By Jake Donovan
On the heels of a story reported on Wednesday by Boxingscene.com’s Ryan Maquinana, super welterweight contender Delvin Rodriguez confirmed that initial whispers had begun amongst his camp over the possibility of facing unbeaten titlist Saul Alvarez on May 5.
The guest list for the potential opponent to land the premium assignment has been limited – or at least speculated – to a trio of fighters: Rodriguez, former three-division champ Shane Mosley and resurgent contender Gabriel “King” Rosado.
Of the list, it can easily be argued that Rodriguez would be the most ideal candidate to land the fight. The transplanted Dominican is coming off of a career-resurrecting 2011 campaign, comprised of two fights with perennial contender Pawel Wolak.
The two fought to a 10-round draw in an all-out war that aired live on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights last July. The bout was regarded by many as the 2011 Fight of the Year. Their December rematch saw Rodriguez dominate for the most part in taking a well-deserved decision win, though glimpses of warfare entertained the sold out Madison Square Garden crowd.
Rodriguez’ career-defining moment came on the undercard of Miguel Cotto’s revenge-fueled rematch win over Antonio Margarito. Now comes the potential opportunity to serve in the chief support of another Cotto undercard as the Puerto Rican prepares to take on pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather on May 5.
Talks of landing the co-feature slot against Alvarez have barely moved past the speculation stage, but something to which Rodriguez is open, as he is anxious to return to the ring sooner rather than later.
“Personally, nothing direct has been said to me, but it was mentioned to me by my team that the idea is floating around,” Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14KO) acknowledged. “It would be a great opportunity for me. There are still some doubters out there and I would love the chance to prove I’m for real.”
Rodriguez has spent the past couple of months accepting congratulations for his win over Wolak and being honored by organizations such as the Boxing Writers Association of America for their first fight being voted as the year’s best.
While appreciative of the accolades, it’s time to cash in on that success. A showdown with Alvarez would certainly do the trick.
“I’m so grateful for the fame and notoriety that has come from those fights. However, I get a little tired of hearing about the past when I’m anxious to hear about my next fight, if that makes sense,” Rodriguez reveals. “I’m maintaining myself in the gym, but it’s time to move forward. I’m getting a little anxious to fight.
“I’m looking for a title fight in 2012. We’re right there; it’s just a matter of staying focused.”
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com.
