Delvin Rodriguez’s life as a 32-year-old world ranked prizefighter, father and son looks to add another title on Saturday, June 2nd, as he gets a second chance to a lifetime goal, being called a ‘world champion’.
Although known as one of boxing’s true warriors with a recent five-year span facing only the toughest fights in the welterweight and now junior middleweight divisions, Rodriguez gets a second opportunity to become a world champion, a title he’s worked towards since he was 10 years old when he had his first amateur bout.
With a huge crowd expected at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California and a SHOWTIME televised audience, Rodriguez will challenge WBA Junior Middleweight World Champion Austin Trout over twelve rounds.
Rodriguez first fought for the world title on August 1, 2009, against Isaac Hlatshwayo at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. The bout for the IBF Welterweight Title, seemingly was won by Rodriguez over the twelve rounds as he controlled the action throughout only to be disappointed by the split decision loss.
Promoted by Star Boxing for most of his career, Rodriguez typifies fighters from a different era; with no tune-ups or “stay busy” fights on his ledger.
“Delvin has been terrific to promote. He’s always challenged himself with each bout to face the highest ranked guy available, a fight that could lead to a world title bout. For him it’s all about getting that world title belt and the fans and TV networks have been the recipients of numerous excellent battles he’s been involved in,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing.
Sporting a battle tested record of 26-5-3 with fourteen knockouts, Rodriguez has appeared on ESPN Friday Night Fights eleven times in numerous, action packed fights against other world ranked contenders.
On Wednesday, June 6th, Rodriguez will be honored by the esteemed Boxing Writer’s Association of America with a nod to his “Fight of the Year” against popular Polish and world ranked junior middleweight Pawel Wolak at Roseland Ballroom in New York City on July 15, 2011.
In a bout promoted by Star Boxing and televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Rodriguez and Wolak engaged in a fistic battle that fans will remember for a lifetime. Despite it being his first bout at junior middleweight, Rodriguez was able to control the pace and successfully counter punch the overly aggressively bull-rushing style of Wolak.
The bout featured non-stop two way action amid a packed house of over 2,500 New York City fight fans who stood and cheered throughout, Rodriguez and Wolak emptied their tanks during each three minute round.
With the bout declared a draw, Rodriguez was determined, “I thought I won and I want to fight him again next” he stated in ring during the post fight TV interview.
Said DeGuardia, “It’s a testament to Delvin’s character that being involved in that type of draining, intense battle and that he’d want an immediate rematch. But Delvin thought he won and wanted to prove to the fans who watched that he could beat Wolak again, and more convincingly.”
“So for weeks afterwards Delvin was calling me wanting the rematch. And while I’m working on it I bring up perhaps a bout in between, not a tune up, but just a different opponent, but he wanted Wolak again. ”
Continued Rodriguez, “I wasn’t interested in facing anyone else. Nothing had been resolved in the first fight so I wanted an opportunity to beat him, which I clearly did the second time. I had no interest in taking a sideways step for a different fight, I wanted to keep moving forward and that would mean beating Wolak.”
“It really speaks loudly that he wanted to face Wolak right away. The first bout was such a hard battle, but he wanted to start ‘Round 11’ right away,” continued DeGuardia.
“The rematch took place at Madison Square Garden on December 3rd on the HBO Pay Per View broadcast of the Cotto/Margarito rematch, a perfect opportunity to show Delvin again. Delvin would get his rematch on the biggest stage in boxing.”
Stated Rodriguez, ‘It really was a groundswell of support from the fans and media, particularly on the East Coast. They demanded the rematch and I was honored to have it take place at Madison Square Garden on such a terrific card.”
In the rematch in front of a loud and boisterous packed house of over 22,000 fans, Rodriguez fought beautifully and brutally, working each round behind a terrific jab and excellent overhand rights. Scores at the end of the ten rounder were all in favor of Rodriguez, earning him the unanimous decision (100-90, 98-91, 98-92). Most impressive was, in spite of being substantially and clearly ahead, Rodriguez put on an unforgettable final round performance, brutally battering Wolak, and leaving nothing in the ring.
“I sat down on my punches more and really hurt him early in the fight. As soon as the final round started I wanted to finish him off, I didn’t want to leave it in the judges hands” said Rodriguez.
Stated DeGuardia, “It’s always a special night having your fighter win at The Garden and Delvin looked sensational. The two fights really were indicative of Delvin’s career; a true warrior.”
“Consequently it moved him up in the WBA rankings and now he’s got a second shot at a world title against Trout and he’s more than ready.”
“For fans of Delvin there’s not much for me to say, they already know about the warrior and person that he is. For those unfamiliar to him or his career, the best thing I can say is buy a ticket or tune in to the SHOWTIME broadcast on June 2nd. He’s a special fighter and he’s got a second chance at his dream.”
Concluded Rodriguez, “My life is my career, my goal has always been to win a world title and that’s my plan for June 2nd.”
