The World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino bantamweight Champion, Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico will have to settle unfinished business with former world title challenger, Luis Hinojosa (27-8 , 17 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic, on Saturday, May 30 at the Cosme Beitia Coliseum in Cataño, Puerto Rico.
Rodríguez won the WBO Latino Bantam Weight title after knocking out in the very first round Philly native Miguel Cartegena 13-2, 5 KO’s and former amateur 2 time US National Champion who won the Philadelphia Golden Gloves 11 times.
Last February, Hinojosa was scheduled to face the Puerto Rican fighter but the fight was canceled due to the Dominican visa issues.
“I’m aware that I’m facing an experienced opponent who will be coming with every trick in the book. He is a battle tested veteran boxer that throws a lot of punches and perhaps this maybe the toughest fight of my career, but my team and I are working hard in preparation for this fight, and we will be ready for everything and anything he may come up with during the fight to assure that the belt won’t leave Puerto Rico”, said Emmanuel Rodriguez, who continued, “in the social media outlets many fans have told me that Hinojosa is in great condition, and has not stopped training since the fight was canceled in February. What can I say about this? I smell war”
In his short professional boxing career, Rodriguez has notable victories over world title contender, David Quijano and former FECARBOX champion (WBC), Felix Perez, both wins were by unanimous decision. In his last brawl held in February, Rodriguez defeated Hungarian champion, Gabor Molnar by TKO in the second round.
After suffering seven losses early in his career, in 2010 Hinojosa got on a hot victory streak by winning his next 25 fights and captured the WBA Fedecaribe and WBA Fedelatin titles in the process. In August 2014, Hinojosa traveled to Venezuela for the biggest fight of his career, which was for the WBA Interim World title. His opponent Yonfrez Parejo defeated Hinojosa by TKO in the eleventh round in a close and exciting bout.
Immediately, Hinojosa returned to the winning column by obtaining a TKO victory in the third round over prospect, Luis Rosa in November 2014.
Rodriguez’s manager Juan Orengo commented; “Hinojosa is very ready and his team has warned us to be prepared. I’m very confident in Manny’s talent and that he will prevail in the fight and will retain his belt while ensuring the fans get a great show. This will be an all out war from beginning and in the end, the real winners will most definitely be the fans”.
“If all goes well, ‘Manny’ will be back in August and at the end of the year we will be shooting for a world title at 118 lbs.” Orengo said.
Rodriguez, who is the first Puerto Rican to win a gold medal at the 2010 Junior Olympics in Singapore 2010 is ranked #8 in the world by the WBO, and #11 by the WBC.
Soon more details to come about the boxing card which is being promoted by Fresh Boxing and M/V Power Promotions.
Photos by Esdel Palermo / Fresh Boxing
