Calles Malas

There are many training options for youngsters hoping to become professional boxers: Join the local gym or Golden Gloves, get a professional trainer, or be abandoned by your mother at one month old and ritually abused for the next eight years by a family friend. The last option, while undesirable and unorthodox, was the path taken by Colombian fighter Edison “Pantera” Miranda. Miranda literally fought his way through the streets of Colombia from the time he was nine years old, eventually becoming the country’s most powerful (nonpowder form) export.

Miranda fought his first amateur bout at age 16 and proceeded to beat the tar out of all comers. After more than 150 fights, he turned pro. Since then, his only losses have been to Kelly Pavlik and a highly disputed match against “King” Arthur Abraham in 2006. Miranda broke Abraham’s jaw in the fourth round, but the judges awarded the fight to Abraham. The controversial decision sealed the Miranda vs. Abraham rematch, which will begin at 9 p.m. at the Hard Rock Live. Tickets for this Showtime-televised event range from $50 to $200.
Sat., June 21, 9 p.m., 2008