Nathan Rodriguez wasted no time in getting his professional boxing career underway at a young age.
After fighting just 10 amateur fights and a slowdown in getting amateur fights because of the COVID shutdowns in 2020, Rodriguez decided to turn pro at 16 in January 2021.
Now 19, the Pico Rivera, California, native is off to a strong start in his career with a 14-0 record with nine knockouts as he readies himself to fight 15-4-1 Jose Saant in a scheduled 10-rounder on Friday at Southwest University Park.
"My pro career is off to a good start," Rodriguez said. "I feel I am a good boxer, but I can mix it and be aggressive when I need to. It's been a process, but I'm learning fast and have had some great experiences."
One of those experiences was fighting on the undercard of a Canelo Alvarez undercard in Mexico in May 2023, winning a 10-round decision against then 19-5 Alexander Mejia. Alvarez is arguably the most popular active fighter in the world at this time.
"To get that experience of fighting on a big card and going 10 rounds has really helped me," Rodriguez said. "Every day is a learning opportunity. Friday is a big test for me. I started my pro career at 122, now I'm at 126 and I may move up to 130 or 135 in the future. Boxing means a lot to me and my family."
Rodriguez' older brother, 24-year-old Angel Rodriguez, is also a pro boxer and has just one loss as a 140-pounder.
"I've learned a great deal from my brother, he's helped me in many ways and has supported me," the younger Rodriguez said.
Another family connection with regard to Friday's fight card is that Rodriguez's father, Marvin, is his promoter and runs MarvNation, which is putting on Friday's show.
"Nathan is a great athlete," Marvin said. "He has great footwork and he's just 19, but he's willing to fight tough fighters and step up to the challenge. Growing up, he was a really good baseball player, but has found his calling in boxing. I believe he can be a world champion.".
Thursday weigh-in results
- Fernando Vargas 152, Juan Carlos Cardones, 153.6
- Nathan Rodriguez 125, Jose Saant, 125.6
- Santos Ortega 121.8, Roman Garcia, 121.2
- Abel Mendoza, 135, German Meraz 134.2
- Jaime Cuesta 138, Carlos Padilla 139.6
- Dominic Barry 194.8, Idrees Wasi 188.8
- ST Pypers 153.5, Ramon Stewart 152.6
More: Vargas Jr. looks to remain perfect Boxer Fernando Vargas, Jr., looks to remain unbeaten in fight at Southwest University Park
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 19-year-old pro boxer Nathan Rodriguez enters El Paso fights on Friday with perfect record
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