Former champion Emmanuel Rodriguez and Melvin Lopez collide this Saturday night live on Showtime for the vacant IBF bantamweight championship. The event from The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland also features Gary Antuanne Russell facing Kent Cruz.
Emmanuel Rodriguez-Melvin Lopez Set For Championship Fight
Former IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez has the chance to reclaim his belt this Saturday night.
Rodriguez squares off with Melvin Lopez live on Showtime from The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland for the vacant IBF bantamweight title.
The 31-year-old Rodriguez is coming off a technical decision win over Gary Antonio Russell last October to improve to 21-2. That bout was stopped in the 10th after an accidental clash of heads.
A year before that, the two battled to a no-contest after the fight was stopped in the first round just 16 seconds into the action for the very same reason.
Rodriguez won the title back in 2018 in London, England from The O2 Arena when he topped Paul Butler. The championship was also vacant at that time.
“I’m more mature and experienced now than I was when I first won the title. I will be the fifth world champion from Puerto Rico right now and that would be a privilege. That’s the goal in this fight,” Rodriguez said. “I guarantee you I’m gonna come out with the win on Saturday, because I’m the toughest opponent he’s ever faced.
“I’m gonna prove I’m the best fighter in the division. This is gonna send a message to all the other champions that I’m here to stay.”
Lopez is coming off a victory over Jobert Alvarez and also holds wins over Victor Ruiz, Daniel Lozano and Juan Gabriel Medina since 2021.
“Starting in the fourth round, I should be able to figure out what he’s got in store for me. Then I feel like I can stop him between the fourth and seventh rounds,” Rodriguez said. “The fans are gonna see an amazing show and the best version of Emmanuel Rodriguez. I guarantee that.”
