About....

David Rodela is one of the most exciting prospects in the boxing world today. He is a fighter that possesses brilliant boxing skills and can stand toe to toe with the worlds best. That dream of becoming a professional boxer nearly disappeared back in 2004 when after travelling home from a family party he was involved in a near fatal car accident that left him in a critical condition with doctors telling the young fighter his boxing days were over.

At the time David was left devastated by the news but instead of taking the doctors opinion's onboard he decided to show the medical professionals they were wrong in their assessment and did this by incredibly returning to the ring to realise his dream of a professional career.

Now David is one of boxing's hottest prospects, so highly regarded that the great Manny Pacquiao has used his services on a number of occasions for sparring in the run up to some of his own biggest fights.

We got the chance to talk to David last week and here is what he had to say...

Interview....

David, thanks for taking some time out to speak to us here at TopClassBoxing. I'd like to start from beginning if thats okay?

How old were you when you started boxing and can you tell us about your many achievements in the amateur ranks?

I started boxing when I was 10 years old. My dad wanted me to participate in a sport so I choose boxing cause I like the one on one, full contact. When I won my first USA tournament at about 12 or 13 years old, I knew I wanted to be a boxer.

How proud was you when you became the US Amateur champion?

I was extremely proud of myself when I won my first title. That's when I knew I was good enough to make boxing my career.

Who has been your greatest influence throughout your boxing career?

My father has supported me and influenced me throughout my boxing career.

What fighters did you look up to as a child?

As a child I used to look up to Julio Cesar Chavez, now that i'm older I look up to Diego Chico Corrales. He is my idol, and I loved his style of boxing.

If your career path didn't lead you to become a professional boxer what do you think you would be doing now?

Have never given myself any other option but to box. This is my dream, this is where my heart belongs

What are your strengths and what are the things you would like to work on?

One of my strengths in my opinion is my left hook, I need to work on my jab.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as an action fighter. I like to give the crowd a good show, I believe my style to be similar to Diego Chico Corrales, a brawler / boxer.

What would you consider to be your best punch?

My best punch at the moment would be my left hook.

In 2004 you were involved in a near fatal car accident that left you with a broken femur and hospitalised for months. Can you tell us what happened?

In 2004 I was in a near fatal accident, I was involved in a car accident where I fell asleep at the wheel. I was driving home from a family party very late, and fell asleep while driving.

After the accident doctors delivered some devastating news that you would never fight again. What were your feelings at that time?

When I was told I could never fight again, I felt my life was over. Boxing is a very important part in my life.

You have lost just one bout up until this point and your wins include beating Kevin Kelley, Ramon Ayala and Juan Garcia. What do you consider your best win and why? And which fight would you say is you’re most difficult?

In my opinion, Kevin Kelly was one of my best fights. He was also the most difficult cause he has way more experience. He was one of the fighters I would watch growing up, he's been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world.

Last time out you fought Gamalier Rodriguez scoring a unanimous decision over six rounds. could you talk us through that fight?

The fight with Gamiliar Rodriguez, I tried something new to me. I tried to box more than brawl. I think I'll stick to brawling. lol. The crowd seems to like brawling more too.

Who’s up next? Have your promoter mentioned anything for your next fight?

I don't know who I'm fighting next. My promoter tells me I will fight one more time before the years over, they're looking at a date in December.

You are currently fighting in the Super Featherweight division which is packed full of good fighters that include the likes of Robert Guerrero, Humberto Soto and Roman Martinez. Who would you say is the main man to in the division at the moment?

I think Humberto Soto is the main man in the super Featherweight division at the moment. I think he's an under rated fighter with a lot of talent.

Juan Carlos Selgado scored one of the upsets of 2009 when he stopped Jorge Linares in the first round a few weekends back. Did you manage to catch that fight and was you shocked by the result?

No, I was not able to watch that fight. However, I did hear about it and that is one of the reasons I don't take any fight lightly. I was not too shocked because in boxing all it takes is one punch.

I know that you have sparred with Manny Pacquiao a few times in the past and have flown out to the Philippines. What has that experience given you and what things have you taken from that time?

Me sparring and hanging around Manny Pacquiao is like hanging out with Ali in his prime. Sparring with Manny has lead me to believe if I can hang with him, I can hang with anyone.

Having been around Manny Pacquiao and experiencing first hand the type of things he can do in the ring. How do you believe the fight will unfold between him and Miguel Cotto?

Cotto is a tough guy himself but if I have to give my honest opinion, I'm going with Manny. He looks good when he goes up in weight, he seems to look more and more powerful.

Who in your opinion is the world’s best pound 4 pound fighter currently? Do you think Floyd Mayweather Jr had done enough in his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez to recapture his crown? Or do you believe Manny is still sitting on top?

Manny is the best pound for pound fighter. He has proved himself time and time again. Mayweather was retired for a while, one fight doesn't put him back on top.

What are your plans for the rest of 2009 / 2010?

Plans are one more fight for 2009. Then in 2010 I plan to keep busy and hopefully fight for the NABO, or whatever falls into place.

I have seen in a few interviews you have had in the past, you have a young son. Does he want to grow up to be a bad ass like his dad LOL? Or would you steer him in a different direction?

I do not want my son to be a boxer. I want him to stay in school. Plus, he's into soccer so that makes me happy

Well thanks for taking some time out with us champ and on leaving Is there anything you would like to say to the readers of TopClassBoxing and your fight fans around the world?

To all the TopClassBoxing fans thanks for all your support, I plan to continue to give you more exciting fights in the future.

Again, thanks Paul for your time and supporting me and my endeavours. Best of luck to you too in all you do. Take care.

Interview conducted by: Paul Daley

Banner designed by: Wayne Wiliams

If you are involved in boxing in some way and have an interest in doing an Interview with us at TopClassBoxing. Please email me your name and email address to Paul@TopClassBoxing.co.uk.