On September 29, at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Worcester’s favorite son Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KO’s) will headline a special edition HBO “Boxing After Dark” Triple-Header when he takes on Union City, New Jersey’s Jason Escalera (13-0-1, 12 KO’s). At stake for Rodriguez against the heavy-handed Escalera is not only his undefeated record but also his standing in the world ratings.
While his upcoming bout will certainly be one of the most significant dates in his professional boxing career, the date of September 29 has for some time now been a very significant day in the life of Rodriguez.
On September 29, 2006, Rodriguez’ future wife Stephanie gave birth to the couple’s twins, Edwin Jr. and Serena. The children were born nearly four months premature, weighing just over one pound each. What ensued was a 122-day stay for the twins at the UMass Memorial Medical Center neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Worcester where doctors struggled day in and day out to keep the twins alive.
Below is a link to the inspiring story written about the twins by Edwin’s father in law, Richard Herrick, Professor of Chemistry and Edward A. O’Rorke Professor in the Liberal Arts at Holy Cross. After reading one can better understand why no matter what Rodriguez accomplishes in his professional boxing career, the undefeated super middleweight contender continuously states that “Our twins are the true champions.”
Read the full story about Edwin Rodriguez and his family here.
Rodriguez is currently rated #3 by the IBF, #4 by the WBC, and #8 by the WBA, at super middleweight. An impressive victory on September 29 will move him a giant step closer to a world championship opportunity. HBO will begin live coverage of the event at 9:30 PM ET/PT. Tickets can be purchased through the Foxwoods MGM Grand box office by calling 1 (800) 200-2882. Tickets are priced at $45, $75, $100 and $200.
