Delvin Rodriguez is winding down preparations for his junior middleweight clash with Miguel Cotto set for Saturday, October 5 the Amway Centerin Orlando, Florida and Live on HBO.
Relaxing after an early evening training session in his hometown of Danbury, Connecticut, Rodriguez spoke about his preparations for the fight.
“We spent the first two weeks of camp in the Dominican Republic working on strength and conditioning, especially running in the mountains. For the last six weeks we’ve been in Danbury doing the actual training and sparring.”
“The two weeks in the Dominican Republic were great for my body and it’s always nice to train at home as I have for this portion of the camp” continued Rodriguez, who has compiled a record of 28-6-3 (16KO’s) over his fourteen year career.
Rodriguez is currently world ranked #4 by the WBA, #9 by the WBO and #11 by the IBF and WBC and is coming off two sensational stoppages, a sixth round knockout of George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah on February 15 and an eighth round stoppage of Freddy Hernandez on May 24, both of which were televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing®
Rodriguez longtime promoter; “The two wins Delvin had earlier this year along with the wealth of world class experience he’s fought over his outstanding career has truly prepared him for this opportunity to fight Miguel Cotto. This will be his sixth fight in the junior middleweight division and he’s very comfortable at 154. He’s prepared very well for Miguel Cotto and I’m confident he will put on a terrific performance.”
Speaking about his game plan, Rodriguez stated, “I’m taller so it works for me to stay on the outside and keep Cotto on the end of my punches. I’ve got a longer reach which I intend to use.”
“It’s also important for me to use combinations in an effective manner. Keep the pressure, stay aggressive for the entire round and that’s where my conditioning will play a big role.”
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Miguel, our paths have crossed a number of times over the years and he’s always been a gentleman. He’s a certain Hall of Famer who earned everything he’s gotten, nothing was handed to him, it’s the perfect test for me.”
About being perceived as the underdog with talk of upcoming plans for Cotto’s future fights, Rodriguez was dismissive, “That plays no role at all, and I don’t pay attention to what the experts say about who will win. Just me and him in the ring, just the way we both like it.”
Rodriguez will be accompanied to the ring on the night of the fight by popular Dominican singer, EL Jeffrey, who will also sing the Dominican national anthem prior to the fight.
