“Meserito” Rodriguez returns tonight

“Boxeo TELEMUNDO Ford” kicks off its Summer Season tonight with another edition of the famed boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico. WBO Latino super flyweight champion Ricardo “Meserito” Rodriguez (13-3, 4 KOs) of Mexico City faces former world title challenger and current WBO Latino interim super flyweight champion David “Gabo” Quijano (16-5-1, 9 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico. The bout will be a 10 round main event at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa, Florida, presented by Tuto Zabala, Jr., All Star Boxing, Inc.

Rodriguez got off to a good start in 2016 with a clear victory over Miguel Cartagena in February. The victory saw him regain the WBO Latino super flyweight title. He is back in the world rankings at #15 by the WBO and a victory over the #14 ranked Quijano will go a long way towards getting him closer to his ultimate goal of a world title fight.

How difficult was it for you to see David Carmona fight for the world title following his victory over you this past October?

It has just motivated me that much more in training. I followed that fight up with a solid victory and I just want to continue to build on that.

How has your preparation been for your upcoming fight?

I had an excellent training camp in Los Angeles. I had the absolute best sparring to get me ready for this fight.

What do you know about Quijano?

I’ve seen him fight. I’m expecting a very tough fight. He has very good movement at times in the fight and can make it difficult for his opponents. My trainer Rodrigo Mosquera has put together a solid strategy and it will be up to me to follow through.

Quijano has stated that he feels he will stop you by round six. What are your thoughts on that?

He definitely is entitled to his opinion. I can tell you hearing this will not make me lose focus and I’ll stick to the game plan that I worked on so hard for in training camp.

How has your notoriety become since you have been fighting on Telemundo so much recently?

I have a lot of people who have been following my career of late. I’m greatful to my promoter Tuto Zabala and matchmaker Ruben De Jesus for the exposure and fair opportunity fights. I am a young fighter but I understand this is a building process. This is going to be a very good fight and I hope all who can will watch on television or even come to the fight if possible. I am ready to step up to this challenge.

Also on the card undefeated 21-year-old welterweight prospect “Hurricane” Sammy Valentin (6-0, 5 KOs) of Tampa, who recently inked with All Star Boxing and stopped veteran Cosme Rivera in March. His opponent and the rest of the show will be announced shortly.

6 more fights are scheduled. Doors open 7:30 PM, First bell at 8:00 PM. Telemundo Network will televise the main event at 11:35 PM EST live. Tables and Tickets are on sale or by calling 813-454-7800.

The Boxeo Telemundo Ford Summer Series will run for 4 consecutive Fridays. In addition to tonight’s program, July 1st and July 8th from Mexico City, and July 15 at the Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida as the season finale.