Former IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel “Manny” Rodriguez (19-1, 12 KOs) would have been a pretty big favorite against original opponent Rau’shee Warren (16-3, 4 KOs) on the November 23 Wilder-Ortiz PPV undercard. But when Warren withdrew due to injury, Rodriguez was matched against unbeaten Luis Nery (30-0, 24 KOs), who figures to be a tougher foe by magnitudes. The Mexican power-puncher has stopped his last 11 opponents and 15 of his last 16.
“Switching opponents is no problem for me since we always train for different fighting styles,” said Rodriguez, who was starched in two by Naoya Inoue in his previous fight. “I know what Nery brings to the table and I’m ready for that. We are confident in victory and that in 2020 I will be crowned world champion again.”
Its interesting that almost all boxers are usually the most confident people on the planet *before* a fight.
Nery is a powerhouse and has never disappointed in any of his fights. Rodriguez is a good fighter, no doubt, but his chances against Nery aren’t that good.
The biggest bantam weight fight would be Nery vs. Inoue, which should happen if Nery can get by Rodriguez. I hope that Nery has learned from his past mistakes and comes in at the required weight. He can’t really afford another suspension.
Nery’s commitment to the sport of boxing is in the increasing grove. His move to USA after being caught with banned substances an missing weight in Japan in his second fight with Yamanaka, has been a success and a demostration of determination and discipline. Nery is the only bantamweight fighter in earth that might have a chance against Naoya Inoue. If he gets the win agaisnt Rodriguez and Naoya obliterates Donaire, a fight between these two should happen. I believe no judges would be necessary for this fight.