I am still going to be champ soon. I let them down in Memphis and I feel bad about that. I have trained very hard for this fight and feel the best I have ever felt a few days before a fight. People have questioned my power at 168lbs. I am facing an opponent who has never been on the canvas. I am going to show the world that I have even more power at the higher weight. My game plan is to go out and box. But when the opportunity is there, you better turn down the volume on your TV. There is going to be 2 loud sounds. Me hitting David and David hitting the floor."
BoxingScene.com: What do you think of Banks as a challenge? Is this a serious test or a tuneup fight?
Miranda: "There are no tuneup fights. David Banks is a professional fighter and he is training to upset me. I will not take anyone lightly in this sport. I trained harder for this fight than I have ever trained. Edison Miranda is going to destroy whoever is in my path to win a title for my fans. I need to prove to the world more than ever now that I am a true champion."
BoxingScene.com: If both you and Pascal win Friday, the plan is for you two to face each other. Are you going to be watching Pascal's fight in the co-feature?
Miranda: "I went to Montreal to watch his last fight. Jean is a good boxer with quick hands. I will be in the locker room warming up for my fight during his match on Friday. I will only be concentrating on David Banks at that time. If Jean and I are scheduled to fight I will watch him fight. Otherwise I have no interest in him. If that is the best fight for me than I will fly to Montreal one more time to put him on the canvas in front of the great boxing fans of Montreal."
BoxingScene.com: What do you think of him as a fighter?
Miranda: "I was not impressed with his fight against Norman. I heard he had a hurt shoulder. I will give him some advice. Jean, you better make sure you are 110% when you get in the ring with me. If you fight like you did last, I will make you pay hard. I am no Brian Norman. You won't get away with those big openings against me."
BoxingScene.com: Who do you feel will win the Pavlik-Taylor rematch?
Miranda: "If Taylor comes prepared and does not fight like a coward than I think he can win."
BoxingScene.com: Do you have anything else that you'd like to say to the fans?
Miranda: "I will make all of my fans proud this year. I owe them huge for sticking with me after I lost my chance to be the middleweight champion. Edison Miranda is stronger than ever!"