FREDERIX Rodriguez is obviously taking his underdog tag in stride. But that doesn’t mean he will just be a willing punching bag when he battles heavily favored Vincent “Popeye” Palicte (14-3-1, 7 KOs) in their Aug. 16 showdown for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title at the Mandaluyong Sports Complex.
In fact, the Bukidnon slugger is setting his sights on a major upset on fight night.
Rodriguez (8-2-1, 6 KOs) who trains for the title fight for more than two months in Valencia Bukidnon under the supervision of manager Roel Kaamino and trainer Jake Verano, announced that they are totally ready for this fight.
“I am very excited to fight in Mandaluyong to win the title and take it home to Bukidnon,” declared Rodriguez.
Verano on the other hand, said his ward is ripe for the crown and declared that they have prepared Rodriguez to do battle for the full 12 rounds should an early knockout prove elusive.
“We know that we are the underdog and Palicte is a very experienced fighter, but we will do our best to score an upset,” said Verano who is himself a former boxer.
Verano, who claimed to have seen some of Palicte’s bouts, said that the latter has a very tight defense and has good technical skills. But he said Rodriguez has immense power which they will use to hurt Palicte right from the opening bell.
“I am developing my aggressiveness inside the ring to compliment my power for this fight. If I hit him hard, I am sure he will kiss the canvas,” dded Rodriguez.
Team Rodriguez will arrive in Manila this Wednesday and will head straight to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) office for the official weigh-in.