Tag Archives: bantamweight

HASKINS SAILING INTO STORMY WATERS IN BELFAST

IBF champ heading to Belfast on the ferry today

SAN DIEGO (JUNE 7, 2017) –Lee Haskins gets over his first major hurdle in defending his IBF Bantamweight title against Ryan Burnett in Belfast on Saturday – by taking the ferry today due to his fear of flying.
Haskins puts his crown on the line for the third time at the SSE Arena Belfast, live on AWE–A A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 PM Noon PT and the Bristolian knows he’s in for a hostile reception as he tries to hand Burnett his first pro defeat in front of the passionate Belfast fans.
‘Playboy’ says that the hometown support won’t be a problem as it’s nothing he hasn’t experienced before – but knows the fight will be far from plain sailing against the unbeaten hometown star.
“I’m not the greatest on planes so we chose to get the ferry over,” said Haskins. “My family and I decided to go a bit earlier and make more of a trip about it.
“It’s not too far so it gives me and the kids a bit of time to catch-up and it’s something different, rather than just jumping off a plane straight into the hotel. Now we get to have a little detour and have a little adventure.
“It’s going to be a hostile crowd but truthfully it doesn’t bother me. I’ve boxed away time and time again so I know what’s coming. I’ve boxed in Monaco, Belgium and Morocco and in plenty of backyards in the UK. It doesn’t bother me, a ring is a ring.
“I hope the Belfast fans don’t give me too much of a hard time! I’m really looking forward to fighting in front of such a knowledgeable crowd and of course to my own fans, I’m always grateful for your continued backing.
“I am very excited – I’m more excited for this one than I have been for a long, long time. I’m happy and content going into this fight and I’m looking forward to visiting Belfast.”
Haskins’ clash with Burnett is part of a huge day of action in Belfast where Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line.
James Tennyson tackles Ryan Doyle for the WBA International Super-Featherweight belt, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meet for the Irish Cruiserweight title, there’s the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, and local favorites Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.
Photos By : Jamie McPhilimey

TENNYSON FACES DOYLE FOR WBA INTERNATIONAL STRAP

Belfast ace welcomes Manchester man on Saturday night

SAN DIEGO (JUNE 6, 2017) James Tennyson feels he’s above domestic level – and says he’ll prove that on Saturday when he faces Ryan Doyle for the WBA International Super-Featherweight title at the SSE Arena Belfast, live on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 PM PT.
 
Tennyson’s clash with Doyle is part of a huge night of action in Belfast as Ryan Burnett challenges Lee Haskins for the IBF World Bantamweight title.
Tennyson has won Celtic Featherweight and Irish Super-Featherweight titles but fell short when he met Ryan Walsh for the British Featherweight crown last April.
The 23 year old believes he’s better prepared for more title assaults now, and wants to show that in what he believes will be a cracking fight against the English Featherweight champion from Manchester.
“I’m very excited, said Tennyson. “I’m pleased to be a part of the show and hopefully Ryan Burnett becomes Ireland’s next World Champion and these big nights can continue to come back to Belfast.
“I believe I’m beyond Irish title level. I’m not going to gain or learn much more at that level or by boxing journeyman. I’ve gone through that now. This is a fight that I needed and help bring my career to the next level.
“I’ve watched Ryan and this is going to be a really entertaining match up. With the WBA International title on the line, it gives it a little more spice.
“Usually I don’t look too much into my opponents, I get in there and take it as it comes. I’m confident in my own ability to get the job done. My team already know a bit about the boy so they are telling me the plans which we’ll adopt on the night.
“I’ve prepared for a tough fight no matter what so the late change of opponent doesn’t really change all that much for my planning.
“It’s all work in progress. I want to get to World level. This is a great stepping stone to help get where I want to be.
“I don’t really go in thinking ‘I’m going to knock this guy out’, I like to box. It’s going to be a good fight for the fans to watch. I’m an aggressive, come forward fighter.
“Camp has gone well. I’m pretty happy going into the last few days. Now it’s all about getting the weight right, all the hard work has been done now. I’m just looking to get this show on the road now.”
Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meet for the Irish Cruiserweight title, there’s the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, and local favourites Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.
About AWE LIVE BOXING 

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.
For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

BURNETT: ADAM BOOTH HAS THE PLAN TO BEAT HASKINS

Belfast talent putting faith in trainer to take IBF World title

SAN DIEGO- (June 5, 2017)-Ryan Burnett believes he has the perfect man in his corner in Adam Booth to get the gameplan right to take the IBF World Bantamweight title from Lee Haskins when they clash at the SSE Arena Belfast on Saturday June 10, live on AWE–A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 PM ET

Burnett faces the Bristol ace in his first World title shot and it’s a welcome return to his hometown after over three and a half years on the road.

Burnett’s last outing in Belfast in November 2014 was his first fight with Booth and the pair have moved seamlessly to 16-0 and on the brink of World glory as their partnership has blossomed in Booth’s Surrey gym.

Booth has been in the corner for many World title fights with David Haye and Burnett feels that having those expertise behind him can be the difference.

“Adam believes I am ready for it and he’s a man who has been there and done it,” said Burnett. “Adam knows how to put a game plan together to beat a southpaw, and I have every faith in Adam. If I am calm, relaxed and I deliver what Adam tells me to do on the night, I’ll win that belt.

“I’m always learning with every fight and every day in the gym with Adam. People were saying a year ago that I was ready for a World title shot so that must mean I am even better placed for it now. Adam makes the decisions of what the right move is for me.

“Adam has given me intelligence on what I actually have to do. All the skills are there, but he’s teaching me how to control it. That’s what we work on every day – understanding what you have to do and how you have to do it.

“I needed to sit back, peel away the layers and understand what I am doing. Adam’s work speaks for itself. He’s been in the sport for a long time and he’s a well-respected coach. I’ve come to the gym willing to listen and learn because I know that Adam has so much knowledge to give, so if Adam says jump, I say how high.”

Burnett challenges Haskins on a huge night of action in Belfast where Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title, with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line.

An exciting undercard features a the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meeting for the Irish Cruiserweight title and local favourites James Tennyson, Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.

WARRIORS BOXING SIGNS CHICAGO BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECT SHAWN SIMPSON TO PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENT

SIMPSON WILL MAKE PROMOTIONAL DEBUT APRIL 28 VS. JOSE ELIZDO AT WINDY CITY FIGHT IN CHICAGO
Warriors Boxing proudly announces the signing of Chicago-based bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson to a promotional agreement.
23-year-old Simpson (4-0, 2 KOs) will make his promotional debut under the Warriors banner at their next Windy City Fight Night, scheduled for Friday, April 28, 2017, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Simpson will face Mexico’s Jose Elizondo (2-2) in a six-round match-up.
Before turning professional in 2015, Simpson was a heavily decorated amateur boxer. Looking to try different after-school sports, he walked into a gym at age nine.
“By age 13, I started getting good and by 15, I was winning national tournaments,” recounted Simpson. “I was a 2012 Olympic alternate. I won the National Golden Gloves, National PAL three times and I was 2009 National Junior Olympic Champion. I fought the top of the top guys like (former WBA World Champion) Rau’shee Warren and gave them all they could handle. I finished with a record of about 177-20.”
Now an undefeated professional, Simpson trains with former world champion Montell Griffin at Body Shot Boxing Club.
“He (Griffin) knows everything,” continued Simpson. “He’s been through everything I want to get to. So, to learn from him helps me out tremendously and we get along very well. He’s going to help me become a world champion in multiple weight classes.
Simpson says the decision to sign with Warriors was an easy one for he and manager/father Tony Simpson.
“I think they were the best option for me. They have a lot of shows and have some great fighters. They even have a world champion in my weight class. This is a big opportunity for me. They do a lot in Chicago too. Leon and Dominic and their company are great people. I’m very comfortable with them and I get good vibes.”
While he professes to not knowing much about upcoming opponent Elizondo, Simpson lists his ability to adjust to any style, in-ring, as one of his best fighting assets, along with his hand speed and counter-punching.
“I can’t wait. I fought for them January 21 and I put on a great show. This one will be even better because I will have six rounds to work with. That will give me more time to show what I have in my arsenal.”
Warriors Boxing President Leon Margules says he’s excited for the future of young Simpson.
“Shawn can really fight. We watched about a minute of his fight at our show in January and you can just see he’s special,” said Margules. “And he’s very personable as well as gifted. He’s everything you want in a young fighter, to help them reach the top of their potential in the sport. I believe Warriors has signed a future world champion in Shawn, and I foresee big things happening for him.”
Simpson says it won’t take long for him to join his former compatriots at the top of the bantamweight division.
“A year from now, with my skill level, I should be ready for a big fight. I don’t think I’ll need the development time other fighters need. I fought all the top guys in the amateurs. I had a fight in the World Series of Boxing with a fighter as tough as anybody fighting for a world title right now. 2008 Bantamweight Olympic Bronze Medalist, Veaceslav Gojan from Moldova. He was 30 years old and we fought twice, and each won one. If he was a pro he’d be in the top of the division. If I can beat him, I can beat any of them.”
Other Chicago-based fighters appearing that night will be undefeated super lightweight Ramiro “El Lobito” Carrillo (11-0, 7 KOs) in the eight-round main event, as well as separate six-rounders featuring undefeated super featherweight Josh Hernandez (5-0, 4 KOs); power-punching lightweight Jessica “CasKILLA” McCaskill (3-1, 2 KOs) and lightweight Jose Felix Quezada (11-1, 6 KOs).
Tickets for Windy City Fight Night are on sale now and priced at $101, $76, $51 and $36 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com; by calling 1-800-745-3000, or the Warriors Offices: 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740 or by visiting the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Or they can be purchased the night of the event. A special VIP Lounge experience is available to select sponsors. Please call 312.622.7668 for more information.

Greg Cohen Promotions Inks South African Bantamweight Mzuvukile “Old Bones” Magwaca to a Promotional Contract

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of South African bantamweight Mzuvukile “Old Bones” Magwaca.
Magwaca (17-0-2, 10 KOs) from Duncan Village, East London, South Africa, is the current WBA International Bantamweight Champion and the former WBF Africa Junior Flyweight Champion and IBO Inter-Continental Flyweight Champion.
A seven-year professional, Magwaca trains at the “All Winners Boxing Club” in Mdanstane, East London, South Africa, with the guidance of Zolani “Last Born” Tete, a world rated bantamweight and former IBF World Super Flyweight Champion, as well as GCP stablemate and current IBO World Featherweight Champion Lusanda “Mexican” Komanisi.
“Since I was eight years old, when I first wore a pair of old gloves from my elder brother who was a professional boxer himself, I dreamed of becoming a world champion one day,” said Magwaca. “Now that dream is going to be a reality through Greg Cohen Promotions. The Young African Lion is about to pounce!”
“We are proud to sign undefeated WBA International Bantamweight Champion Mzuvukile Magwaca, our second fighter from the All Winners Boxing Club in East London, South Africa,” said Clifford Mass, GCP Vice President of Business Development. “He trains alongside two of the best fighters in South Africa, Lusanda Komanisi and Zolani Tete, and he is ready to take his career to the next level. We have big plans for Bones.”
Magwaca’s manager, Mlandeli Tengimfene, says his fighter just needed to find the right contacts to guide him to a world championship. “‘Old Bones’ will take America and the world by storm. He is a gem and a marvel to watch. He is also tall for his division and a maestro in the ring behind his educated jab. This boy is the future at bantamweight and with Greg Cohen Promotions behind him, the sky is the limit.”

IT WILL BE CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION ON SEPTEMBER 10 IN LEWISTON

Lewiston, Maine (August 9, 2016) – In a rare occurrence, two champions from two different weight divisions will square off onSeptember 10, 2016 when New England Fights presents “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS” in Lewiston.  Reigning NEF MMA Amateur Bantamweight Champion Johnny Crafts (4-0) will come up in weight to challenge Caleb Hall (7-3) for Hall’s NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Title.

 

Caleb Hall was a two-time Maine state champion wrestling for Dirigo High School in Dixfield.  He would go on to wrestle for Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, as well as the University of Southern Maine.  At “NEF 22” this past spring, Hall captured the vacant featherweight title by submitting Erik Nelson (2-3) in the second round.  In the upcoming bout with Crafts, Hall will be looking to not only retain his title, but to also gain a measure of revenge against Crafts who defeated Hall’s teammate Henry Clark (3-2) last fall.

 

“Johnny’s making a big mistake coming up in weight trying to take my belt,” said Hall.  “I will avenge my teammate, Henry Clark, and put him away early.”

 

Johnny Crafts is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  As mentioned, Crafts defeated Henry Clark of the Choi Institute last fall to claim the amateur bantamweight title.  On September 10, Crafts hopes to make history by becoming the first competitor to simultaneously hold two championships in two different weight divisions.

 

“I’m honestly just excited to get in there and have a brutal, fun fight,” said Crafts. “It’s going to be a guaranteed war versus Caleb. It’s less focus on cutting weight at 145 for me and more on the training camp. I’m going to be the most technical and strong I have ever been for this fight.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Streaking Bantamweight Contender Elton Dharry to a Promotional Contract

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of IBF #14-rated bantamweight Elton Dharry to a promotional contract.
Dharry (20-5-1, 13 KOs) got off to a slow start in his career, losing five times and drawing once in his first nine. However, since then, he is undefeated in 17 consecutive fights, dating all the way back to 2010.
During that time, 30-year-old Dharry has picked up the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) and Guyanese Bantamweight Championships, as well as the IBF Inter-Continental Bantamweight title from then 12-1-1 Jose Rios.
“Early on in my career, I was not really with the right team and the judges never really got it right, so it made me look like a fighter I’m not,” explained Dharry of his slow start. “I know most people would quit and walk away, but I had the self-belief and determination to come back and become something. I changed my team to (trainers) Martin Gonzales and Don Saxby and stopped taking short notice fights.”
The streaking Dharry says he feels good about coming aboard the ever-expanding GCP stable of champions and contenders.
“I feel good about it. I’ve known Greg Cohen for a while now and I feel like he’s going to get me the right fights to get me where I need to be and get me the world title shot I want. I’m very excited because I know he’ll get things going soon.”
Of Indian descent, but born in Guyana, Dharry and his family moved to Brooklyn in 1999, where he started boxing at age 11 after getting into several fights at school. As an amateur, he fought in the US Nationals, the Metro finals, and the Olympic box-offs before turning pro in late 2004. He now fights out of the famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.
“I set a goal for myself many years ago,” continued Dharry. “My goal is to be world champion and I’m sticking to it. My belief is I can accomplish this, especially with my new promoter making it happen for me.”
Dharry says he’d particularly like to face WBA Champ Rau’shee Warren, or IBF boss Lee Haskins, but will take on anyone Cohen puts in front of him.
“I’m a counter puncher but I like to adapt to whoever I’m facing and whatever they bring. I box if I need to and fight if I need to. I’ll trade shots if I have to as well. I have the determination it takes to do anything.”

Promoter Says Tikhonov Ready for the World After Impressive Victory in Russia

Undefeated super bantamweight prospect Vladimir Tikhonov is now setting his sights on the top of his division after having notched his first victory under the Salita Promotions banner, a KO 8 over capable veteran Nikoloz Kokashvili on March 12 in Narva, Estonia,
25-year-old Tikhonov (now 14-0, 8 KOs) is the #1-ranked super bantamweight in Russia and, with his promotional problems a thing of the past, is ready for anyone in the world.
His promoter, Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions, says his fighter looked sensational against Kokashvili.
“Vladimir won every round before knocking him out,” said Salita. “He had been through some inactivity during his career, but after dominating an opponent who was 16-2 going in the way he did, I’m confident he is ready for anyone in the world.
The southpaw Tikhonov is already designated a Sport Master of Russia in his home country, a prestigious honor bestowed upon the country’s top athletes.
“He’s ready for any of the champions or other top contenders at 122 lbs.,” continued Salita. “This is going to be a very big year for Vladimir. A big fight is just a signed contract away and we are working hard to make it happen.”
The current super bantamweight world champions are (WBC) Hugo Ruiz, (WBA) Guillermo Rigondeaux and Carl Frampton, (IBF) Carl Frampton and (WBO) Nonito Donaire.

Hillyard, Marston & Khan World Title Battles Co-Headline 6thDec London Event

London promoter Mark Lyons has joined forces with Championship campaigning Marianne Marston to co-promote a huge pre-Christmas event, aptly named LET BATTLE COMMENCE, at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, on Sunday, the  6th of December.

 

Heading up the fifteen-bout card are no less than three World Championship battles;

 

Bradford’s Tasif Khan makes his first foray onto the World stage, when he challenges Ghana’s Isaac Quaye for the World Boxing Union Super Flyweight Championship.

 

Reigning World Boxing Union Super Middleweight International Champion, Nazeing, Essex’s George ‘Hithard’ Hillyard aims to add the vacant WBU World crown to his collection, when he faces a yet to be named opponent.

 

Finally British #1 and reigning MBC International Super Bantamweight Champion Marianne Marston will go toe to toe with Hungary’s Csilla Nemedi in a four, WBU, WBF, WIBA & WIBC, Bantamweight World title unification bout.

 

Also on the Championship trail on this historic event will be a number of fast rising young stars.

 

Former Team GB star Iain ‘The Blessed One’ Weaver gets his first taste of professional Championship boxing, when he challenges a yet to be named opponent for the International Masters Super Featherweight title.

 

Bardney, Lincolnshire’s unbeaten prospect, Nathan ‘Nightmare’ Decastro also will be fighting for an International Masters Championship, albeit at Middleweight.

 

The final Championship bout will see reigning MBC International Welterweight Champion, Hackney’s Siar Ozgul, challenge for another International Crown, this time at Super Welterweight.

 

Supporting the six Championship bouts are nine bouts featuring the cream of local talent, including another reigning Champion, WBF Super Bantamweight Intercontinental supremo Paul Economides in a non-championship six rounder.

 

Joining Paul on the undercard is another well known Champ, former British and Commonwealth King, Michael Aldiss, who made his most welcome return to the ring back in October.

 

Another hugely popular recent returnee to the hallowed square ring, Super Middleweight Manzo Smith will also be in action, as will Rockin’ Robin Deakin, who will be seeking to add another win to his card, following his victory over Deniss Kornilovs back in August.

 

Unbeaten, big punching Cruiserweight prospect Daniel Mendez will be looking to add a third scalp to his belt on the night, as Adam Taylor seeks to get his career back on track when he faces off against a yet to be named opponent.

 

Back in August Marianne Marston, Shaunagh Brown and Sam Smith made history when they all fought on the same event at York Hall, as that was the first time that three female bouts took place on a pro event in the UK, well on the 6th December that record will get broken, as joining Marianne on the card will be former Big Brother star and multi title challenger Angel ‘The Entertainer’ McKenzie, British Masters Super Flyweight Champion and World Championship challenger Juliette Winter and making her most welcome return to the sport Jamie Johnson.

 

In addition to the top class boxing fayre, the event will also feature the first live performance by local singing star Stephan Dante, who will be performing her viral smash ‘Nails Did’, as well as further tracks from her soon to be released debut album.

 

To cram all this action in the doors will open at 2:30pm, with the first bout starting at 3pm.

 

Tasif Khan vs Isaac Quaye, Marianne Marston vs Csilla Nemedi and George Hillyard vs TBA World Title bouts co-headline the Monarch Communications, BoxFit UK, 3X Sports and Sulnox Eco Systems PLC sponsored Mark Lyons and Marianne Marston co-promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Sunday 6th December 2015.

 

This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com

 

Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.letbattlecommence.com and www.mariannemarston.com or call 07960 850645

www.facebook.com/letbattlecommenceinlondon

Twitter: @LondonBattle

#LetBattleCommence

Undefeated prospect Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez is on the rise

 
 
The WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino bantamweight champion, Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez ( 13-0, 9 KO ) of Puerto Rico has been officially ranked # 6 by the World Boxing Association ( WBA ), and #7 by the World Boxing Council ( WBC ).
Rodriguez captured both titles on August, 22, 2015 by defeating tough mexican, Alex Rangel via TKO in round 7 at Fajardo, Puerto Rico. ( Video – Rodriguez KO’d Rangel https://youtu.be/BLujMj34QoQ )
“I’m very grateful with the WBA and WBC because this could mean a world title fight in the near future. I have already defeated two former world title contenders and I’m just waiting for the next step. I feel ready and confident for any challenge I may have. Both, my manager Juan Orengo, and trainer Jim Pagan has done a terrific job. I believe 2016 will be my year”, Emmanuel Rodriguez said.
On May 2015, Rodriguez knocked out cold in the third round, Dominican Luis Hinojosa, a former world title challenger, and WBA #11 at the momment of the fight. ( Video – full fight Rodriguez vs. Hinojosahttps://youtu.be/pOWiCcfQ6lI )
On October 2014, the undefeated Puerto Rican sensation, captured the WBO Latino title by knocking out Miguel ‘No Fear’ Cartagena  in the first round. Cartagena was a former two time United States National Champion, and 11 times Golden Gloves winner in Philadelphia. ( Video – full fight Rodriguez vs. Cartagena https://youtu.be/sMjC6CysttI )
Rodriguez has other notable victories by unanimous decision over world title contender, David Quijano, and former WBC FECARBOX champion, Felix Perez.
Making history:
At amateur boxing, Rodriguez became the first Puerto Rican boxer to win gold medal at a Youth Olympic Games ( Singapore 2010 ). His record 171-11 included notable victories over former Cuban Olympic gold medal, Robeisy Ramírez, Jonathan González, Vasily Vetkin, among others.