Menominee Boxer Marcus Oliveira Falls Short in Title Bout

Marcus Oliveira made Indian country proud on Saturday night

NEUBRANDENBURG, GERMANY – American Indian boxer, Marcus Oliveira (Menominee) was defeated Saturday evening, December 14, 2013,in Neubrandenburg, Germany in his quest to become the WBA world light heavyweight champion. He was defeated by Germany’s Juergen Braehmer, 35, in a unanimous decision.

It was Oliveira’s first defeat. His record is now 25-1-1(20KOs).

The fight was judged by four boxing judges who scored it 115-112, 117-110, 117-110 in favor of Braehmer, who is a former WBO champion. Braehmer’s record is now 42-2 (31 KOs),

Braehmer outlasted the Oliveira who came on strong as the fight progressed.

Marcus Oliveira in the ring with Germany’s Juergen Braehmer

The boxing division title had been vacant since Kazakhstan’s Beibut Shumenov was declared the WBA’s “super” world light heavyweight champion.

The fight began late when there was a disagreement about which order the fighters should enter the ring. Oliveria’s promoter, Don King, argued since Oliveira was ranked higher, he should enter last.

So with American Indian drumming music playing, Oliveira entered the ring to a jeering crowd which was clearly in favor of a Braehmer victory.

Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, the 34-year old Oliveira is a tribal citizen of the Menominee Nation. He is an employee of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, located in Mayetta, Kansas.

Oliveira has been with Don King Productions since 2010 and won his last previous fight prior to Saturday night against then undefeated Ryan Coyne on April 12 at Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas where he beat Coyne in an 11^thround knock-out.

Oliveira played sports for Haskell Indian Nations University where he was a member of the Haskell Boxing Club.

He is married with two children.

 PHOTOS Courtesy: Rhonda LeValdo