Unbeaten Bantamweights Shelly Barnett (4-0-2), Bantamweight National Champion of Canada, and Rosalinda Rodriguez (8-0, 2 KOS), holder of the WIBA International Super Bantamweight title, will square off on Saturday at Bourbon Hall in Louisville, Kentucky for the vacant WIBA Bantamweight Championship.
With a title belt on the line, Chicago-based Canadian Barnett and Miami-based Rodriguez are looking to keep their unbeaten professional career records intact.
Within just 2 years, “Machine Gun” Shelly has done her home country proud, competing north of the border for most of her professional bouts, including capturing the National Championship of Canada over Canadian prospect Alisah McPhee. All the while, Barnett has been chasing down US Olympic Bronze medalist Marlene Esparza, mowing through her previous opponents.
“Venom” Rodriguez, fighting out of Velez Boxing, has been working up to this – gobbling up the NABF Bantamweight Belt in 2016 by shutting out Noemi Bosques before earning the WIBA International belt in a higher division by stopping Ivana Coleman. All of this in almost 4 years of action.
Official Weights:
Rodriguez – 117.5 lb
Barnett – 118.0 lb
“For this camp, there have been major changes within my team. I am now at (famed and champion maker) Sam Colonna Gym, working with Sam on Johnny Lewus. They are great and getting me where I need to be.”
“I am so ready for this fight. I’ve been able to calm my mind and improve my game! If they have been studying me and think they know me that’s great because I guarantee you she has never been in the ring with someone like me!”
“She is a great and highly skilled undefeated fighter. That’s why I look forward to this fight so much. It will bring out the absolute best in me.”
“‘There is no easy work here!’ That’s what I have to say. She (Rodriguez) is in for the surprise of her career.”
“I am turning this place into my home tomorrow – South Toronto – South Chicago. They are going to be shocked. I’m coming to get what’s mine! I am going to win!”
Follow the Champ:
Facebook
Instagram
Jay Kemp
Northwest Chicago Suburb native that has a knack for sports marketing. Sports is my life, from youth to professional levels. I make things happen! I AM GOLDEN! Sports BIZness specialties include marketable presentation, public relations, sponsorship acquisition and retention, up-to-date marketing strategies, charitable projects and how they translate into positive public image. In addition to boxing, I am a nationally certified coach in the sports of lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling, with ties to many other sports. Telephone: 224-627-3777
Follow Me:
