By Scott Gilfoid: Undefeated Emmanuel Rodriguez (18-0, 12 KOs) was far too good for Paul Butler (26-2, 14 KOs) in beating him by a one-sided 12 round unanimous decision to capture the vacant IBF bantamweight title on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, England. The scores were 118-108, 120-106, and 120-106.
Emmanuel Rodríguez
Tony Bellew vs. David Haye II – weigh-in results
By Scott Gilfoid: Tony Bellew weighed in at 210 pounds on Friday at the weigh-in for his rematch with former 2 division world champion David ‘Haymaker’ Haye this Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, England. There was a lot of jawing back and forth during the face off between the two fighters, but it looked like they were doing more so to show off rather than there being a lot of bad blood between them. This was a calmer weigh-in than last year between the two.
Emmanuel Rodriguez vs. Paul Butler on May 5 for vacant IBF 118lb title
By Scott Gilfoid: Emmanuel Rodriguez (17-0, 12 KOs) and Paul Butler (26-1, 14 KOs) have agreed on a deal to face each other for the vacant IBF bantamweight title on May 5th on the undercard of the Tony Bellew vs. David Haye 2 rematch at the O2 Arena in London, England.
Hearn wants Paul Butler to fight Emmanuel Rodriguez for vacant IBF 118 lb. title
By Scott Gilfoid: Eddie Hearn wants #4 IBF Paul Butler (26-1, 14 KOs) to face unbeaten #3 IBF Emmanuel Rodriguez (17-0, 12 KOs) for the vacant IBF World bantamweight title that Ryan Burnett (18-0, 9 KOs) vacated this week.
Ryan Burnett vacates IBF title, will face Yonfrez Parejo on March 31
By Scott Gilfoid: Ryan Burnett (18-0, 9 KOs) has vacated his IBF bantamweight title after being ordered to face talented knockout artist Emmanuel Rodriguez (17-0, 12 KOs). Instead of taking on Rodriguez, Burnett will be defending against WBA mandatory Yonfrez Parejo (21-2, 10 KOs) on March 31 on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Ryan Burnett vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez headed towards purse bid
By Tim Royner: IBF/WBA bantamweight champion Ryan Burnett (18-0, 9 KOs) will be facing his IBF mandatory challenger Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez (17-0, 12 KOs) next, possibly on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker on March 31 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.