SALVADOR, Brazil — Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (Pictures) is the newest Brazilian Olympic National Boxing Champion. The PRIDE star tried a new venture in the ring and in his amateur debut conquered the title in the super-heavyweight category last weekend in the 60th edition of the event in which teams from each Brazilian state battle in Olympic boxing weight classes.

Under the watchful eyes of his twin brother Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (Pictures) and all the fans that were in the audience, “Minotoro” Defended his home state of Bahia, putting on a show in the finals as he outscored Cássio da Silva 26-9.

“It is beautiful to see a heavyweight with a lot of technique and punching in line like Rogério. He has a bright future and can give a lot of happiness to Brazilian boxing,” guarantees his coach Luís Dórea, who also revealed Acelino “Popó” Freitas to the boxing world.

Nogueira was very satisfied with his performance and expects to reach even higher goals.

“I started to practice boxing only to increase my performance in MMA,” said the PRIDE middleweight fighter, “but I adapted myself very well and today I have plans to challenge in the Rio Pan American Games in 2007 and maybe the next Olympic Games.”