Union City, New Jersey, a city with a long history of producing pro fighters, has given fans a new up and coming slugger to look out for by the name of Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez. An articulate soft spoken 24 year old southpaw sporting a 3-0 record with two knockouts, Rodriguez surprisingly does not like to be called heavy handed. Tomorrow evening, Rodriguez makes his fourth pro appearance on a card in his hometown headlined by Jonathan Maicelo (13-0) vs Oscar Cuero (13-2).
2009 was a break out year for Rodriguez’s amateur career. He won the New Jersey Golden Glove tournament, made it to the semifinals of the National Golden Gloves, and the quarterfinals of the USA Boxing National Tournament before starting his pro career on December 4th with a one punch KO victory over Bobby Bynum. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Rodriguez. Here’s what he had to say.
John Wall: Juan, you had a very successful amateur career, tell me how your style has has changed now that you are a pro?
Juan Rodriguez: Amateur boxing is all about scoring blows. In my pro career I’m showing another side more of a box and brawl style. People think of me as a puncher, I’m a combination puncher.
JW: So you don’t look to land the big left?
JR: No man, the knockouts just come
JW: Any thoughts on tonight’s opponent Marqus Jackson?
Juan: I don’t research my opponents. I don’t care who I fight my manager (Joe Botti) picks my opponents. I fight them.
JW: I know you are focused on tonight’s fight but what is your big dream and who is your dream opponent?
JR: That’s easy I want to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. My goal is not money. My goal is to be a legend and be the best champ there is.