115lbs SUPER-FLYWEIGHTS
10 FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ (MEX)
RECORD: 33-4-1 (24) AGE: 26
HEIGHT: 5ft 4ins
RODRIGUEZ is conducting his career the Mexican way. He made his pro debut at the tender of age of 17, when taking on a fellow first-timer and winning by stoppage. He boxed three opponents making their debuts in his first six prizefights before moving up to experienced opposition with winning records. The losses and the draw on his ledger can be considered the result of competitive matchmaking. All the way back in 2013 he took on the great Roman Gonzalez in Nicaragua, losing forgivably inside the distance. In 2015 he lost points decisions to Donnie Nietes and Moises Fuentes, but he’s been unbeaten since then having gone on a 14-fight winning streak.
STRENGTHS: At his best when cantering forward slinging out straight shots.
WEAKNESSES: Less convincing on the back foot, where his defence is too rigid.
BEST PERFORMANCE: He outpointed Katsunari Takayama to unify the WBO and IBF strawweight titles.
WORST PERFORMANCE: An early loss to little-known Salvador Arias.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: He grinds down Merlito Sabillo to win his first world title with walloping combinations.
HOW HIGH CAN HE GO?
This is a competitive division but Rodriguez is still
