Rodriguez Gets Words of Encouragement From Floyd Mayweather

By Miguel Rivera

Rising Puerto Rican prospect Emmanuel "Manny" Rodriguez received words of praise from one of the most well known sports figures in the world, former five division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Rodriguez (15- 0, 10 KOs) received a visit from the retired pound-for-pound king turned promoter last Friday, after the young Puerto Rican defeated Mexican toughman Alberto "Metro" Guevara (24-3, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision in Florida. The card was part of a Premier Boxing Champions televised event and promoted by Mayweather's company, Mayweather Promotions.

After the fight was over, Mayweather went to Rodriguez's dressing room to speak to him.

"I really like the fight, I like your style. You're a very talented fighter and you will be just fine," said a smiling Mayweather, according to Carlos Gonzalez.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, did not hide his excitement that Mayweather paid him a visit.

"When I went to the dressing room, my mind never imagined that Mayweather was going to visit and the truth is - it was an honor to see him, greet him and take a picture with him. But the biggest thing was that he liked my fight and I was very happy about that," Rodriguez said.

At 118 pounds, the Puerto Rican is ranked number four by the IBF, number five by the World Boxing Association, number six by the World Boxing Organization WBO and number eight by the World Boxing Council.