Tag Archives: Corey Rodriguez

T-Rex Promotions card set… April 13, Wessman Arena, Superior, WI…

Posted on by

The card will now feature 9 fights…. Twin Ports favorites Winston “Nasty Time” Anderson of Cloquet, Joey “The Don” Anderson of Duluth and Lornezi’s Boxing in West Duluth, Randy Ronchi of Superior WI, Trevor Marmon of Duluth, Eric Johnson of Duluth… Plus some of Minnesota’s hottest Prospects Rob “Bravo” Brant, Corey “Collateral Damage” Rodriguez, Tyler “The Hitman” Hultin, and now former Minnesota Viking and (4,0) Heavyweight coming off of his most impressive victory, Ray Edwards….. 9 fights $10!!!

Q & A with “Sir Charles” Charles Meier (5,2,2), He fights this Saturday, Crown Plaza, Saint Paul, MN.

Posted on by

Charles Meier fights this Saturday night in what looks to be an action packed card. Below is our Q & A……

Meier (left), Photo credit, Jesse Kelley, MinnesotaBoxing.com

At what age did you start boxing, and why?

I started boxing when I was about 23 years old. I have always been into sports and I’m highly competitive.. My Cousin James Taylor already boxed and had been trying to get me to try it for years and finally when things worked out Life wise I was able to go to a gym.. The first time I walked into a gym Was The Circle of Discipline and Sankara The coach there told me I looked like Thomas Hearns!!! Which happened to be my FAVORITE fighter of all time so I was hooked before even putting on gloves.

Your first pro fight was in 2009, I admire you as we share year of birth. What motivates you to enter that ring next Saturday?

73 is a great year..lol What motivates me is simple… I Love boxing and I still love to compete.

 

I have watched all of your fights live, one thing that can be counted on, is you cant count on anything other than you will give the fans their moneys worth. How much does fan reaction affect you in the ring? (I missed his most recent but watched by stream)

I appreciate you seeing that in me. I NEVER want to lose no matter what and I always want to give the great fans we have here something to cheer about.. I want them to have a reason to get up out of their chairs and be excited. I want them to remember me when they are driving home and say (wow) If I ever hear he is fighting again I will definitely pay to see him fight again. Which is funny, Yesterday someone bought a ticket from me and said those exact same words.

 

Of your 9 professional fights, what fight sticks out the most to you and why?

It’s a toss up!!! for much different reasons. My first fight Might be that because I had finally gotten to achieve something that I have wanted to for years. At my age that was a huge accomplishment.. But the Moment I walked out after hearing my name called I had my son Charles Jr right there escorting me to the ring.. That’s A memory I will never forget. But as far as fights I would have to say the Corey Rodriguez fight stands out best. Corey was this multiple golden gloves champ who is doing his thang and everyone on the blogs were saying it’s a wash I didn’t have a chance and in a interview Corey was running his mouth saying I was nothing and he was going to destroy me and teach me what a real fighter looked like. Well 45sec into the fight he had me on the canvas… lol. I got up quickly while he was celebrating on the ropes… it ended up being a war out there n we battled our tails off n I dropped him in the 5th round with a nasty combo and finishing with a short rt hand.. he got up we battled more and it was called a draw.. ( not sure why!!! he knows I won)

 

I’ve asked some of the other middles fighting November 17 about all the middleweight talent that will be showcased next Saturday. Do you see any future match-ups?

I’m not sure what the future holds!!! There is a lot of talent in this weight division rt now and the only thing I know is I fight who the coaches say is next no matter who it is. I just love doing what I’m doing..

 

What’s it like to share a gym and trainers with a guy like Caleb Truax?

It’s been great being in the gym with a guy like Caleb. He makes me work harder than I ever thought I could at times, he never stops and you don’t want to be the guy who does stop first.. He’s a smart fighter who pushes himself to be great and it’s easy to feed off a guy like that and I think training with him and John Schmidt everyday has done so much for my career.. I owe those guys a lot of thanks cause even when you have a bad day they will always be there for you and ready to see if your day will be better in the ring tomorrow.. But guys like Caleb, John Schmidt and all the coaches are phenomenal..

 

Why should fans get out to the fights November 17?

The fans should come out to see this card on the 17th because not only will you get to see some great fights by guys like Caleb, John and Cerresso fort They can give back by bring some non parrishables for some that really need the help this holiday season.. lol that shows my age when thats one of the most important things.. But I am serious when I say helping by giving is very appreciated by many families and these food shelves for the holidays,, But to top it off they will get to see me “Sir Charles” Do what I do and that is entertain the crowd.. I always try to steal the show by giving the people what they want and working my tail off so one day I can head line a card…

 

Is there anything else you would like to share with the fans?

I just want the people to know when you see me in the ring I am ALWAYS going to give you everything I have and you will never be disappointed in my performance. I love the sport of boxing and i love entertaining the fans. I am very humbled that I still get to lace up the gloves and get in the ring and do what makes me happy. I look forward to seeing you and everyone at the fights and any future fights.

MNBoxingLeague on Facebook.

Tyler “The Hitman” Hultin (3,0,1) Q & A. Hultin fights November 17, Crown Plaza, Saint Paul, MN..

Posted on by

Saint Paul, MN is about to get a taste of “Mr. fight of the night”. It’s hard to attend a show where Hultin is fighting and not leave thinking about his fight. Obviously that is not always a great thing for The Hitman, but for the fans…. well, his following is proof of their approval. Hultin has yet to be able to fight in front of a home audience but always has a large portion of venue filled with Hitman fanatics. (Tyler Hultin is from Fergus Falls, MN and now lives in Fargo ND) For his Saint Paul appearance he has had to have the promoter send tickets three separate times!! Tyler last fought this past April in what most would say was tougher than needed win. Ortley always comes to bang, and Hitman obliged. Most think Hutlin could have/should have taken Silas out before the final bell, but styles make fights and Hitman likes to please the fans!! Below is a Q&A we had with Tyler Hultin. Look for a lot more from The Hitman in 2013, but dont look past Travis Perzynski, he is coming to win, and he too is quite fan friendly….

How did you feel about your last fight April 7 in Superior WI?

April 7th fight didn’t go as planned. I was happy to get the W,  but my performance was far from what I’m capable of! Everyone that knows me knows that’s the truth! Just goes to show you that training is key! And it can control the outcome!

There was a ton of excitement about a showdown between you and Corey Rodriguez that was to take place this past September, but boxing happened. How disappointing was that to you?

It definitely was a Disappointment! I look at Corey Rodriguez as a top Fighter in Minnesota! Having that chance to train and fight a fighter like that really can show you what your made of! It would have been my 2nd time making it down to fight at 154. That is where I feel the sharpest and strongest! Hopefully another opportunity will present itself down the road!

Hunting is a passion of yours, even causing you to have to miss a September 15 date, did you get your bear? On that topic, what sort of training will you be doing during deer season?

Hunting is a way of life for us! Like Boxing we train for it, ha! Missing September 15th was hard to deal with, especially having the 29th called off!.. For sure fights are hard to come by and when they’re taking from you its even harder! Preparations for November 17th have been going real good! Coach Hultin has been having me hit the deer trails! A lot of agility involved. Axing on old trees, tossing logs, climbing trees, and hopefully by this weekend dragging deer! “No Bear for me this year, my Brother Tanner Hultin Shot a nice 215pd black Bear” our hunting party all had opportunities but you always wait for the right one!

You are fighting Travis Perzynski (1,1), he went the distance with Jon Schmidt (10,2) and TKOed Bobby Butters (1,1) in the first round of their fight. What are your thoughts on this upcoming challenge?

Everyone fights each other different, that will be our case in our upcoming bout! I’m looking very forward to it!

Your friend and stable-mate, Andy “Kaos” Kolle, has recently moved closer to where you live, have you guys been able to do some training together?

Kaos and I have been getting gym time together! Kolle is a big help for me in the gym because he keeps me at bay. His Training methods and composure help me become better! Just last night during our sparring session, I can get wild at times, right away while sparring he’s reminding me to keep composure! Great guy to be able to train with, we help push each other! Great to have in the gym! I can’t take away from what I’m getting from my other trainers! Potential moves may be made but at this time will keep it to what we know!

November 17 is looking like a who’s who of Minnesota boxing at many different weights, but light middle and middleweight will be well represented. How interested will you be in watching all of the possible future match-ups?

I think that is what intrigues me the most! Its almost like Who’s next! Haha!

Speaking again of the star-studded show. Are you excited to be able showcase what you’ve got in front of a new audience?

Absolutely! My name is known throughout Minnesota, yet my appearance is very shaded from only taking part in fights in the Northern area.. I’m very happy for the opportunity and hope that it continues! This will be a great show to be a part of!

Since this will be your first fight as a pro in the twin cities, what would you like to say to boxing fans who have yet to watch you go?

I Hope you enjoy! I’m a fire cracker when it comes to being in that ring! Its Home away from Home! And I don’t stop until that last bell rings!

Caleb Truax is headlining this event and is probably Minnesota’s biggest draw, does that add to the appeal of fighting on this show?

Yes it does, I’m a fan! He’s definitely made a name for himself and what better than fighting on a card with Truax headling! It would have been great to hit up traux’s camp for this fight! Prior engagements didn’t allow me to do so. I hope the offer will be there again for upcoming event!

This fight will be at 160, do you plan on staying there or is 154 the target?

160 is a fine weight. But its not for me!.. 154 is where I want to be!

Is there anything you would like to add? And how can people get tickets from you?

Good luck to all the fighters and their teams November 17th! I look forward to fighting in front of a new crowd and to put the new tools to work that the coaches and I having been working on through camp!

MNBoxingLeague on Facebook.

 

This weekend’s MN fights will no doubt have some affect on the States new rankings….

Posted on by

MNBoxingLeague.com not only gives opinion, interviews, and regional boxing coverage on our site, we also manage several fighters. (this is made clear in our about page, and the page that is labeled, Our Boxers, lol).  We have no say in how fighters are ranked just as no promoter or other managers and trainers do. When talking rankings we will always put a * by guys we manage (or try to)… And as we are human, this could affect how we feel on the rankings of others with guys fighting in the same weight class locally. Unlike certain promoters who proclaim champs and number one rankings, our ego’s do not fly that high. Some may say close, but those are pretty high reaches even for this loud mouth.. lol…

The biggest question in local rankings will come at welterweight. Jamal James (8,0) just won a controversial UD victory over Corey Rodriguez (6,3,2). The fight was stopped early due to cut caused by head butts. The fight was at a catch-weight of 152. On the official October Rankings *RJ Laase (9,1) was listed as top welter. Does Jamal James’ fight at 152 put him ahead of *Laase in MN’s rankings? That will be up to those making the decision. An argument can be made both ways. 152 is not welter, but Rodriguez is by far the toughest fight either James or *Laase has fought. Obviously, with the rankings just coming out it is hard to tell how the committee will view these type fights. Its not like before rankings, where fighters did not have a regional weight class to try and gain ranking ground. So from those in the *Laase camp, since James chose to fight outside of welter, it should not affect welter rankings. As Laase’s manager I tend to lean that way but would completely understand a rankings jump while RJ remains idle and has surgery. Had *Laase been able to fight earlier this month and won, my feeling would be stronger in he keeping his top spot… Again, the rankings are more for the fans and building interest locally. Both Jamal James (8,0) and *RJ Laase (9,1) have goals beyond local rankings. Our view is…. no matter how this ends up, it will be hard to truly argue decision…

A more interesting local ranking to look at will be at cruiser. At this time we do not manage anyone at that weight and do not have a dog in the race. Depending on how you read the rules of rankings and how people were ranked for October, there could be all kinds of changes… Harley Kilfian, now (9,12) was ranked #1, followed by TJ Gibson (1,3) at #2 (due to his KO of Al Sands.) Sands (6,1) had the third spot. Sands just soundly beat Kilfian and will jump him in the rankings in our opinion. His team has made it very clear they want to stay clear of his one loss, Mr. Gibson, Cant say we blame them. Here is where it gets interesting, the commission allows for fighters who fight outside of MN or fight here frequently to be ranked. Jordan Shimmell, now (5,0) has fought here and will be doing so frequently. Olanrewaju Durodola (10,1) just fought in Shakopee, MN on Saturday as well and now lives in MN, training with Scott Tolzmann and stable-mate of Ismail Muwendo… So while Zach Walters, Al Sands trainer and promoter is proclaiming #1 ranking for skipping a rematch with TJ Gibson, there are a couple guys who may, in most eyes deserve a higher ranking than Sands, Gibson and Kilfian.. Both  Olanrewaju Durodola (10,1), just fought and won at 197 and Jordan Shimmell (5,0), (Shimmell is a tougher sell as he has yet to fight under 200 and planning to campaign there does not count as being there) will probably have the biggest national impact, and they should not be overlooked in our opinion..

The fact that the rankings are being discussed and even argued are proof, its good for Minnesota boxing no matter your thoughts on how fighters are ranked. Bottom line, all in top five can fight for title and only one title is taken. Caleb Truax Holds the middleweight belt… So if your guy is in the top five, that pretty much is all that matters!!! And most prospects are looking to clean out their state and get ranked nationally… Good stuff!

 

Corey “Collateral Damage” Rodriguez (6,2,2) His time to shine? Tomorrow, October 27, Shakopee, MN

Posted on by

Rodriguez turned pro in September of 2007 and has gotten to a solid (6,2,2) strictly through hard work and taking on all challenges. Out of his 10 fights only 4 have been in Minnesota, and just 2 against guys with losing records. Those type numbers are not seen often in the region. Winning records generally have some help from matching or promotional backing. Not so much for Mr. Rodriguez, many would argue his two draws should have been victories and his loss to Dave Peterson was an MD with people in the crowd seeing it both ways. I don’t know of another Minnesota fighter with a winning record who has had it harder than Collateral Damage. Well things are not changing in these regards. Here comes Jamal James (7,0)…

The fight with James was something most people had not even considered for many reasons. Rodriguez has been fighting at light middle and is known as a very tough opponent, while Jamal James and team have made it clear welterweight is where they want to be. James’ most recent fight was against an overmatched (0,1) fighter and the stiffest competition James has fought in the pros was Hector Orozco (5,12). (Note: Orozco is a very good fighter who has given many local guys trouble.) While his professional accomplishments may be lacking, James has been in with some of the worlds best as an amateur before turning pro in 2010.

Rodriguez vs James is set for a catch-weight of 152 pounds. Most are picking Jamal James as a heavy favorite due to his amateur experience and his pure boxing skills. James has height, reach and speed advantage and most dont see weight as much of an edge for Rodriguez as Jamal James’ size fits light middle quite well. But…. those same people are very interested to see how James reacts to a seasoned pro who sees himself as the favorite and likely winner. I have even heard some very respected MN boxing trainers and insiders picking Collateral Damage to produce some Collateral Damage…

The League sees this fight this way… If Jamal James can keep Rodriguez at arms length and uses his size and speed advantage he should take a UD victory. That said, I dont believe Rodriguez will make that an easy plan. Corey is not afraid to bring the fight if that is what is needed. Styles do make fights and this could go many different ways. This is one of the better MN vs MN match-ups to be made this year.

Below Corey Rodriguez took some time to answer a few questions we had about tomorrow’s fight….

How do you feel?

I feel great!

How do you think your experience with tougher competition will help you?

I have experience with stronger, faster, bigger and tougher opponents than Jamal. My experience with the tougher competition has better prepared me for this opportunity.

What persuaded you to give Jamal James this opportunity?

Jamal is nothing special and nothing spectacular.

What do you think will be on boxing fans minds as they leave Canterbury?

Haters will be amazed by my performance and my fans will appreciate an epic night. I will victorious!

Again, we’d like to thank Mr. Rodriguez taking time to answer our questions during this important camp. MNBoxingLeague on Facebook.

Jamal “Shango” James (7,0), he faces Corey “Collateral Damage” Rodriguez (6,2,2) this Saturday in Shakopee, MN.

Posted on by

James vs Rodriguez came to most as a surprise, a very nice surprise! Jamal James is coming off of a one-sided boxing clinic over Hector Orozco (5,12) and an easy TKO victory over Charon Spain (0,2). For all of Shango’s mastery of the sweet science, all but two of his victories have come by stoppage. Don’t get me wrong, his boxing skill set up each of those early finishes yet James is not known for high action fights. Bring in Mr. Corey Rodriguez, I have yet to see a fight of Corey’s that was not fun. From the weights listed on boxrec it looks like Jamal James has yet to fight over 147, and we know they plan to campaign at welterweight. However this fight is set for a catch-weight of 152, who gains advantage from the weight difference is yet to be determined. Rodriguez has been fighting right around that weight most of his career, James’ size would seem natural in the 150′s. Jamal’s amateur accomplishments and guys he has faced before turning pro is an undeniable advantage. He had been fighting top tier world class amateurs before turning pro in 2010. We will be giving our thoughts on both October 27 shows this Friday and Saturday… Below were some questions Jamal James answered for us.

Comments on the big fight:

“It’s going to be a good action packed night. I’m definitely going to give a show and performance.”

Why Rodriguez?

“He wanted to fight.”

Biggest test as a Pro:

“No, I plan on surpassing this level and becoming the top contender internationally and hopefully a world champion.

Amateur accomplishment as an advantage:

“Yes, as an amateur I fought many boxers who are now top ranked pro boxers such as Danny Garcia and Brad Solomon. I know what it takes to perform on their level.”

Bad blood:

“Not after the fight.”

We would like to thank team James for taking some time to give us comments on his  upcoming fight. MNBoxingLeague on Facebook.

Quick Hits, Updated regional card list…

Posted on by

Tomorrow night September 22… Caleb “Golden” Truax, Antonio Johnson, Donny “Drama” Tierney, Antwan Robertson vs Jake Backus and more…

Dustin Mason (right) photo credit, Jesse Kelley, MinnesotaBoxing.com

October 12 at Grand Casino Hinckley will Feature; Aaron “Gorilla” Green (7,0) vs Emerson Chasing Bear (5,3,2) in a 6 rounder, also featured will be RJ “T-Rex” Laase (9,1) vs James Wayka (16,11,1) in an 8 round affair… Also slated to be on card is one of Minnesota’s most exciting and feared fighters, Dustin “Bulll Dog” Mason (3,0) all first round KO’s.

October 27 brings two shows;

Black Bear Casino, Welcome to the Jungle II, featuring Gary “Stone Cold” Eyer (8,2,1) and stable mate Al Sands (5,1). Not a ton out there on this one yet.

Also on October 27,Canterbury Downs, SEG and Area 51 have a really nice fight in Jamal James (7,0) vs Corey Rodriguez (6,2,1), also on the card will be Ismail Muwendo, Perez, Brant and more.

Perez steals the show! Nice night of fights for SEG / Driller Promotions Pro Boxing.

Posted on by

You know a show is pretty good when only complaint is that there may have been too many fights. The show got a bit of a late start but once the action got going it was a very well-matched and fun card to watch.

“Bad” Brad Patraw fought an exciting fight putting Sanders down a number of times in the process. MinnesotaBoxing.com is reporting that Patraw broke his hand in this fight.

Cory Rodriguez got a UD win, Meier vs Benson may have been fight of the night and a ended in a draw. Perez is a star in the making, his second round KO of Philip Adyaka was action packed and impressive, also in running for fight of the night.

Sands (5,1), Green (7,0), and James (7,0) did what they had to, given the opponents put in front of them. Sands fought a debut MMA guy and James had an (0,1) guy, in SEG’s defense both were last minute replacements and Sands opponent was actually a step up from who they were supposed to face. And again, credit goes to Green,Sands, and James for finishing things off early with their overmatched foes.

Ismail Muwendo vs Robert Da Luz was the main. Da Luz is now on a 15 fight losing streak. Muwendo had all four rounds in my opinion but Da Luz came to fight for a couple rounds. Calling him a gate keeper may be a stretch as he didnt come with his own corner and that gate must be wide open as 15 in row have run through it. That said, Muwendo showed all the reason’s we like him. Sharp shots and big power. He is huge at that weight.

All in, hats off to SEG for one of the more entertaining nights of boxing this year. For full coverage and pictures, check out MinnesotaBoxing.com latter today. My opinions come from live stream. Have two sick kids. Listened to Caleb Truax and Dan Cole’s blow by blow. Truax has some great input on the ins and outs of the game both in and out of the ring. He also was very honest in his thoughts on some of the pretty records without learning a ton. Really good hearing that from him. Truax has taken one of the best roads to his position, almost always stepping up competition with each fight. Most in the midwest could learn from that approach. Just my two.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. Joy Boy Promotions. THREE title fights Two sanctioned by the WBA.

Posted on by

Fort (arms raised) Floyd Mayweather Sr. to right of Fort. Courtesy Jesse Kelley, MinnesotaBoxing.com

There are a ton of great fights happening over the next several weeks and we are looking forward to all of them! September 29 at The Aldrich Arena Maplewood, MN is promoted by Floyd Mayweather Sr., Joy Boy Promotions. They are looking to do their first show in style, featuring top Minnesota fighters in WBA sanctioned title fights. There is a good chance that one or both Cerresso Fort and Jason Litzau could come away with a strap.

Billy Lyell told fightnews.com he was coming to Minnesota to fight a (13,0) prospect we know as “Sir” Cerresso Fort. This is a huge opportunity for Fort to step up the ranking ladder and really make a name for himself. The Sr. Mayweather has been working with Fort since his bout and victory over Dave Pederson a couple months ago.

I have also been told by the promotion that there is an exciting Heavyweight bout for a WBF belt to also be featured on the above card.

A fight I am truly looking forward to pits two of Minnesota’s most exciting fighters against each other. Tyler “The Hitman” Hultin vs Corey “Collateral Damage” Rodriguez will in my opinion steel the show, as both fighters are known for their fearlessness and intense respect for one another. I have yet to go to a regional event where if one of these two were fighting it was not fight of the night, or as close as it gets to being so. Corey Rodriguez must first come through his fight this Saturday night at the Crown Plaza.

There are other regional names attached to the show but will wait for further confirmation from their camps. Look for much more news on Joy Boy’s upcoming event in the days and weeks to follow. Keep September 29 open, it’s looking like the sweet science will shine! And as always Check out all the talk on The Leagues Facebook page I keep the web site as current as possible but honestly the page is the place to be.