David "El Nino" Rodriguez: Heavyweight Threat?

[Mr. Ryan]

First things first, he's big. He's 6'5 and 245+. His record is 23-0 (22 KO), with most of them coming in the first round. He's from El Paso, TX and is 29 years old.

Behind the numbers, his opposition has been soft and played out. The only guy of note on his record is Jeff Lally, who is only of note because he's a sure win for any heavyweight. But he's young and hits harder than all get out. He's been fighting alot in the Arizona and Kansas, so he hasn't been exposed to the stern tests that Vegas, Cali, and New York bring.

The best insight I have found on him is from Oscar De La Hoya, who said "when you look at David's record, you might assume all his opponents were easy, but I tend to think it points more to him being a devastating puncher. Make no mistake about it, he's a big time puncher..."

Have you seen him, and if so, what do you think of him?

[CletusVanDamme]

First things first, he's big. He's 6'5 and 245+. His record is 23-0 (22 KO), with most of them coming in the first round. He's from El Paso, TX and is 29 years old.

Behind the numbers, his opposition has been soft and played out. The only guy of note on his record is Jeff Lally, who is only of note because he's a sure win for any heavyweight. But he's young and hits harder than all get out. He's been fighting alot in the Arizona and Kansas, so he hasn't been exposed to the stern tests that Vegas, Cali, and New York bring.

The best insight I have found on him is from Oscar De La Hoya, who said "when you look at David's record, you might assume all his opponents were easy, but I tend to think it points more to him being a devastating puncher. Make no mistake about it, he's a big time puncher..."

Have you seen him, and if so, what do you think of him?

I only remember him being a Ring New face a couple years back. I would have hoped he had faced better opposition by this point, being 29 yr old and all. He is nice looking and Mexican-American so he should be able to generate a substanial fanbase with more exposure.

[Mr. Ryan]

I only remember him being a Ring New face a couple years back. I would have hoped he had faced better opposition by this point, being 29 yr old and all. He is nice looking and Mexican-American so he should be able to generate a substanial fanbase with more exposure.

I agree. I hear he is going to be moved up in class soon and is looking to expand his market outside of Texas. His problem has been his weight at times, but he has quick hands and good power so it's all about getting it together. I don't think he's Lennox Lewis by any means, but he has the talent and the drive to do some good things in the division.

[CletusVanDamme]

I agree. I hear he is going to be moved up in class soon and is looking to expand his market outside of Texas. His problem has been his weight at times, but he has quick hands and good power so it's all about getting it together. I don't think he's Lennox Lewis by any means, but he has the talent and the drive to do some good things in the division.

Is he affiliated with GBP now? That should help him if so. He had an interesting story as I recall.

[Mr. Ryan]

Is he affiliated with GBP now? That should help him if so. He had an interesting story as I recall.

I think so, I know he's fought on alot of GBP's undercards before and is good friends with Oscar.

[Deeznuts]

Hell take the Mesi approach and fight bums until its too late and something happens in his career. Although Mesi is in a comeback mission but, these fighters need to step their game up especially in a division that lacks alot of talent.

[CletusVanDamme]

I think so, I know he's fought on alot of GBP's undercards before and is good friends with Oscar.

I imagine he has a Raul Marquez connection being from El Paso. Since him and Oscar are buddy buddy.

[Tobi.G]

If we talk about upcoming heavyweights, this weekend some of them will fight. David Estrada will fight, yes hes a big disapointment as a pro and has ZERO punch but is fast, verry fast for his weight. This time, he came in at 239, a career low so he should be in good shape! Maybe hes putting more effort in it now after his loss to Walker. Walker BTW, another unbeaten heavyweight will face yet another unbeaten heavyweight, George Garcia, a short 5 foot 10 fighter that weights 250 pounds! he must be really fat! But hes also on a career low, in his last fight he weighed in at 260!! I never saw him fight but i would like to see how this short fat unbeaten guy fights. I think he will lose to Walker but although all these guys i mentioned are undefeated i dont think anyone of them has the tools to reach the Top, i think Walker is just another Austin and the other are even worse!!

[Mr. Ryan]

Hell take the Mesi approach and fight bums until its too late and something happens in his career. Although Mesi is in a comeback mission but, these fighters need to step their game up especially in a division that lacks alot of talent.

He's been hampered alot by hand injuries, mostly to the left. He's already had surgery on it. I know he's getting ready to make a move later this year in competition and is working on getting a tv date later this year.

[Mr. Ryan]

I just checked, he has no promoter.