DiBella Boxing Signs Middleweight Prospect Edwin Rodriguez

Click for larger image © Emily Harney

A large group of supporters attended today’s press conference in Worcester, MA for unbeaten middleweight prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez’ formal signing of an exclusive promotional contract with DiBella Entertainment.

Friends, family, members of the Worcester Police Gang Unit, local politicians, media, business leaders and boxing dignitaries, as well as fellow boxers Jose Antonio Rivera, Peter Manfredo, Jr., Bobby Harris, Danny O’Connor and Andre Nevsky filled the room at historic Mechanics Hall.

“It’s great to be here in this great venue,” promoter Lou DiBella said. “Mechanics Hall has a great history. I’m happy to sign and promote a great young fighter like Edwin, who could be a real star.

“In today’s economy, I wouldn’t be signing fighters if I didn’t feel it’s a good investment. Not only does he have world-class ability, I believe in him as a person and admire him in and out of the ring.

“This is one of my most significant signings. Edwin’s every bit, or better, than the most recent Olympic class, and I believe he’s a future world champion.”

The Dominican Republic born Rodriguez, 9-0 (5), fighting out of Worcester, was an outstanding amateur boxer who had an 84-9 record, including gold medal performances in the 2005 USA Boxing National Championships and 2006 U.S. Golden Gloves Championships.

“There are many dangers in this sport,” Rodriguez explained why he signed with DiBella Entertainment. “A lot of promoters and managers want to make as much money as possible and leave their fighters with nothing.

“Lou DiBella’s motivation is to do his best for me, in and out of the ring. He has a stable of world-class fighters and I’m proud to be part of it. He stepped up to the plate and, as Italians say, made an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

An announcement was made about Rodriguez’ next fight with him headlining, “Homecoming,” promoted by Manfredo’s Gym in association with DiBella Entertainment, as part of its Broadway Boxing television series, Thursday night, March 19 at Mechanics Hall.

Tickets, priced at $50.00 (balcony), $75.00 (first row balcony), $60.00 (floor), $100.00 (floor), and $150.00 (ringside – first 2 rows inside security barriers), go on sale tomorrow at the Mechanics Hall box office, www.mechanicshall.org, Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket (RI), and the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. Doors open at 6:30 PM/ET, first bout at 7:00 PM/ET.

Press Conference Quotes

Lou DiBella: “It’s great to see a world champion [Jose Rivera] and so many dignitaries and community leaders here today. Mr. Rivera was one of the most terrific fighters of the last decade and a good role model.

“Broadway Boxing is the name of my series. We put on world-class club shows and give fans a great opportunity to see the best talent. This will be a great show.

“Like Jose, I admire Edwin for what he does in and out of the ring. He had to put his career on hold [turning pro instead of trying to make the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team] to take care of his babies. I’m looking forward to a great night of boxing at this great venue.”

Edwin Rodriguez: “I’d like to thank the Boys & Girls Club for giving me a place to channel my energies. And special thanks to my amateur coach, Carlos Garcia, who is not only my coach but a friend. He told me when I started to keep my hands high, in and out of the ring.

“I’m proud to wear the colors of Worcester Police Gang Unit on my trunks in my next fight. Peter has put me through blue collar workouts in training and I thank him. My manager and friend, Larry Army, has done a great job for me. I

“want to thank by family – mom and dad and my five brothers. Six brothers and we had a lot of fights growing up. I also want to thank my fiancé’s family for their love and support. All my friends here today, I thank you, and to my fiancée, Stephanie Rapa and our twins, Edwin, Jr. and Serena Lynn, I love you.”

Larry Army, Rodriguez’s manager: ‘We’re proud to have Edwin’s next fight in Worcester, March 19 right here at Mechanics Hall. Edwin’s going to headline this Broadway Boxing show. We have a special fighter here. If we sellout this show Lou has promised to do more shows in Worcester. As good a boxer as he is, Edwin’s an even better person.”

Peter Manfredo, Sr., Rodriguez’s head trainer: “My job is simply to prepare him. People at the next show will see how he’s progressing. Lou works with world champions and the bottom line is Edwin will progress into a world champion.”