By James Slater: The El Paso Times is reporting that unbeaten heavyweight contender David Rodriguez, 36-0(34) is recovering from a vicious, cowardly knife attack that left him needing a hundred stitches in his face. The incident took place this past Friday in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The 34-year-old puncher known as “El Nino” was attacked and stabbed as he left a Pizza restaurant. Six as yet unidentified men attacked the fighter, who still has no idea why they did what they did.
“It was crazy,” Rodriguez said to The El Paso Times. “I was outside a pizza place with friends and six guys attacked me. I have over 100 stitches in my jaw line. They were trying to cut my jugular. The doctors said they missed my jugular by about a half an inch. I want people to know I’m okay.
“I know I’m very lucky. I thought I might not make it when I saw all the blood all over me. I’m just happy to be alive. Something like this puts a lot of things in perspective. I’ll be back in the gym when I can but for now I’m just going to count my blessings and move on.”
6’4” Rodriguez boasts one of the most impressive-looking heavyweight records today. Against mostly limited opposition, the approx 250-pounder has kept a perfect record since turning pro back in December of 1998. Fans remain curious about just how good Rodriguez is. Guys like Owen Beck (KO’d in the 3rd) and, last time out, Byron Polley (stopped in the 2nd a month ago) have not been able to test the big-hitter. Hopefully, after he’s recovered from this most spineless attack, “Nino” will be back in action, stepping up his quality of opposition.
For now though, we wish him all the best. Let’s also hope the six thugs that attacked this professional athlete are brought to justice as swiftly as possible.
Rodriguez was down on Boxrec as being scheduled to fight against a TBA on March 24th. That date now looks unlikely.