In Fargo, North Dakota on Friday night’s Shobox, undefeated Edwin Rodriguez knocked out James McGirt Jr in the ninth round. Rodriguez won the vacant WBC-USNBC super-middleweight strap with the win and earned his 13th knockout in 17 pro fights.

“LaBomba” Rodriguez felt McGirt out for the first few rounds as McGirt concentrated mostly on defense. But by round seven, Edwin was setting up shots and landing flush often on a tired James. McGirt tried but failed to established any sustained offense and by the ninth round he barely threw a punch. His father James “Buddy” McGirt Sr. implored his son to show him something or he’d pull the plug going into the ninth and James Jr. must’ve known he was done for. Referee Mark Nelson was forced to step in and rescue Jr at 1:57 after an unanswered barrage from Rodriguez in the round proved he was defenseless.

The Dominican who now hails from Worcester Mass, Rodriguez moves to 17-0 while McGirt Jr fell to 22-3.

On the undercard another name fighter’s son fought and actually won his match. Aaron Pryor Jr got vengeance for his dad who had lost his Olympic spot 34 years prior to Howard Davis; and he did so by beating Davis’ son, Dyah. Pryor Jr. kept Davis on the end of his jab, bloodied him in the sixth, and earned a unanimous decision with scores of 79-73 and 74-74 twice.

No related posts.