Gotham Boxing: Rodriguez To Drop “La Bomba” On Manchester

Unbeaten Worcester prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez continues September 24 on his mission to establish himself as a future world champion, fighting in the eight round co-feature on the eighth annual “Fight To Educate” charity event, at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH.

The 8th annual “Fight To Educate,” presented by MB Tractor & Equipment, in association with Cedric Kushner’s Gotham Boxing, will benefit the SEE Science Center, Bobby Stephen Fund for Education, and The Veterans Count Club.

In the 10-round main event, 3-time world title challenger Omar Sheika (27-9, 18 KOs) battles unbeaten Czech Republic light heavyweight sensation Adam Hubinger (13-0, 10 KOs).

The new-and-improved Rodriguez (11-0, 8 KOs), a 2-time U.S. national amateur champion, is matched against veteran super middleweight Robbie Tovar (15-4-1, 5 KOs), former NABC Latino title-holder.

“I don’t know much about him other than he’s Mexican,” Rodriguez said, “so I know he’s tough and coming to fight. I’m looking forward to a good fight. I want to be tested so I can keep improving. I’ve been sparring with Peter (Manfredo, Jr.) and I’m ready to go eight hard rounds if necessary. I’m in tremendous shape, stronger than ever, and I want to continue showing everybody that I’m a world-class up-and-coming prospect.

“There’s a lot of pressure fighting so far from home, but I perform better under pressure. I’m hungrier to prove myself fighting in front of so many people who know me. I don’t want to let down my family, friends, fans or myself. That’s why I love to fight close to home and Worcester isn’t too far from Manchester.”

Granite State favorite Richard Gingras (9-2, 5 KOs), star of The Contender IV and fighting out of nearby Claremont (NH), is also fighting in an 8-round bout against Robert Davis.

2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate Danny O’Connor (8-0. 2 KOs), who made his pro debut at the “Fight To Educate,” faces an opponent to be determined in a 6-rounder. O’Connor, a Framingham (MA) native, captured gold medals at last U.S. Future Stars, in which, he was selected Outstanding Boxer of the tournament, and National Golden Gloves Championships.

“I’m excited to be fighting on the same card as my friend, Danny, for the first time, and Rich Gingras,” Rodriguez added. “I was here as a fan last year supporting Danny, who made his pro debut. I also enjoy be part of a fund-raiser like this that’s going to help so many worth causes.”

Also in the undercard, undefeated heavyweight Faruq “The Dream” Saleem (38-0, 32 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined, while Bronx (NY) super middleweight Hajro Sujak (3-0, 1 KO) squares off against Eric Clinton in six and four round bouts, respectively.

Tickets are priced at $10 (seniors, veterans and students only), $25 and $50 and available to purchase at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box Office, any TicketMaster location, on line at www.ticketmaster.com or call 603.868.7300 to charge. First bout will be at 8 PM/ET.For more information go to www.fight2educate.com