Q&A Delvin Rodriguez!
By Robert Coster
www.fightnews.com
 Delvin
Rodriguez is a fresh, new face in the welterweight
division. The 26-year-old Dominican American, who
sports a record of 20-1-1, 12 KOs, has become a
favorite of ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" viewers.
Rodriguez recently signed with Joe DeGuardia’s Star
Boxing and seems to be on the threshold of contender
status. “Delvin has the skills and the heart to go
all the way to the world title and we were delighted
to sign him up,” says DeGuardia. FightNews sat down
with Rodriguez to discuss his career progress and
plans for 2007.
You recently signed
up with Joe DeGuardia. Do you feel this move will be
positive for your career?
Well, everything looks
good and we have a lot of good plans. Joe DeGuardia
is a well known promoter and I’m happy that he
thinks so highly of me. He is experienced and I feel
he will take me to the top
When is your next
fight?
Well, I’m signed up to
fight on ESPN for the USBA title. I was stripped of
the title after winning it last year. Now, I will be
fighting for it again against a tough guy, Jesse
Feliciano.
You’ll be appearing
on ESPN again...why do you think you’re so popular
with them?
Well, I believe they
like my style and I have been in some exciting
fights. And, I’ve been knocking guys out – that
helps.
Your shootout with
Chris Henry in 2005 was a contender for Fight of the
Year. You were down and almost out in the first
round, got up and knocked him down and finally
knocked him out in the second round. What was it
like going through such an experience?
All boxers face some
form of adversity on the way up. I’m glad I got
through it and I hope I don’t face that again
(chuckle). The guy caught me cold, but when I got up
I went right after him. I think that’s what boxing
fans like...a fighter’s heart.
You grew up in a
middle-class neighborhood in Danbury, Connecticut.
When you graduated from high school, you had a lot
of other options than boxing; you were a good
musician and had thoughts of college. Why did you
choose boxing?
I loved boxing the
first time I saw it on TV. I started boxing as an
amateur and realized I had a God-given talent. My
parents were horrified, but boxing is my life. I
know I can go far with it.
Who did you admire
most growing up?
Oscar De la Hoya was
my favorite fighter. He’s great, his talent, and his
image.
You turned pro at
18. What was your amateur background?
I was 61-4 as an
amateur and won a bunch of Junior Olympic trials.
You’ve been
knocking out guys; 7 of your last 10 opponents. You
started out as a stylist. To what do you attribute
this change?
Yes, I’ve changed. I
have a great manager in Stan Hoffman and the best
trainer in the world in Lou Fusco. Lou has taught me
balance and leverage. He knew I had tremendous
power. It’s just that I wasn’t throwing my punches
like I am now.
Many of your many
female fans will be disappointed but you are a
family man and a father. Do you think of your family
each time you step into the ring?
Of course I do! I
think of my little boy, "Little D". I do this for
his future.
Delvin, you were
born in the Dominican Republic but recently got your
American citizenship. I noticed your photo with the
American flag in the background. Are you proud to be
an American?
Of course! America has
given me the opportunity to be somebody and to be a
person young kids will look up to. My parents came
here in search of the American Dream and I believe
in it. I’m so proud to be American!
One last question,
what are your hopes for 2007?
I’m confident, with
God’s help, that by year’s end, I will be knocking
on the door of a world championship. |
