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.