Articles
Is Edwin Rodriguez Headed To Andre Ward Showdown?
HOUSTON. (March 17, 2013) – After working together for four fights and nearly two years, head trainer Ronnie Shields is confident that undefeated, United States Boxing Association (USBA) super middleweight champion Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs) is now a complete fighter as he heads to Monaco for the “Monte Carlo Million Dollar Super 4” at Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Rodriguez takes on unbeaten 2008 Argentina Olympian Ezequiel “El Olimpico” Maderna (19-0, 13 KOs) in the opening round of four-fighter tournament. Rodriguez vs. Maderna is half of a historic four-man tournament, also matching two-time, two division world champion Zsolt Erdei (33-0, 18 KOs) and Denis Grachev (12-1-1, 8 KOs) in a light heavyweight bout. The championship final of the “Super Four” will showcase the two winners at a catch-weight of 171 ½ lbs., worth $1,000,000 (60-40 split), on July 13 in Monaco.
The “Monte Carlo Million Dollar Super 4” is being distributed in the United States and Canada by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 3:00 p.m. ET – 12:00 p.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH and Avail-TVN in the United States and in Canada via Bell TV for a suggest retail price of only $24.95. In addition, the event will be available via on-line Pay Per
Rodriguez was an unbalanced, almost defenseless brawler when Shields first started training the Dominican Republic native. An all-out attack mode but Shields taught Rodriguez how to work off his jab, stay balanced, and develop his defensive skills. Those particular traits blossomed in Rodriguez’ convincing win against Donovan George by 10-round decision, but his punches weren’t as powerful as they had been when he brawled. In his last fight, however, Rodriguez’ power returned as he battered Jason Escalera en route to an eighth-round knockout.
Now, Shields contends, his prize student is the complete package. “As Edwin matures,” Shields explained from training camp in Houston, “the better he gets in the ring. He’s seen all styles of sparring and everything has come together for him. There is no style he hasn’t mastered. Without a doubt, Edwin is there as a complete fighter.”
Rodriguez is knocking on the door of a world title shot. He is the No. 3-rated super middleweight in the world in the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF), as well as ranked No. 12 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 10 by The Ring Magazine. Capturing the “Super Four” tournament most certainly will earn him an opportunity to challenge one of the 168-pound world champions.
View promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0pqvjNVciE
{youtube}T0pqvjNVciE{/youtube}
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant
-
Featured Articles2 weeks ago
Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford
-
Featured Articles6 days ago
Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle