Tag Archives: David Rodriguez

Former Heavyweight Contender David ‘Nino’ Rodriguez Debuts as Television Commentator

Former heavyweight contender and noted author David “Nino” Rodriguez says he enjoyed his debut as a broadcaster on Friday night at Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.

 

 

 

Rodriguez was honored to serve alongside play-by-play man Jim Grieshaber as color commentator for USA beIN Sports’ showing of Summer Brawl 2018, featuring Laredo-based lightweight journeyman Victor Rosas’ (10-8, 4 KOs) upset fourth-round stoppage victory over Las Vegas contender Randy Moreno (12-2, 10 KOs) and hometown KO artist Jorge Castaneda’s (10-1, 10 KOs) sixth-round stoppage of Carlos Villareal (9-3, 8 KOs) of Las Vegas.

 

 

 

The event was presented by Ivaylo Gotzev of Epic Sports and Entertainment, Keith Veltre of Roy Jones Jr Boxing Promotions and Triple A Promotions.

 

 

 

“It was exhilarating to be back around the bright lights and fight atmosphere once again,” said an excited Rodriguez. “Nothing will be as stimulating as getting inside the ring, but commentating a live television production was nothing short of the next best thing. I loved breaking down the fighters and introducing my knowledge to a live audience.”

 

 

 

Rodriguez says he wishes to thank the event promoters who took a chance on his abilities outside the ring and says the entire show turned out perfectly.

 

 

 

“beIN Sports did not let the fight fans down. We had an action-packed night of slugfests in Laredo and every single fighter fought their hearts out! It was a very inspirational night of action, sitting along side Jim Grieshaber, who was kind enough to coach me through the entire process.”

 

 

 

Currently in the process of opening El Paso’s first Weight loss Clinic and Spa (with partner Arturo Ortiz), Rodriguez, who went 37-2, 35 KOs and once held the WBA-NABA and NABU Heavyweight Championships as a fighter, says he’d love to return as commentator in the future.

 

 

 

“Even though I’m no longer a fighter, I still love the beautiful sport of boxing.”

 

 

 

 

 

Rodriguez is the author of his autobiography, When the Lights Go Out, available through amazon.com and priced at $17.95 (paperback) and $7.95 (Kindle).

Former Heavyweight Contender and Well-Known Boxing Manager Team up with  Texas-based Businessman to Form  Lone Star Boxing Promotions

 

Former heavyweight contender David “Nino” Rodriguez, well-known former boxing manager Ivaylo Gotzev and Laredo, Texas-based businessman and boxing historian Arturo Ortiz are proud to announce the formation of Lone Star Boxing Promotions, LLC.
The trio, with Gotzev acting as CEO, Rodriguez as President and Ortiz as Vice-President, say they plan to bring big-time, televised and competitive fights back to the state of Texas, as well as across the country.
Lone Star Boxing Promotions will present its first event on Saturday, April 7, at the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas, featuring former multiple-time world champion Ricardo Mayorga taking on hometown veteran Rodolfo “Cobrita” Gomez Jr. in a super middleweight 10-rounder.
Lone Star was formed, Rodriguez says, after his retirement from fighting (due to a spinal injury), when he called up his trusted friends Gotzev and Ortiz to talk about stepping into the promotional arena.
“The difference between Lone Star Boxing and other promotional firms is that we will treat the fighters ethically and fairly,” said Rodriguez. “I spent 20 years as a boxer and contender and I know the good, the bad and the ugly sides of boxing. I will not treat any fighter that signs with Lone Star any different than I would want to be treated myself. I will be honest and upfront with every fighter, therefore setting a new standard of ethics and honesty in our sport. We hope to make Lone Star the standard of boxing when it comes to our fighters’ welfare.”
“We won’t be afraid to get our hands dirty and will plant ourselves in the location of the fight for a month or more leading up to the shows,” added Gotzev, who may be best known for his outstanding work with former WBC heavyweight champion Samuel Peter. “We want to deliver the best shows by putting together great match-ups and then getting the excitement going straight to the fans from the area. We’re not going to be promoters on paper and at the mercy of network executives giving away handouts. We are ready to work the old-fashioned way and make history.”
The pair say the addition of Ortiz, heavily connected to the Texas boxing scene, will prove extremely advantageous to their mission.
“Arturo knows the people we need to know to make our first show a smashing success,” said Rodriguez. “He is well-respected in Laredo and his name adds a great deal of credibility to our endeavor.”
The plan, however, is to branch out to multiple towns around the United States and the world.

 

 

 

“This is only the beginning,” said Gotzev. “We are already planning events in other cities and signing fighters to our promotional stable. I’m very happy to be in business with these two friends and looking forward to a bright future for Lone Star Boxing Promotions.”

Positive Reviews Piling Up for ‘When the Lights Go Out,’ the Hard-Hitting Autobiography by Former Heavyweight Contender David ‘Nino’ Rodriguez

“One thing, though, is certain. ‘When the Lights Go Out’ is his 36th and best knockout.” Bill Knight, El Paso Times
Positive reviews and media attention are pouring in for former heavyweight contender and fan favorite David “Nino” Rodriguez, on the strength of his new book, “When The Lights Go Out,” a powerful memoir of his life growing up as a fighter.
Available through amazon.com, “When the Lights Go Out” is priced at $17.95 (paperback) and $7.95 (Kindle).
In an inspiring tale of a bullied child growing into a fearsome warrior, El Paso, Texas-based Rodriguez, who went 35-2 as a professional including 35 KOs, winning four regional championships along the way, manages to pull at the reader’s heart strings while never shying away from the brutal realities he experienced.
From street fights in Juarez, Mexico, to his beloved former trainer being murdered, to accidentally overdosing and nearly being murdered himself by street thugs, Rodriguez’s story is an unblinking eye to a life very nearly cut short at several turns.
While Rodriguez’s cement fists allowed him a decorated career in boxing that is rare, what sets this story apart from other boxing tomes is his ability to convey the fears and anxieties behind his talent for violence. While watching a heavyweight slugger walk to the ring with malicious intent in his unblinking eyes, how many see a child hiding in the bathroom stall to avoid schoolyard bullies? Rodriguez bares his soul in this remarkable story, showing intelligence, wit and stunning personal insight along the way.
Rodriguez hopes this story will help other fighters recognize if their careers are being mishandled the way his was. He hopes underdogs around the world will be inspired to believe in their talents and overcome their fears. He hopes those dealing with substance issues or depression will find comfort in his resurrection as an activist for several causes, and most of all, he hopes you’ll enjoy this hard-hitting autobiography by a truly remarkable sports figure.
For more information visit www.davidninorodriguez.com.