MTK and Rick Mirigian continue signing spree, enlist Rio bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez

MTK Global and Rick Mirigian are really putting the pedal to the metal. After signing Vergil Ortiz Jr., Joseph Diaz Jr., Hector Tanajara, and Joshua Franco over the past couple weeks, they today announced the acquisition of Rio middleweight (75 kg/165 lb.) bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez.

The 26-year-old Rodriguez (10-0, 5 KO) defeated Iraq’s Waheed Abdul-Ridha, Ireland’s Michael O’Reilly, and Egypt’s Hosam Bakr Abdin in Rio before falling to fast-rising prospect Bektemir Melikuziev in the semis. In the process, he became Mexico’s first Olympic boxing medalist since Cristian Bejarano in 2000.

In the press release, Mirigian claims he was “the only Mexican Olympian to medal in the past 25 years.” This isn’t even remotely accurate.

“El Chino” hasn’t made quite as many waves as a professional. He fought just twice in 2018 and 2019 after a six-fight debut year, and hasn’t seen action since stopping Brandon Maddox on the September 2019 Errol Spence Jr.-Shawn Porter undercard.

Rodriguez said: “Signing with MTK Global is an important step, and having them on my side as advisors is something that will help to strengthen my career.

“I am still an undefeated boxer and I will continue making history, just as I did for my country. MTK Global and Rick Mirigan have both done things well in the boxing world, and I know that my career will explode and the big cards will come.

“I have been training a lot for this moment, and I am ready and excited as I want to be world champion.”