As part of a double header of prospects for this week (it’s a busy week) as well as a mid week column we’re going to look at probably the best prospect in the world in the second one, though for this column we have a Super Middleweight who seems like he’s being matched better than most in his position. 25 Year old Edwin Rodriguez from the Domican Republic is one of the more well known prospects in boxing today though it worth a look at. With a record of 15-0 (11) since he turned professional in 2008 he has come along nicely and has kept relatively busy learning his trade as he goes.
A talented amateur Rodriguez won both the US Championships in 2005 and the 2006 National Golden Gloves at Middleweight establishing himself as one of the hottest amateurs in the country. Though he failed to make the Olympic team for Beijing after compiling an 84-9 amateur record he decided to move on, knowing life in the professionals would suit him and give him a well earned financial security. Although life hasn’t been plain sailing from then outside of the ring it has inside for the 6 foot man known as “La Bomba”. His battles outside of the ring have circled around the lives of his 2 twins, who were both born with medical problems. Instead of campaigning to get into the Olympic team Edwin put his dreams on hold instead concentrating on the lives of his children.
Having signed with Lou DiBella and the DiBella Entertainment promotional company and managed by Larry Hazard who sees Edwin as a friend as well as a client he has a solid pairing behind him. Though it’s the fact that Edwin is an intelligent and nice guy that has really seen him gaining the sort of attention he has had. Edwin has spent time doing things for those less fortunate than himself, such as playing hide and seek with disabled children and is also a graduate from Holy Cross where he earned a degree in Political Science.
Though with out repeating these facts it’s hard for many to understand what an all round star he is and it’s not just his boxing ability that has seen him become a star. His 15-0 record has seen him beating progressively better opponents such as Darnell Boone who’s 16-12-2 has been spent facing mainly the stiffest prospects out there (such as Erislandy Lara, Craig McEwan and Brandon Gonzales) and George Armenta (who has faced Yuri Foreman, Sachew Powell and last weeks midweek update fighter Mark “TNT” Tucker). In his upcoming fight Rodriguez faces the experienced Gabriel Holguin (25-8-1 with 9KO’s). A loss to Holguin would likely seriously damage Rodriguez’s career though it would be a major upset, as Holguin has only a single win in his last 4 fights, however he has only been stopped once in his career back in 2004, a stoppage win for Rodriguez would be incredibly impressive, though the bout is a good test for “La Bomba’s” stamina as it’s to be his first 10 rounder.
Expect a wide decision for a very talented fighter who will hopefully be moved onto top 30 type fighters as he has the talent to try and get in with some of the fighters from the Super 6 come the end of 20111
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