At the final press conference in Glasgow for the World Boxing Super Series semifinals featuring Naoya Inoue and Emmanuel Rodriguez, Sporting News caught up with undefeated Puerto Rican IBF bantamweight champion to discuss his upcoming fight, which will be live on DAZN.
Sporting News: Emmanuel, welcome to Scotland. How excited are you to be fighting in the World Boxing Super Series semifinals?
Emmanuel Rodriguez: I am very happy to be in this tournament, I entered to win the Muhammad Ali Trophy and I believe I will be victorious.
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SN: Many people have you down as a massive underdog even though Inoue said this fight is 50/50. Are you happy to be the underdog and do you feel people are underestimating you?
ER: We already knew we would be the underdog coming into this fight. I don’t care, I’m OK with that. Two undefeated fighters are going to box for the win. I think he said that because he knows I’m a great fighter and at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is how we fight in the ring.
SN: There was a lot of fighting talk at the final press conference. How do feel now?
ER: We feel good. It got a little bit heated, but its OK. It’s part of the adrenaline in the buildup to the fight, but we are good.
SN: There are three belts on the line in this fight and a place in the final. This must be the biggest fight of your life.
ER: I feel calm, I have done good training. For two months we have been out of our country and I know we are going to win this battle without any doubt.
SN: If you do beat Inoue, then you will face Nonito Donaire in the final. What are your thoughts on him?
ER: Nonito is a great fighter, but right now I can’t be thinking about him. I have to keep my focus on Inoue, but as soon as I finish this fight, all my attention will be on Nonito Donaire.