Undefeated Worcester, MA middleweight / super middleweight prospect Edwin Rodriguez (8-0, 5 KO’s) will return after a 6 month layoff to fight on the July 17th Andre Berto – Luis Callazo undercard at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. His opponent will be Detroit native Raynard Darden (10-19-1, 6 KO’s). The bout will not be televised.
Rodriguez last fought in August winning a unanimous decision over journeyman Marcus Upshaw. While Rodriguez has not fought since, Upshaw went on to fight then top 10 ranked middleweight James McGirt Jr. to a 10 round draw.
The fight with Darden will mark the beginning of Rodriguez’s sophomore year as a professional boxer. After a successful amateur career highlighted by 2 national amateur titles, Rodriguez fought and won all 8 of his bouts in 2008. His most noteworthy opponents being Mexico’s Hector Hernandez and Marcus Upshaw.
While Rodriguez has a far better record than his opponent on the 17th, Ray Darden has fought better opposition. In 2005, he lost a unanimous decision to future world title challenger Elvin Ayala and in 2006 was KO’d in 1 round by 2000 Olympian Jerson Ravelo.
Rodriguez has been fighting as a free agent since making his pro debut last year. He is expected to sign with a promoter in February. He has been courted by promoters ranging from Lou Dibella to Jimmy Burchfield.
Watch Edwin Rodriguez fight Hector Hernandez here!
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