David “Nino” Rodriguez fights on Holyfield Vs Savarese card

Better late than never,” is the reply of unbeaten El Paso heavyweight David “Nino” Rodriguez, when asked why it’s taken long for his career to reach the next level.

It’s been so frustrating,” says the 29-year-old heavyweight hopeful, who’s had a stop-and-go nine-year career building a record of 25-0 (24 KOs) with less than sterling opposition.

“It’s past due and should’ve happened four years ago. It’s about time . . . My hand injuries plagued me a lot, and I’ve had a lot of personal issues. But this is my time.”

Rodriquez’s “time,” begins Saturday night, when he fights the co-main event on the Evander Holyfield-Lou Savarese card at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso.

In what he plans to be the first of significant fights in a campaign for heavyweight contention, Rodriguez will face another unbeaten heavyweight in Rick Dyer, of Roland, Okla.

Like Rodriguez, Dyer is in an even more dire situation, having fought just one opponent with a winning record (and 1-0, at that) in his perfect 13-0 (13 KOs) record.

“This is definitely my most important fight,” says Rodriguez. “Dyer is on my mind 24/7, so I’m not looking ahead, but he is the obstacle in my way of bigger fights.”

Rodriquez says he sees top ten contention three or four fights away.

“From here on out, it’ll be nothing but name opponents. I’m an exciting heavyweight fighter but I haven’t been able to show everyone what I got—it’s been real frustrating. I’ve become something of a tortured soul, having all this ability and not being able to let is shine.”

At 6’9” and weighing anywhere from 290 to 310, Dyer is, by far, the biggest opponent Rodriguez has ever faced. He may even be Rodriguez’s toughest foe, but that remains to be seen until Saturday night.

“Dyer’s also a southpaw,” adds Rodriguez.

“That’s something I’m not used to. It’s a little bit awkward for me, but I have the right tools. And as huge as he is, he’ll be in right in line with my right hand and left hook.”

At 6’5” and 240 pounds, Rodriguez is no blown-up cruiser. Fast hands and footwork have earned him the nickname “Nino,” and a knockout punch have flattened all of his foes—the one decision win being avenged by a knockout in a later rematch.

“I can box as well as brawl, but I am a big puncher,” says Rodriguez. “When I get a guy hurt, I’ve learned not to rush things in finishing him off.

“Dyer is a boxer. I’ve seen him fight. He works his jab consistently and he throws a short, quick left hand.

“I’m not taking him lightly. Like I do every single one of my opponents, I prepare as if I’m getting into the ring with Mike Tyson. Every fight is do or die for me.”

Saturday night, however, it’ll be do or Dyer, with the winner making a name for himself on a step toward contention.