By Charles C. White – Saturday night, heavyweight knockout artist David “Nino” Rodriguez retained his undefeated status with a 3rd round knockout of the always game Robert “Desert Storm” Davis, bringing Davis’ record to 32-11 with 20 knockouts. Not much is known about this young undefeated boxer fighting out of El Paso, Texas, but with the right fight and with his power, this could change overnight. American boxing fans have been crying out for new blood to fill the veins of the heavyweight division.. While things on the American heavyweight scene have been heating up for the past couple of months with “Fast” Eddie Chambers in line for a title shot against Wladimir Klitschko, and Chris Arreola challenging older Klitschko brother Vitali in a little over two weeks time, there is little reason to not welcome more young faces into the American heavyweight picture.
Rodriguez may not have much amateur experience to his credit, he does posses the one thing that could potentially make a star out of any young heavyweight; knockout power. With a record of 32-0 with 30 of these wins coming by way of knockout (24 in the first round), there is no doubt that Rodriguez packs a powerful punch. Standing a formidable 6’ 5’’, and weighing in at roughly 240 lbs, and having been a pro for 7 years now, Rodriguez might just be one to look out for. With wins over journeymen Travis Fulton, Marcus Rhode, Marcus McGee, and Andy Sample, it is hoped that Rodriguez will step it up in the future. But being relatively young at 33, and with this latest win over crafty veteran Davis, it seems as though Rodriguez is being slowly but surely brought up the ranks with increasingly talented opposition, and with time still on his side. What’s next for this powerful hitter from El Paso? No one knows for sure. But hopefully another stiff test for the up and comer is in the works that will be yet again a step up in competition. Only time and superior challenges will tell whether or not this undefeated heavyweight, nicknamed “Nino,” is the real deal.
For questions or comments, Charles White can be reached at cwhite1078@mysvc.skagit.edu