Diary of a Cutman Mike Rodriguez

    0
    2330

    The notion that in the ring its just another boxer versus another boxer is true. But every boxer hasĀ a team that helps prepare him for his fight in camp. Every boxer has a team that walks with him in the ring. Every boxer has a team that works with the fighter in between rounds. Obviously, the trainer is the most important man in the corner but once a fighter gets cut and is bleeding, the most important man on the apron is his cutman. However much goes into being a cutman before and after a fight. His work just isn’t in between rounds. There’s preparation before a fight along with negotations to which corner a cutman workson certain nights. To bring you insight on this aspect of the sport, ThaBoxingVoice.com followed up and coming Los Angeles based cutmanĀ Mike Rodriguez on the weekend of April 27th-April 29th to give you a direct look at the life of a cutman.Ā Here is Diary of a cutman:Ā Mike Rodriguez Part 1 of 2:

     

    Friday April 27th 2012. 3 pm:Ā Ā Arriving at weigh-ins at Pomona Fairplex in So California Top Rank Boxing WBA Flyweight world title fight. I’m working undercard with undefeated Russian/Armenian prospect Vahe Suruhanyan. He is managed by Union Boxing. Weigh ins are crowded with Media and fight camps.

    I talk a little with fighter Vahe. Thank God his English is better than my Russian. He looks ready to go. I see Union Boxing reps talking with Top Ranks, BruceĀ Trampler.

     

    3:30 pm:Ā  Fighters are almost ready to weigh in. I’m having a quit chat with good friends, Top Rank Matchmaker Brad Goodman, Legendary Cut man/Trainer Miguel DiazĀ and Manager Luis DeCubas Jr.

    As fighters check in and get ready to Weigh in I get asked to work semi-main event with out of town fighter, welterweight Larry Smith from Dallas. After a quick “Haggle” about my large fee (not) itā€™s a done deal. So now I’m working 2 fights. Now I have to bring more towels tomorrow. Smith is going to be in
    tough tomorrow night. He’s fighting undefeated 23-0 Wale “Lucky Boy” Omotoso.
    Just before the weigh-ins began I get a call from my “brother” John Bray (famed trainer from “Contender” series). He’s in Pittsburg filming movie with Casey AfleckĀ and Christian Bale. We discuss some plans for the upcoming youth clinic for his “John Bray Boxing Foundation”

    3:45 PM:Ā Ā Weigh in begins. WBA world champ Roman Gonzalez from Nicaragua and Title Challenger Ramon Hirales from Mexico both make weight. Both the Nicaraguan and Mexican fans are cheering and waving their Flags.

    3:50 pm:Ā Ā Undercard fighters weigh in. Suruhanyan and opponent Edwin Solis (3-1) face off. Many boxing observers think this may be the fight of the night.

    4:30 pm:Ā Weigh-ins completed. Here in LA, plenty of traffic headed to Pullmans Boxing Gym in Burbank. Itā€™s time to keep the grind going.

    7:30 pm:Ā Ā Heading home to inventory all my cut man goodies and make sure I have everything for tomorrow. WOW. Ismayl Sillakh gets upset on Friday Night Fights. What a shocker!

     

    Saturday April 28th 8 am:Ā Ā Ready for a new day. Itā€™s time to put my “N swells” in the freezer to chill. I head to Rite Aid to get Zip lock Baggies for ice and Vaseline. TheĀ lady in the store always looks at me weird when I buy Vaseline. Geez, doesn’t everyone buy Vaseline once a week (laughing).

    12 noon:Ā Ā Morning training is done just relaxing and making a few calls back east. Wishing Gary Shaw Promotions prospect Julian “J Rock” Williams and his teamĀ good luck. I’ve worked most of his fights and had been scheduled to travel to AC to work with him and Golden Boy Promotions prospect, Jerseys own MichaelĀ ā€The Artist” Perez on Hopkins/Dawson undercard. My travel plans didn’t work out. Next Time. Both should do well. Williams Manager Stephen “Breadman” Edwards can’t wait to showcase him on this big event.Ā Both will be wrapped with War Tape tonight. Itā€™s a great product and the “WarTapeā€ fight family is growing every day.

    1PM:Ā So much for relaxing. Itā€™s time to check my time line on my Twitter account @Boxerrodz. Lots of fight talks about this big night of Boxing as I enjoy this beautiful California weather.

    3PM:Ā Ā Fight day. Iā€™m driving over to the venue. Ā L. A. Traffic is OK right now. This is when I go over various scenarios that may occur during a fight.Ā Nobody pays attention to the “Cut man” until the blood starts flowing and an eye closes. Then youā€™re in the Spotlight. No time to be the Goat, itā€™s time to shine.Ā “Plan your work and work your plan”

    SHARE
    Previous articleOpponent change not fazing “King” Gabe Rosado
    Next articleKhan-Peterson 2 Hangs in Balance of Testing
    Victor is the editor/lead writer for thaboxingvoice.com. he is also a co-host of the boxing voice of the people radio show thaboxingvoice.com's official radio show podcast. he is also a media correspondent covering fights bringing you live interviews with boxers, promoters, trainers, managers, ect. he's been a fan of the sport all his life and has covered the sport since 2011. he can be emailed: [email protected] and followed @boxingvoice_vic on twitter.