Rodriguez willing to replace Dirrell...

Edwin 'La Bomba' Rodriguez.

Undefeated super-middleweight Edwin Rodriguez has announced that he is more than willing and ready to face Nikola Sjekloca for the vacant WBC title. The No.1 contender for the title was Anthony Dirrell but he was involved in a motorcycle accident that has put him out of action for over six months.

Nikola Sjekloca

The title became vacant when Andre Ward was made 'champ in recess'  by the WBC due to a hand injury that had seen him out of the ring and training for a long time. Sjekloca and Dirrell were chosen to fight for the title but now a new opponent is needed, and 'La Bomba' is ready to take the test.

"This is why I signed with Lou DiBella... It's my time and I'm ready to replace Dirrell against Sjekloca. If anybody can get this opportunity for me it's Lou."


Rodriguez has a perfect record of 21 wins from 21 and fights and 14 KO's but he wants to step up his game and start to face a higher level of competition. The 27-year old has been showcased on HBO, ESPN and three times on Shobox, and every time he has been given the chance to prove himself, he has. In his last five fights he has beaten the likes of Aaron Pryor, Don George and James McGirt who are all world rated fighters.


"We're ready for the best but it looks like Ward's moving up in weight and Bute's tied-up with Froch," said Rodriguez's manager Larry Army. "Right now, though, Edwin has earned a world title shot and we're confident he's ready to fight and beat Sjekloca."


Sjekloca is the reigning WBC international super-middleweight champion and also has a perfect record of 24 wins from that many fights but he is yet to face an opponent of any note. The most known opponent that he has faced so far is former European champ and world title challenger Khoren Gevor who isn't really a big name to have on your record. 


Rodriguez is moving up the rankings fast and looks destined to become one of the best in the super-middleweight division. He is ranked No.3 by the IBF, No.5 by the WBC and No.10 by the Ring Magazine. He will no doubt shoot even higher up the rankings if he does lands a shot at the WBC title and puts on a dominant performance to win the belt.