Status: Professional boxer. #7 WBO Cruiserweight contender. Member of 200 Brazilian Olympic Team. Pro record is 32-2 (29 KO’s).
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 200
DOB: June 29, 1976 In: Matogrosso, Brazil
Boxing Inspirations: “Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr., Mike Tyson.”
Hobbies/Leisure Activities: “Soccer. Go out with friends, enjoy life.”
First Boxing Memory: “Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Marvin Hagler. I was nine or ten. I remember one of the rounds they kept fighting after the bell. Both exchanging punches in the middle of the ring. Hagler to the body, Leonard to the head. Wow. Nice. Beautiful. I loved it. Momentous forever. Leonard was a little smarter, with speed. Hagler was stronger.”
Favorite Movie: “Mel Gibson Braveheart. I like the heart of a warrior. The way a warrior is suppsed to go out.”
Last Book Read: “I’m not Muslim but I like to read the Qoran.”
Musical Tastes: “Samba, 50 Cent, Akon, R&B, I like the beats, the way they sing, to hear the words.”
First Job: “Worked on a farm with father. Cutting sugar canes.”
Current Car: “Pilot (red).”
Favorite Meal: “Hot, spicy rice. No, correct that – shredded beef loin with peppers, onions.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Banana.”
Greatest Career Moment (so far): “In Miami (2003). I fought a Latin American champion, Freddy Moore, light heavyweight. I knocked him out in the fifth round with a right hook. Fedelatin title.”
Most Painful Moment: “In Germany, I wasn’t mentally prepared. 2007. I lost a fight (KO 8 to Grigory Drozd in 2007). That was the most sorrow moment. I felt like I could have done better if I was mentally prepared better.”
Funny Boxing Memory: “A guy said, Let’s spar! Come, let’s get it on! I hit him with a body shot. The kid lost his breath and started crying [smiles].”
Favorite Boxers To Watch: “Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.”
Childhood Dream: “I always wanted to be a champion, since I was a kid.”
Toughest Opponent: “Freddy Moore. He had one loss in 30 fights, 25 knockouts. He gave me the fight of his life.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “It doesn’t matter what state of mind they’re in. It’s what’s in their heart that matters.”
Translation: Ricky Roman