MO Productions held a press conference tonight at Smith & Wollensky in Miami Beach to announce an agreement has been reached for a fight this fall at a site to be determined between 23-year-old light middleweight prospects Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira (21-1, 16 KOs) and Omar “El Businessman” Chavez (30-2, 22 KOs).
Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oliveira lives in Miami, where he is trained by Orlando Cuellar. Oliveira is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Fecarbox and World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedebol 154-pound champion, who is World rated by the WBC at No. 6 and WBA at No. 7.
The wildly popular Oliveira has won four fights in a row since suffering his only professional loss June 2, 2012 in Uruguay to four-time, two division world champion and Brazilian boxing icon, Acelino “Popo” Freitas.
Chavez is the son of Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar “JC” Chavez, Sr., a six-time, three-division world champion and Hall of Famer, as well as the younger brother of former world middleweight champion Julio Cesar “JC” Chavez, Jr.
Omar’s only two pro losses have been by decision to Jorge Paez, Jr., the son of another legendary Mexican boxer and two-time world champion Jorge “El Maromero” Paez, Sr. Former WBC Youth welterweight title-holder Chavez has won his last two fights against Pablo Vasquez and Charlie Navarro.
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Michael Oliveira: “I have money, sorry, there’s nothing I can do. My grandfather left it for me…thanks. When I climb into the ring, I can’t take my money in with me. The blood, sweat, tears and hard work I left in the gym come into the ring with me. My father can’t protect me in the ring.
“I’m ready to face anybody at 154 pounds. Don’t believe me? Try me! I’m not only fighting Omar, I’m fighting his brother, Julio, and their father. The whole Chavez dynasty. Mexicans love boxing like they do soccer. Yes, we are Spanish brothers, but it’ll just be me and Omar in the ring, and only one will be left standing.
“It’s not always easy for me because of what I have. I’ve had plenty of chances to say, screw it. I believe it you do something because you love it, it’s twice as good, and that everything in life has a purpose. I will be victorious.”
Carlos Oliveira (promoter and father, Michael Oliveira): “This is a very important moment. Right now, Michael isn’t my son. He is a professional athlete between 9-5. He works for me and I work for him. After 5, he’s my son. As a father, he’s already a champion; as a promoter, he’s on his way to being a champion.
“I’m a businessman. MO Productions has made an investment in Michael. I know we have a return coming. I know he will be world champion, I’m talking as his promoter, not his father. Michael has a passion for this sport and that’s why we’re behind his dream. I assure you that he will become world champion within a year.
“When Michael steps in the ring, I can’t help him. He is willing to accept any challenge at the 154-pound division. This fight will happen; Brazil vs. Mexico, Micheal Oliveira vs. Omar Chavez. We’re Latin brothers.
Orlando Cuellar (head trainer, Michael Oliveira): “A fighter can’t have anymore support than Michael has from his parents. It’s rare. We’re ready, they’re ready, but we’re waiting for a signed contract. We’ll see if they sign.
“A Michael Oliveira vs. Omar Chavez fight will be great. Michael is a no fuss, in your face style fighter. Omar is a classic Mexican fighter, fighting inside and outside. On paper it’s a fairly even fight but we’ll be the underdog. We believe Michael has what it takes to win and go to the next level. He’s looking to be the best, so he has to beat the best. Omar was born into the game but once the bell rings it won’t matter.
“Today, Michael is a top 10 fighter in two sanctioning bodies and that shows what he, his team and father have done.”
Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. (father/adviser, Omar Chavez): Video taped – “Unfortunately, we are not there tonight because I had eye surgery and couldn’t fly. Regarding the fight, I’m sure it’s going to be a tough fight between Michael and Omar. I hope the best fighter will win and I hope that will be my son.
“Brazil and Mexico are always good in soccer and this time they’re going to fight each other in the ring.”
