For WIBA Bantamweight Belt and Unbeaten Status – Rosalinda Rodriguez and Shelly Barnett Ready for War on Saturday

Unbeaten Bantamweights Rosalinda Rodriguez (8-0, 2 KOS), holder of the WIBA International Super Bantamweight title, and Shelly Barnett (4-0-2), Bantamweight National Champion of Canada, will square off on Saturday at Bourbon Hall in Louisville, Kentucky for the vacant WIBA Bantamweight Championship.

With a title belt on the line, Miami-based Rodriguez and Chicago-based Canadian Barnett are looking to keep their unbeaten professional career records intact.

“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.

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.

Official Weights:
Rodriguez – 117.5 lb
Barnett – 118.0 lb

Presented by:
Eskridge Enterprises, Inc. in association with Pretty Girl Productions

Quotes –

Rodriguez:
“Usually after a fight, I come back within less than a week. We are always in fight mode. For Camp, we worked with the boys (from the gym) to push me, to get used to the pressure.”

“I do not take anything lightly. I train my hardest and when she (Trainer Velez) tells me to do it, I do it.”

“I do not think about losing. I can’t! I just want to get in there and WIN!”

“We make it as hard as possible in training and easy in the fight.”

Velez, former champion and trainer for Rodriguez:
“Camp was a lot of strength and conditioning. Speed is there all of the time. Power is increasing. We are just moving things to improve her skill level. You will see it tomorrow night.”

“Barnett is an aggressive fighter. She is a good fighter. and makes it much better when they are undefeated so nobody says ‘This is an easy fight for Rosalinda…’ It is gonna be a good fight!”

“When it comes to that zero (losses)… When you work your ass off, you don’t worry about nothing else. Let’s keep on winning! Now, when you start doubting in your head about that zero, it’s because you ain’t put that work inside that gym. I make sure to break her down, from her head to her toes so I know when she comes in any fight, she will be like it’s a walk in the park.”

Barnett:
“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.”

If you could not make it to Louisville, you can still catch the fight!!! Download FITE.TV for a pay per view live stream.