Former Cuban amateur star Yordanis Despaigne (8-1, 4 KOs) is ready for battle in the televised supporting bout of this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights against heavy-handed Colombian Edison “Pantera” Miranda (34-5, 29 KOs).

The 10-round light heavyweight battle will open the Friday, July 29, telecast from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas that also features a 12-round IBF elimination bout between Victor Cayo and Lamont Peterson in the main event.

Despaigne suffered a setback against fellow top prospect Ismayl Sillakh in his last fight and says he is eager to get back to his winning ways against the formidable Miranda.

According to Despaigne, the key to victory will be to stay focused on his strategy and not be lured into an all-out war the way he was against Sillakh. Easier said than done against a relentless opponent who can turn out the lights at any second, but Despaigne says he’s already beaten several fighters just like Miranda and knows exactly what to do.

Through an interpreter, he answered the following questions.

What did you learn in the fight against Sillakh?

Basically I learned that I have to stick more to my game plan. I went out of my game plan against Sillakh. I felt that I got hit in the second round and instead of sticking to out-boxing him, I attacked. I didn’t stay smart.

Describe Edison Miranda as a fighter and tell me why you’ll beat him.

He’s a very good fighter. He’s fought a lot of great guys, but it’s my time. I’ll stick to the game plan and do what I have to do and I’ll win.

Have you faced big punchers before? How is your chin?

I’ve been in against the hardest punchers in the world and never been knocked out. I was down last fight, but I got right back up. That’s shows what kind of chin I have. I have fought so many guys who have power that I don’t even worry about it.

The Cuban community in Las Vegas has been very supportive of its boxers. Are you looking forward to their cheering you on that night?

I love when I have the fans behind me, so I definitely am looking forward to the Cuban fans coming out to support me that night.

How did training go? Do you have any injuries?

No. I had a great camp. I’m ready to fight.

Do you feel the added pressure of what a second loss might do to your career?

I’m only thinking very positive about winning, so I don’t have that in my mind right now.

Tell me what it would mean to you to be a world champion.

It has always been my dream. I was an amateur champion but I would love to be world champ. That’s my biggest dream.

In conjunction with Warriors Boxing Promotions and Blue Wave Group, “Fight Nights at The Cosmopolitan” combines the mystique and excitement of legendary Las Vegas boxing matches with a new and socially dynamic experience. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $250 for VIP tables, $150 for ringside seats, $100 for floor seats, $50 for grandstand seating and $20 for general admission tickets and are available for purchase by calling 877-551-7778 or at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.

###

Topping the all-action undercard will be Miami, Florida, via Cuba’s undefeated knockout artist Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy 12-0 (10 KO’s) in an eight-round super featherweight matchup against Kansas City’s Gerardo Robles (14-9, 6 KO`s).

In a 10-round battle with a touch of international flavor, Chelyabwsk, Russia’s undefeated Sergey Kovalev (15-0, 13 KO`s) will face Nairobi, Kenya’s Douglas Otieno (23-6, 12 KO`s) for the NABA Light Heavyweight Championship.

Also featured is a six-round light heavyweight scrap between Las Vegas’ (via Sweden) Badou Jack “The Ripper” (6-0, 5 KO`s) and Athens, Georgia’s Timothy Hall Jr. (6-11, 4 KO`s); and in a four-round lightweight attraction, popular Las Vegas fighter Cameron Kreal will make his highly anticipated pro debut against fellow Las Vegas resident Franky Martinez (0-3).

In conjunction with Warriors Boxing Promotions and Blue Wave Group, “Fight Nights at The Cosmopolitan” combines the mystique and excitement of legendary Las Vegas boxing matches with a new and socially dynamic experience. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $250 for VIP tables, $150 for ringside seats, $100 for floor seats, $50 for grandstand seating and $20 for general admission tickets and are available for purchase by calling 877-551-7778 or at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.