With an impressive third round knock-out over former World Boxing Association (WBA) Champion Owen “What The Heck Beck” on June 24th. Rodriguez upped his impressive undefeated record to 35-0, 33Kos and picks up the vacant WBC Fecombox heavyweight title (otherwise known as the “Mexican National” title) and a top ranking by the men in green, making him an official contender.
Rodriguez is the only Mexican American Undefeated Heavyweight, has broken Mike Tyson’s record for first round knock-outs, and wants a showdown with either Klitschko brother. Rodriguez commented: “I want either one. No disrespect for any of the fighters they have fought, but let’s be real they’ve been on a safe tour. Fighting the likes of Chambers who is a good boxer, but is a small heavyweight with no punch, then fought a weathered Peter who was knocked out by brother Vitali in 2008. Chargaev’s a good fighter but another smaller heavyweight that was easily boxed by the bigger Wladmir, Haye fought a valiant effort, but again too small and fought at Cruiserweight for most of his career. I’m 6’5”, 250 pounds of Heavyweight that has size and power to knock these Klitschko’s out! I am a real heavyweight. I am challenging either brother to face me. Fight a real heavyweight with knock-out power, size, I am in my prime, and have a great record. Contact my promoter Zef Ramirez at zboxing.com. You will not have to chase me; I won’t be trying to box. But you won’t be prepared for the power my punch has and I will bring the Heavyweight titles back to America!”
Watson-Purdy on July 16
CRAIG WATSON’S revenge mission is little more than a week away, and the Hatton Promotions welterweight has no doubt about the outcome.
“This is payback time,” promised Watson as he prepared for his hometown challenge against British welterweight champion Lee Purdy at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday 16th July.
Purdy caused a huge upset when he took the title from Watson via a fifth round stoppage back in April.
Watson said: “The rematch has come quickly and I had to take it or face going through eliminators.
“I don’t want to sound like I am making excuses, but I wasn’t right before our last fight, but I am over the moon that I can make amends.
“It came too soon after the John O’Donnell fight and I didn’t want to let people down so I went through with it.
“You live and learn and it will be forgotten next week when I win back the British title.
“We have been doing different things in the gym and working on other aspects of my boxing.”
Purdy’s only defeat in 18 professional fights came last year when he narrowly lost on points to Denton Vassell in a Commonwealth title challenge.
He added: “I won the first fight against Watson so there is no reason for me to have any doubt about the outcome.”
In supporting contests Watson’s fellow Oldham fighter Darren Stubbs challenges Bob Ajisafe for the vacant English light-heavyweight title.
Vassell is also in action when he boxers a six round non-title fight against Nicaraguan Ronny McField.
Hatton Promotions youngsters on the bill include Austin Hornsby, Dean Halsall and Matthew Clarkson.
The show is not being televised and tickets are selling fast for Watson’s revenge missing and are available prices £35, £55 and £75 VIP from 01925 755222
Dedication To Boxing Earns IBO Exec Hall of Fame Honors!
For his hard work and years of dedication to boxing, International Boxing Organization founder and Chairman John Daddono has been inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame. The induction weekend of the class of 2011 has just concluded at the Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel in downtown Tampa, Florida.
The weekend festivities included a Friday night “meet and greet” cocktail party with the inductees followed by a Saturday morning sparring session featuring Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver as he prepares for his crack at the IBO cruiserweight world title against reigning champion Danny Green of Australia. The sparring session was then followed by a hand casting ceremony featuring all inductees of the class of 2011.
Sunday morning consisted of a breakfast with the inductees followed by the formal induction ceremony in the Sheraton’s Grand Ballroom. Bag pipes and color guards led the procession of 15 living inductees down the main aisle of the crowded ballroom of family, friends and cheering fans of the inductees. Highlights of the ceremony were the induction of former middleweight John “the Beast” Mugabi, “Fearless” Freddie Pendelton and Elisha Obed.
International Boxing Organization founder and Chairman John Daddono seemed to be a crowd favorite and delivered a very well executed and touching speech of his past and present involvement in boxing along with future plans of his organization. Sunday’s induction ceremony was produced and streamed live worldwide by GoldStarStreaming.tv and picked up viewers from 36 countries. The event was also distributed by Ustream as well as Just-In streaming services. Viewership numbers will be available soon.