(Photo by Edward Garza/NorthTexasFisticuffs.com)
There is just days left before Fernando Rodriguez (6-2, 3 KO’s) meets Miguel Buendia (4-1, 2 KO’s) at the Battle of DFW promoted by former champion of the world Paulie Ayala. And that is exactly how many days he took off from his last fight, which was on the first of April where he beat Gary Bergeron (12-8, 7 KO’s) by a unanimous decision. He is finishing his training out of the Maple Avenue Boxing Gym in Dallas, Texas and his trainer is Jesus Chavez, three time champion of the world. He couldn’t be in better hands coming into this fight. When asked how it felt to be trained by Chavez, he said it was a great honor. He also said that he could relate to the fighting style of Chavez, who is pushing him hard in training. Rodriguez will be making the appropriate weight and stepping into the ring at approximately 140 pounds strong.
For those who have seen Rodriguez fight, they know that he always uses a vicious body attack, along with heavy punches for his opponents. When asked if he planned to come in with the same body attack, he said that was something that came natural to him. But this time he plans to be using his jab and being much more versatile in the ring, along with other surprises for his opponent.
He is also coming off a previous great showing against Jose Benavidez, a fighter trained by Freddie Roach and out of the Top Rank stable. Rodriquez is the first fighter to go the distance with Top Rank’s highly touted Jose Benavidez. When asked how that fight motivated him for his next fight that he won and his upcoming fight this Saturday, his response was positive. He said that this fight gave him a lot of confidence and he felt that he gained a lot of experience. He proudly said that this was a fight which he felt put him on another level.
Rodriquez never takes any of his opponents for granted, and he is aware of the record and the fighting style of Buendia. He did not tell us of his specific plans or strategy, but he will be ready and plans to work off of what his opponent gives him. He also said that he looks at all of his opponents now, as if they were on the level of Jose Benavidez. And that is why he has trained very hard and will be ready coming into this fight.
When asked about his fighter, Jesus Chavez said he is happy with Rodriguez’ dedication to training and his hard work in the gym. He also said that he expects his fighter to go into the fight confident in his conditioning and preparation, and with that in mind he will be ok. When asked if Rodriguez had a prediction or a message to send to his opponent, which he said was meant more to the fans, it was simply, “Don’t Blink”. He said he wasn’t going to talk as much as he has in the past and that he will let his fists do the talking. He wanted to thank his fans for their support and said that he will be fighting for them.
In addition to this great fight, the Battle of DFW Fights will also include the following:
Main Event – Larry Smith (9-2 6KO’s) v. Gilbert Vera (10-3-1 5KO’s)
Smooth Gilbert “Boogie” Vera (10-3-1, 5KO’s) is fighting the powerful knockout artist Larry “SLOMOSHUN (slow motion)” Smith (9-2, 6KO’s) in a 8 round welterweight Texas shootout. Vera, who fights out of Austin, stopped the previously undefeated and Dallas fan favorite Jesse Lara in his last fight in 2009.
Fort Worth native Arthur Trevino (5-5-3, 2KO’s) versus Dallas resident Sammy Sanchez (4-3-1) in a 6 round lightweight clash.
Manuel Rojas (pro debut), v. Alex Lopez .
Skender Halili (1-0, 1KO) out of Fort Worth will take on Juan Serrano (2-7-1, 2KO’s) in a four round light middleweight contest.
All fights scheduled to change.
Weigh-In Info
Friday, April 29th
Weigh-Ins – 3:00 at Ojos Locos – 515 Houston St, Ft Worth
Tickets will be on sale at the weigh-ins.
Saturday, April 30th
Ft Worth Convention Center Ballroom
Doors Open at 6:00 / First Fight at 7:30
Pre-fight VIP reception for ringside ticket buyers ($75 & $100) starts at 6:00 pm on the foyer of the ballroom – includes appetizers and drinks.
Tickets are available at Central Ticket Office:
2901 West Bolt Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
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