Fight night for Bogere

What you need to know:

  • Boxing. Prior to his injury, Bogere was on track to getting one step closer to a Lightweight title shot, previously beating out Eduardo Florez by TKO the month before, in September 2016, and now he will look to seize this ‘roaring’ chance with both hands.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

Less than 12 hours before his much-ballyhooed return to the ring, Sharif ‘The Lion’ Bogere continues to downplay the significance of his return and the potential reaction he may receive at the Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, in Las Vegas tonight.
There’s never a bad time to watch Bogere fight. But taking to the ring tonight, against an enormously experienced Mexican fighter Jose Luis Rodriguez after one year sabbatical - during which he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in training camp last October - gives just about everyone a good reason to stay glued to their television sets, social media and boxing websites for live updates. When asked about his return after treatment, Bogere who is under Mayweather Promotions expressed excitement but seems completely unbothered by any potential backlash. “It’s just a prize-money fight,” he said. “I just feel a little nervous as any human would, but generally, I am okay and ready to do what I am good at, which is fighting to win,” said the former Ugandan Bomber.
“ I’ve been training and sparring with some really tough guys, and working on my balance and timing. I’m hungry! And when a lion is hungry you feed him!”

Experienced Rodriquez
Bogere, who has beaten all 12 of his previous Mexican opponents, comes to this fight full of vim and vigour after that intense one-month training camp ahead of this 10 round scheduled lightweight fight. “Rodriguez is a very experienced boxer who has fought strong and good fighters that’s why I am not taking him lightly. I will approach round by round with lots of caution as I implement the game plan my trainer has given me,” said Bogere.
The Mexican has won three of his four fights this year with the most previous, coming in form of a technical knockout against Saul Hermosillo last month.
Bogere’s manager Jimmy Alex who is pushing for a title fight early next year says; “This fight as well as one or two more is what we want Bogere to get under his belt.
“This will be crucial in helping to get him up in the lightweight ranks so that he can be a contender for a World title”.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Bogere vs. Rodriguez
29(20KOs) Record 22(13KOs)
-1- 0 10(10KOs) - 0
29 Age 30
5’6½ Height 5’ 7’
68’ Reach 69”
The Lion Alias La Boa
Orthodox Stance Orthodox

BOGERE’S JOURNEY

Comeback trail. Prior to his injury, Bogere was on track to getting one step closer to a Lightweight title shot, previously beating out Eduardo Florez by TKO the month before, in September 2016. Bogere’s aggressive fight style and quick technique helped him gain 20 victories by KO, out of his 29 wins. Bogere’s only defeat came in 2013 against Richar Abril when he fought for the WBA World Lightweight title.