Phillips out of Williams running; Delvin Rodriguez in?

by Scott Christ on Oct 4, 2008 9:58 AM EDT

With junior middleweight titlist Verno Phillips out of the running to face welterweight titlist Paul Williams on November 29 (HBO) due to IBF complications, it appears that the new front-runner to face the WBA strap-holder is light 'em up guy Delvin Rodriguez, who has been an action star on ESPN2.

The 28-year old Rodriguez (23-2-1, 14 KO) hasn't fought since July, when he was the victor over Oscar Diaz in the fight that unfortunately put Diaz in a two-month coma. Though no one should forget the sad end result of the bout, Rodriguez looked good that night, and brought the action like he always does.

Rafael said the same thing, but I think what's actually sort of neat about this idea is that instead of a guy like Carlos Baldomir or some other moderate name with very little chance and zero future, at least Rodriguez entering the title picture is something new. I give him almost no shot at beating Williams, who has recaptured his hunger and ferocity, but he'll fight. He will not run from Williams.

Rodriguez, at 6'0", is also one of the few guys in the welterweight division who can almost look Paul in the eye.

It's no marquee matchup and there's a chance Williams overwhelms him very quickly. But there's also a chance we get some warring rounds out there, which is more than you can say for a lot of guys. And it would also mean that at least Delvin has the sack to fight Williams in the first place.

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First Nate Cambell’s fight canceled now, Abraham-Marquez…… great…..

"I beat him so bad, he ended up in the Hospital. And I am still pretty." -Cassius Clay

by CRAZEDANG1280 on Oct 4, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

There's a new manos de piedras and his name is Juan Manuel Lopez

"I beat him so bad, he ended up in the Hospital. And I am still pretty." -Cassius Clay

by CRAZEDANG1280 on Oct 4, 2008 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Because the RBR thread isn't up yet

De Jesus not looking too great against Izquierdo so far. AP kicked this guy’s butt. Gotta be disappointing for Bob Arum that he’s somewhat struggling.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Oct 4, 2008 9:25 PM EDT reply actions

5 rounds in

I missed the first two rounds, but I have Izquierdo winning each of the last three. Crowd is booing De Jesus, just not very active, and Izquierdo, who’s lost his last three in a row, is just hitting him harder and more frequently. Of course, De Jesus is a Puerto Rican fighting in Puerto Rico, and Izquierdo doesn’t have KO power, so good luck to Izquierdo on actually getting the decision. PR is just as bad as Germany for hometown judging.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Oct 4, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions

6th Round

Much better for El Pollo. He has Izquierdo hurt, but Izzy seems to have recovered OK. Pollo’s just getting killed to the body, over and over, and doing some wild swinging when he throws. Not landing much. Izquierdo couldn’t get out of the way of one of his swings and he’s down. 10-8 round for Pollo. Izzy looks in bad shape.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Oct 4, 2008 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually

The wild hook missed, and he dropped him with a short left to the chin.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Oct 4, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions

7th round

Izzy running, very tentative now. Pollo finally throwing punches, mostly swinging wildly. Momentum has completely swung. De Jesus finally looks like the aggressor.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Oct 4, 2008 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

Fight over in the 8th

Can’t say De Jesus excites me though. Big puncher, but very little skill, not a lot of workrate, and very leaky defense. He’s lucky Izquierdo became a sitting duck after the first time he got rocked.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Oct 4, 2008 9:40 PM EDT reply actions