Fighter’s Corner Dustin Rodriguez

On Saturday, February 1^st, 2014 the SoCal Battle of the Badges Co Main Event will feature two of the best fighters in the state in a fight that has major Title implications. The #1 ranked, Jr. Middleweight, Dustin Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept. will face off with the #1 ranked Middleweight  Carlos Vega, Orange Co. Sheriff Dept. in a must win fight.  The UCA caught up with the Top Rated Jr. Middleweight Dustin Rodriguez to ask him a few questions about his upcoming fight with Vega.

Record: 4-1, Height: 5’7”, Weight: 154lbs, Age: 30

UCA – Who is your coach?

DR – David Rodela

UCA – What gym do you train at?

DR – Oxnard Pal gym and Colonia boxing Gym. I train mostly at Pal due to Coach David Rodela took over the Pal this past year but Colonia has some great sparring and I always go back there before fights to get prepared.

UCA – You are coming off a big win over 2^nd ranked Eriverto Montano, LAPD July 6, 2013. Vega hasn’t fought since July, 2012. Do you feel the long layoff gives you an advantage?

DR – I went a year stagnant and felt very rusty, so I can’t answer for Vega, but fighting in the past 6-7 months I think definitely gives the more consistent fighter an advantage.

UCA – Once you found out you were fighting Vega did you look for video on him?

DR – Definitely, I think watching tape on your opponent not only prepares you for what your opponent will bring, but also to work on the necessaries you need to beat him.

UCA – After watching his fight will you be working on anything specific in preparation for Vega?

DR – Vega is a pressure fighter.  To be honest, most of my opponents have been all forward brawlers like Vega and the gyms I train at, it’s hard to prepare for those types of fighters since my gyms and trainer stress boxing.   That’s been the consistent battle for me as a newer boxer.  There aren’t to many brawlers at my gym so finding sparring partners with an all forward style will be my preparation along with a new condition program to get my body strong since he is in another weight class and naturally bigger than I.

UCA – Will your training and preparation for this fight be any different from previous fights?

DR – Yes, we’re going to implement a plyometric physical condition program to get my body and core ready.  We’re taking this fight real serious since we know he’s a bigger guy and has power.  Along with condition drills my trainer David Rodela will implement that he took from Alex Ariza, our normal boxing regiment we’ll also do.  I’m fortunate to have David as my trainer, not only is he still fighting currently as a pro, he’s also around so many great boxers on a continuous basis.  Victor Ortiz, Manny Pacquiao, are just some names he spars with regularly so he brings back his knowledge to share with our gyms.

UCA – Are you a fighter how lifts weights when preparing for a fight?

DR– No not at all, I do core training like I just mentioned, and will start with a plyometric type training.  During my year hiatus from boxing in late 2012-early 13, I started to lift weights again but I felt it slowing me down in the gym and was recommended not to by trainers.   I feel naturally I have power and my  past fights, I’ve been fortunate to have some KO’s on my record and did it without weight lifting.

UCA – What does a typical day of training consists of?

DR – Since I work as a Fireman, I’m fortunate to get some work out time at work.  The days I work, I continue core workouts like sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and some light running.  My days off, I work on conditioning in the morning with runs, hikes, and now plyometrics, and in the evenings, work on my boxing with basic drills.  In the weeks leading up to the fight, that’s when we spar to get ready for the real thing.

UCA – Do you feel your style will create fits for Vega?

DR – I think our styles are good for each other for a great fight.  We both have power; both have forward styles, and still pretty young in our boxing careers.  I’ve seen Vega slug it out but also box a little in his fights so I’ll be ready for both. I hope that we go in that night ready to disrupt any fit he brings so we come out victorious.

UCA – Would you like the fight to be a back and forth battle where you are both tested?

DR – Honestly, I don’t mind because I know he can trade and exchange and I’ve proven that I can to especially in my last fight with Montano.  I don’t want to give up my game plan over this interview, haha, but we’ll be ready for sure.

UCA – If you get knocked down in the fight will you come back hard for some payback or will you keep your composure and stick to the game plan?

DR – Hopefully I don’t get knocked down period, but composure would be my answer.

UCA – On paper this is a pick em fight. If the fight is close in the 3^rd round will you come out hard and push the pace to win the round?

DR – We’ll just have to see on Feb. 1.

UCA – A wins, a win, but which do you prefer, a knockout, unanimous decision, or a war?

DR – I definitely prefer a KO due to the pure pleasure, but we know he’s a bigger guy.  Vega probably walks around at 170 plus and will be at 160 lbs at weigh ins.  I walk around at 158lbs and fight at 154, I should and would like one day to fight at 147lbs, but just haven’t got a fight at that weight with anybody and also I’m a bit timid with the strength I’ll lose and need for work as a Fireman.

UCA – Do you feel you will have to put on the best performance of career to beat Vega?

DR – Without a doubt, and I believe a good performance also to get a 154lb title shot if the UCA feels I’m worthy.

UCA – What will you be thinking about as you walk to the ring?

DR – I’ll be thinking about the game plan, execution, and representing my family and friends, the Santa Monica Fire Department, and also the Pal and Colonia gyms of Oxnard, CA.

What a fight this is going to be. This what Public Safety boxing is all about. Two fighters at the top of their game testing themselves against the best out there.