Elvis Rodriguez. Picture by Mikey Williams/ High Rank
Elvis Rodriguez will not be about to let one loss be the story of his professional profession.
Rodriguez hopes a formidable victory over Joseph Adorno on Saturday evening places him nearer to contender standing. The ten spherical bout will happen at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota and can open the three-bout Showtime Championship Boxing telecast (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).
In the principle occasion, junior welterweight contenders Subriel Matias of Puerto Rico and Jeremias Ponce will sq. off in a 12-round bout for the vacant IBF world title.
Rodriguez (13-1-1, 12 knockouts), who’s initially from Santo Domingo within the Dominican Republic and now lives and trains within the Los Angeles space, has not fought since March 26. In that final battle, which additionally occurred at The Armory, Rodriguez broke down Argentina’s Juan Jose Velasco earlier than knocking him out late within the seventh spherical.
The southpaw Rodriguez will face one other once-beaten fighter in Adorno in a compelling battle between boxer-punchers. Each had beforehand fought underneath the High Rank banner, however have performed properly in current fights for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).
Rodriguez is favored in line with oddsmakers, however will not be overlooking Adorno.
“We respect all opponents we face,” Rodriguez advised The Ring Wednesday afternoon. “We all know what to do and that’s to be sensible within the ring. We had a stable camp and our goal is to win round-by-round. If the knockout comes, it comes.
“Saturday, (my battle in opposition to Adorno) can be the most effective fights of the evening.”
The 27-year-old has gained his final two fights, each by knockout, since dropping to Kenneth Sims, Jr. in Might 2021. Rodriguez and High Rank cut up after the loss, however he returned to the ring lower than six months later to knock out Juan Pablo Romero.
Rodriguez is educated by Freddie Roach and has benefited extra from the quantity of sparring in current months, which has allowed him to enhance his skill-set.
“I took the initiative to study from the loss,” stated Rodriguez, who’s managed by Benjamin ‘Benny’ Lieblein. “We corrected our errors and you’ll see the distinction between the fighter I used to be then and who I’m now.
“Freddie Roach has helped me out lots. He has performed a superb job bettering my potential as a fighter. Everybody in boxing is aware of the standard of labor one will get on the Wild Card Gymnasium (in Hollywood, California). I’ve obtained high quality sparring in opposition to prime fighters and prospects.”
Rodriguez is one among a number of fighters from the Dominican Republic who’ve made their mark within the sport over the past 10 years or so. Fighters like Hector Luis Garcia, Alberto Puello, Carlos Adames, and Erick Rosa have additionally performed properly, turning into a world titleholder or a legit contender of their respective division.
Rodriguez additionally hopes to proceed elevating the game and someday turning into the king of a really aggressive and talent-rich junior welterweight division.
“There may be quite a lot of expertise within the Dominican Republic,” stated Rodriguez. “Lots of these fighters have their roots on the island, after which there are those that come to the US to raise their expertise and get higher. Trainers make Dominican fighters higher. They supply higher conditions (for fighters). Now we have seen a large number of fighters from the Dominican Republic who’ve made their mark in boxing over the past couple of years.”
A powerful win over Adorno might put Rodriguez in step with turning into a contender at 140 kilos. There may be nonetheless work to be performed in reaching his ceiling, however Rodrigue is assured he can emerge as the most effective fighters within the division.
Rodriguez is assured he could also be on his solution to preventing for a world title belt and is able to settle for that problem.
“I consider I’m prepared, particularly with what I did in my final battle. Possibly I’m one or two extra fights away from dealing with one of the best within the division. I’m prepared for these kinds of fights.
“I’ve gained a large amount of expertise and I’m extra mature now. I’m prepared for what’s subsequent.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He will be reached at [email protected]
Observe @FSalazarBoxing