Cuevas Defends WBA Fedecentro 154 Against Rodríguez in Panamá

By Carlos Costa

Promising Boricua warrior Derrieck Cueva (21-1-1, 16 KO’s) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, can’t wait to climb the ring to defend his WBA Fedecentro super welterweight belt from the fists of Cuban Damián Rodríguez (13-1, 7 KO’s) Friday (Saturday morning here in Asia), at the Pandeportes Combat Coliseum in Panama City, Panama

The fight will be the headliner for the night at the exciting evening of boxing promoted by veteran, awesome man boxing Felix “Tuto” Zabala Jr of All Star Boxing live in Latin America on ESPN.

In his last battle, the 28-year-old Cuevas delivered a fast and thrilling demolition wok over tough Venezuelan Esneiker Correa (13-1, 7 KO’s), stopping him in two fast rounds last December at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta

With that quick knockout win, live on ESPN Knockout, the hard-swinging Boricua claimed the WBA Fedecentro Strap, which he intended to defend tomorrow against the Cuban Rodriguez, a man born in the legendary and Beautiful City of Havana.

However, Rodríguez, who can boast a very decent pro boxing record, comes back to climb the ring after a long period of inactivity.

Indeed, the last time he saw action was 3 years ago, scoring a win at the Roberto Duran Arena. Would ring-rust affect the man born in the land of Jose Marti?

As a matter of fact, the exciting Cuban does not worry about that at all as he has kept in shape and on weight. Based in Panama, he feels that he would feel like that home when the first bell sounds.

That’s because Rodriguez turned pro in Panama 6 years ago, making most of his fights in the land of Arnulfo Arias and Ricardo Miró.

This is indeed a very exciting fight. Might Cuevas have the edge over Rodriguez because he has kept himself more active?

Then, when the battle unfolds, could the Puerto Rican Cuevas prove to be the more skilled fighter, decisioning Rodriguez in similar fashion to the way that veteran Venezuelan Charlie Navarro outclassed him 4 years ago?

Or will the inspired Cuban living in Panama, rise to the occasion, shocking and defeating Cuevas, scoring the most important win of his career live on ESPN Knockout?

May the Best Man Win!

The author, veteran boxing writer Carlos Costa of Panama can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and whatsapp +639184538152.