Star Boxing: Rodriguez vs. Diaz For USBA Belt July 16 In San Antonio

ByBoxing Press

Former USBA Welterweight Champion Delvin Rodriguez, 22-2-1 (13), looks to extend his most recent winning streak and also reclaim his belt, when he takes on tough and exciting Oscar Diaz, 26-2 (12), for the vacant USBA Welterweight Championship.

The fight, which will take place on July 16, 2008 at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, TX, will be the main event for that evening’s ESPN2’s “Wednesday Night Fights” broadcast.

Both Rodriguez and Diaz are coming off very impressive showings in their previous bouts. In Rodriguez’s last fight, which was televised by ESPN2 from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, he thoroughly dominated previously unbeaten Troy Browning, 20-1-1 (8). In what many felt was one of his best performance to date, Rodriguez nearly pitched a shut out over the game Browning, winning by scores of 100-90, 100-90, 99-91.

Rodriguez, known for having knockout power in both hands, showed that he is by no means a one dimensional fighter. Continuously throughout the night Delvin was able to use his crisp jab from the outside and easily outbox and outwork Browning. Just when it appeared Delvin was not looking to mix it up and exchange, he would fire off a four-five punch combination, bringing the roaring hometown crowd to their feet.

Diaz was last seen in action on May 30th 2008 in an 8 round contest against tough power punching veteran Roberto Valenzuela, 44-37-2 (37). Although it was Diaz’s first fight in almost a year, he did not seem to gather any ring rust during his time away. He easily outboxed and was able to repeatedly beat Valenzuela to the punch for almost the entire night, winning by scores of 80-72, 80-72, 79-72.

Stylistically both fighters are very similar. They are both tall Welterweights, that like to box, but also enjoy mixing it up and exchanging in close quarters. While there are no guarantees in boxing, come July 16, fight fans can bet on seeing an exciting, all action packed fight, pitting two warriors against one another, giving it their all to come out victorious.

Star Boxing CEO and founder Joe DeGuardia sees this fight as a great opportunity and a step in the right direction for Rodriguez. It also gives DeGuardia a chance to fulfill a promise he made to his Welterweight contender. “When Delvin lost the USBA belt, he was devastated,” said DeGuardia.

“He had worked so hard to get to where he was. I told Delvin after the fight, don’t worry I will get you the opportunity to get it back, and here we are. I think this is a tremendous fight for both Delvin and Oscar. The winner surely propels himself into the upper echelon of the Welterweight Division. We know Delvin is in for a tough and grueling fight, and being that the fight is taking place in Oscar’s hometown, we know that Delvin is going to have to put on a really good showing. The winner of this fight will secure a very high world rating and will be in line for a World Title opportunity.”

As if the main event wasn’t exciting enough, there will also be a world class undercard in support of the title fight. A complete list of the undercard will be announced shortly.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday June 24th at noon. You can purchase tickets through all ticketmaster outlets including the Alamodome box office or by going online to Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at (210) 224- 9600. Prior to tickets being available through Ticketmaster please direct your orders to boxingtickets@hotmail.com. Reserved tickets can be purchased for $65, $35, or $20.