David Rodriguez: “I feel there is still a lot left in me” - Doghouse Interview
 By "Big Dog" Benny Henderson Jr., Doghouse Boxing (July 14, 2014)
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David Rodriguez |
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David Rodriguez 36-1 (34 KO’s) had fifteen years, sixty-five rounds and thirty-six wins under his belt when he stepped in the ring this past December against the upset artist, Darnell Wilson, six round later, “Nino” would walk out with the first blemish of his career. Now seven months later, the thirty-six year old native of El Paso, Texas, looks to get back on track when he takes on another upset minded opponent, Raymond Ochieng 24-17-3 (19 KO’s), July 18th in Rodriguez’s hometown. In this exclusive interview, David speaks out on his first loss of his career, as well as his upcoming bout and more, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.: For so many years you were introduced as, the undefeated David Rodriguez. Coming up July 18th, you will not be introduced as undefeated. How did the loss to Wilson affect you?
David Rodriguez:
Like I told everybody, the worst part for me was the rankings. But you know, I walked around with a lot of pressure being undefeated. It hurt when it first happened, but after a while I got over it, and it is not that bad. For me, I know what went wrong, but, I feel there is still a lot left in me.
BH:
Throughout the years you have had your share of supporters, and you have had to deal with the haters. I know after the loss the haters were on top of this, what about the support, was there an outpour of support?
DR: It is really strange, I actually gained more support, a lot of people expected me to fold up and go home, but I did the opposite of that. I demand respect, I am a fighter, I fought Darnell the wrong way, but, I still fought him. Fighting is in my blood, and I hope people see there is no stopping this guy, I am on a mission and I am going to fight on. Lennox Lewis got knocked out, Mike Tyson got knocked out, Evander Holyfield got knocked out. When you get hit by big punches anything can happen. I have to move on.
BH:
I feel at times a fighter can learn more in defeat as they can in a victory. So my question to you is, did you take anything positive away from this loss that could possibly help you in the future?
DR: First off I learned who my true friends were, that was a big plus. I have had a lot people who just hung around me, who turned out to be pieces of sh*t. When I lost they showed their true colors, so I don’t even have them around anymore. And I have learned you cannot rush certain things in a fight, there are certain things you just cannot do. This next fight means everything to me, this fight is going to resurrect me, and so I have to stay focused on this fight. I know I can bounce back.
BH:
You are coming off the first loss of your career, plus, you are fighting in your hometown of El Paso, TX. You are facing Raymond Ochieng 24-17-3 (19 KO’s). Ochieng has nothing to lose, and everything to gain. You have everything to lose. With all of this being said, let’s talk about pressure.
DR:
There is a lot of pressure going into this fight; I am not going to lie to you, a lot of pressure. It is on your mind all the time and it weighs on you. But I am cool though, I am back in El Paso with people that I love. I am love and accepted here.
BH:
What can the fight fans expect from David Rodriguez come fight night?
DR:
Man, I have been sparring a lot. I have developed patience, and I am working my jab a hell of a lot more. I am going to go in the ring and get the job done, I am going to take my time, but, if I see an opening I am going to crack him.
BH:
Anything in closing?
DR: There really is nothing I can say, I need to prove were I am at right now more than anything. I have no room for trash talk, I lost my last fight, and I just thank everybody for their support.
Email Benny at:
crazzedtrucker@aol.com
Check out Facebook: www.facebook.com/benny hendersonjr
And Twitter:
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