Emmanuel 'Manny' Rodriguez will be the headliner in a stellar fight on Saturday, August 5 at the Municipal Equestrian Coliseum in the town of Fajardo, as part of an event sponsored by Fresh Productions.
As the mandatory challenger, Rodriguez (16-0, 11 KO's) is in line to face 118-pound International Boxing Federation (IBF) world champion Ryan Burnett, but it could all be delayed as the Irish boxer's team is looking for a unification against the champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA), Zhanat Zhakiyanov.
"We're hoping that's what Burnett's team is finally going to do, because if they're not going to unify, then they have to fight 'Manny,' who is the mandatory challenger. The IBF rules give priority to a unification bout over a mandatory fight and we are just waiting for our chance either between the months of October and November or towards the beginning of 2018," said Juan Orengo, promoter of Fresh Productions
"The opponent of 'Manny' on August 5 will be announced in the next few days, but like we always do on Fresh Productions cards, the opponent will be friendly for the fans," said promoter Juan Orengo.
Rodríguez, who is currently the defending World Boxing Council (WBC) Latin Champion, is ranked second in the body, third in the IBF and fifth in the World Boxing Organization (WBO).
Also on the card, the Fedelatin champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA) at 130-pounds, Alfredo 'Ojo' Santiago (8-0, 2 KO) of the Dominican Republic, who in his last two presentations has obtained remarkable victories by unanimous decision over former Mexican Olympian, Arturo Santos Reyes and the world contender and current WBC Fecarbox champion, Jayson Vélez de Juncos, Puerto Rico.
The opponent of 'Ojo' will be announced in the coming days.
"'Ojo' has faced fighters who have been tested and beat them in tough battles. This fighter is being developed to the fullest and we are confident he will be ready for a world title or elimination bout by the end of this year or early next year," said Orengo
After winning by way of the knockout over Jeffrey Fontanez of Caguas and Joaquim Carneiro of Brazil, - Subriel Matías Matthew (6-0, 6 KO) will also be part of the boxing evening.
"We hope that by the end of the year Subriel will be able to fight for a regional title of great importance. All the organizations want him to represent them because with only few fights he has proven to be at a great level," said Orengo.
