THE FACTS
Where is Reymart Gaballo vs Emmanuel Rodriguez taking place? Mohegan Sun Casino, Connecticut, USA
When is Reymart Gaballo vs Emmanuel Rodriguez on and what time does it start? Sunday 20th December, 2020 – 03:00 (UK)
What channel is Reymart Gaballo vs Emmanuel Rodriguez on? This event will be shown live on Premier Sports
Where can I stream Reymart Gaballo vs Emmanuel Rodriguez? Premier Sports subscribers will be able to stream the event live via Premier Player and Box Nation will also stream the event
Where can I get tickets for Reymart Gaballo vs Emmanuel Rodriguez? Tickets are not available for this event
THE LOWDOWN
Reymart Gaballo (23-0) has been handed a late opportunity to come into this fight following Nonito Donaire’s withdrawal and he will be desperate to make his opportunity count in this bout for the interim WBC world bantamweight title. The unbeaten Philippine does not have too many scalps to his name despite not yet suffering a loss in his career and in what will be his first fight in a year out of the ring, he has plenty to prove here.
Emmanuel Rodriguez (19-1) will be equally keen to prove his credentials after surrendering his IBF world bantamweight title in his last fight with Naoya Inoue. That came back in May 2019 so he too has had to wait plenty of time to get back into the ring. He has also had to deal with this late change of opponent but in theory, he should be in better condition and he also boasts some big-fight experience having seen off Paul Butler and Jason Moloney on the scorecards in his two most recent victories.
THE PREDICTION
Rodriguez was handed an early defeat against Naoya Inoue in his last bout which saw him lose his IBF title and in what was the first loss of his career, he will be eager to put that behind him. Gaballo could prove to be an dangerous opponent having amassed 20 KOs in his 23 fights but this is undoubtedly a step up for him. Most of his fights have been nowhere near this level and in Rodriguez, he faces a strong opponent who has shown he has what it takes to go the distance in some big fights. The pair matchup nicely and while Rodriguez is favourite, the underdog makes appeal here. His power could pose problems for the Puerto Rican and having been KO’d in his last fight, that may just linger in his thoughts. If the fight does go the distance, Rodriguez will believe he can outbox his opponent to take it on the scorecards but Gaballo could spring a shock and end this one early to really announce himself in the division.
Prediction: Gaballo to win by KO/TKO