Video by Carlos Sacriste
On November 16th, at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, California, undefeated Super Middleweight contender Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (24-0, 16 KOs) will take his first step in achieving boxing immortality when he challenges incumbent title holder Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (for his Super WBA 168 pound championship.
In this revealing and intimate video featurette, Edwin Rodriguez, legendary trainer Ronnie Shields, and expert conditioning coach Danny Arnold discuss the Super Middleweight title challenger’s preparation for the highly anticipated championship contest.
While most fight fans and boxing writers are heavily favoring the reigning title holder on November 16th, Edwin’s prolific trainer truly believes that his fighter is unlike anything Ward has ever seen in the ring.
“Edwin Rodriguez is definitely cut from the same cloth as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker,” claims Ronnie Shields. “He’s one of the best fighters out there. I think what separates Edwin from Froch, Kessler, or Abraham, is that his talent is beyond all three of those fighters.”
“Those guys are really good fighters, but Edwin’s natural ability is so much better than anyone Andre Ward has faced in his professional career.”
“Andre Ward vs. Edwin Rodriguez” Super WBA World Championship contest is slated to take place on Saturday, November 16th, at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California with doors opening at 3:00 PM PT and the first non-televised 3:15 PM PT.
“Ward vs. Rodriguez” will be televised live on HBO® World Championship Boxing at 10:00 ET/PT.
The special event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with SOG Promotions and sponsored by Toyota Vayamos Juntos, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, and the City of Ontario. The “Ward vs. Rodriguez” Championship fight is presented in association with DiBella Entertainment.
Tickets priced at $200, $125, $75, $50 and $25 are available at Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office or online at AXS.com or by calling AXS at 888-929-7849.
Don Turner vs Roger Bloodworth – Nov 16 NBC
VERONA, NY – On Saturday afternoon, when Tomasz Adamek, 49-2, 29 KOs, and Czar Glazkov, 15-0-1, 11 KOs, go to war in their 12-rounder to claim the #2 spot in the IBF heavyweight rankings, the two fighters won’t be the only ones with their reputations on the line. Just as proud and equally eager for victory as Adamek and Glazkov, are Roger Bloodworth and Don Turner, the legendary trainers that have guided these heavyweights into this critical bout.
Adamek and Glazkov fight live on NBC broadcast television, beginning at 2:30 PM ET/11:30 AM PT, Saturday afternoon, November 16th. Both the ringside crowd at the Turning Stone Resort Casino and the large TV audience watching at home, will be focused on the boxers in the ring, but an evenly competitive matchup will be going on in the corners between the two renowned trainers.
Don Turner, the trainer of Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov, is best known for his championship tenure with the great Evander Holyfield. Turner guided “The Real Deal” to his pair of legendary wins over Mike Tyson in world heavyweight championship fights. The old-school trainer has been in the sport for more than 50 years, and has also worked with other world champions and top contenders like Larry Holmes, Aaron Pryor, Mike McCallum, and many others. In Glazkov, Turner believes he has the next serious title threat at heavyweight.
Don Turner and Czar Glazkov
Turner said, “I have been in this game a long time. I’ve seen a lot of fighters and trainers come and go. I know that on the 16th I will have done everything I can to get my fighter prepared for whatever comes at him. We’ll be ready. We’ll see if Roger can say the same thing.”
Like Turner, Roger Bloodworth, has been kicking around the sport for decades. Bloodworth made his bones working with the likes of Pernell Whittaker, Andrew Golota, Fernando Vargas, David Tua, and Eddie Hopson. But it is his work as head trainer for current charge, Tomasz Adamek, that has cemented his reputation as one of boxing’s best trainers. Bloodworth helped Adamek transition into a heavyweight contender, after winning world titles in two lighter weight classes. That’s no easy trick. Yet Adamek has been victorious in all but one of his heavyweight starts, and is a win or two away from another try at his third world championship.
Adamek and Bloodworth
Photo credits to Mike Gladysz
“It’s not about me, it’s about Tomasz,” said Bloodworth. “I don’t worry about what Don Turner is doing. We both have a job to do and I can’t speak for him, but I know I’ve done mine well. I’ve given Tomasz the tools he needs to win, now he just has to use them on the 16th.”
The trainers’ credentials are an even match, and each of them believes that come Saturday afternoon, they will have the correct game plan to carry their fighter to victory.
Of course the winning boxer, Adamek or Glazkov, will get all the glory, but true boxing fans understand that the fighters couldn’t do it without the right trainer in their corner. Lucky for Adamek and Glazkov that, on Saturday, two of the best trainers in the business will have their backs.
Adamek vs. Glazkov? Bloodworth vs. Turner? Let the games begin.
Bruno Escalante to fight for IBA Super Flyweight title
SAN CARLOS, CA (November 12, 2013) – The incredibly athletic Bruno “The Aloha Kid” Escalante is getting his first shot at 115lb gold when he fights for the vacant IBA Super Flyweight Championship against Michael Ruiz (9-3, 3 KOs) of Fresno California. The ten round bout will take place on December 7th at the Sports House in Redwood City California. < Escalante (10-1-1, 5KOs) has garnered attention over the past year from boxing insiders who have been impressed with his agile footwork, quick hand speed, and his deceptive power. The Cebu, Philippine born fighter has grown into his capabilities and has secured his position within the ranks. After growing up in the Philippines during his early years, Escalante moved to Hawaii before making a home out of California. He's preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime, knowing full-well that capturing a title in the super-flyweight division could put him on the fast track to the top of the division. "This is what I've been working towards my whole life, every good decision I've made, every trial and tribulation has been geared towards this moment. I've sacrificed a lot knowing that this day would come and now that it is finally here I'm ecstatic. I will take full advantage of this opportunity as well as the others that will follow," Escalante said. Escalante's manager, Herb Stone, is excited for his fighter to be getting this shot.
"Since day one Bruno has spoken about fighting for a title and I know he appreciates this chance more than most. He knows what went into getting him to this point and he has put in the time and effort, as his manager it is great to see it all payoff and as a fan I'm eager to see him stack up his skills against the best. It won't be long until he's on everybody's radar, he's looking to make an immediate impact," Stone said. Escalante is merely 25, but he has a matured sense of knowledge in and out of the ring. "Most look at youth as a disadvantage in terms of experience, but I've gained the most out of every learning situation I've been through and I see that as a direct advantage. I have the freshness of a young fighter with the capabilities of a seasoned-veteran, that is a dangerous combination. I will be dedicating this fight to my people back home who are suffering with the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. My prayers go out to everyone dealing with this terrible natural disaster." Escalante said. This bout is being promoted by Don Chargin Productions & Paco Presents. Tickets priced $40, $55 and $100 are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.pacopresentsboxing.com, Tix.com, or by calling the Sports House at (650) 362-4100, or by calling the Undisputed Boxing Gym at (650) 631-3781 or by calling B-Street Boxing at (650) 342-7408. The Sports House in Redwood City is located at 3151 Edison Way Redwood City, CA 94063. Doors open at 6:00 p.m first fight at 6:30 p.m. For more information please visit www.pacopresentsboxing.com.