The World Boxing Organization’s 12th-ranked super flyweight Jonathan Rodriguez of Mexico said at his public workout in Tokyo on July 13 he will aim at a knockout victory over champion Kosei Tanaka of Soul Box Hatanaka Boxing Gym in their title fight on July 20.
The 28-year-old Rodriguez, who engaged himself in heavy bag, mitt-hitting and punch ball practice lightly at Teiken Boxing Gym, told reporters, ‘’I am highly motivated as I am in good condition. I’ve got a hard punch and will aim at knocking him out from the first round.’’
Rodriguez, who had spent two months for an intensive training before coming to Japan for the upcoming fight, continued, ‘’Tanaka will have to backpedal when I put a pressure on him.’’
It will be the second time for Rodriguez to take a crack at a world title as he dropped a decision loss to then International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines in April 2021.
While Tanaka, 29, captured the vacant title by decisioning Rodriguez’s fellow countryman Christian Bacasegua last February to become Japan’s third boxer in history to win world titles in four different weight divisions, Rodriguez brushed it aside by saying, ‘’Unlike Bacasegua, who is a good boxer but lacked experience, this is my second time to challenge a world title. I also think I have physical strength.’’
In this connection, Tanaka’s manager and head of Hatanaka gym Kiyoshi Hatanaka said, ‘’He may have strong arms but there is no speed to his boxing.’’
Rodriguez has a record of 25 wins, including 17 KOs, against two losses and a draw, whereas Tanaka has a 20-1 win-loss tally with 11 KOs.
The scheduled 12-rounder will be held at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena as part of the event called ‘’Prime Video Presents Live Boxing 9.’’