PETERSON SET FOR RODRIQUEZ
Story and Photos By Jesse Kelley
9-10-09

Dave "The Prodigy" Peterson and Corey Rodriquez will meet this Saturday in a bout that gives each man the opportunity to show where they stand in the Minnesota boxing ranks. The matchup itself is unique in that it will be the first major test against another prospect for both fighters. At first glance, Peterson's 10-0 record would make him the favored fighter but the general feeling is that Rodriquez (4-0) is considered the slight favor due to his vast edge in amateur accomplishments and experience.
Going in as the underdog however does not affect Peterson. In fact, he says it drives him to be better.
" There are certain things going into this fight that have pushed me harder then I have ever pushed myself getting ready for a fight" said Peterson, who elected not to go into more detail on record. "I don't really care what people are saying, all I can do is show up to the ring and fight my fight."

Peterson has fought sporadically since turning pro in 2003 at the age of 16. Now 23, "The Prodigy"says he wants to up the number of fights and compete more often. In May, ironman Josh Rodriquez met Peterson in Duluth to end a year and a half absence from the ring for the Minnesotan. Peterson put on a dominant performance over six rounds, winning a unanimous decision.
"The easiest way to describe that fight would be that I was off for a year and a half so I didn't want to get too crazy. I wasn't in the ring so I wasn't really used to being in front of a crowd like that. It's something that you have to get used to again after a while. The plan was basically just to box him. Stay outside, box, and get used to being in front of the crowd again. It was kind of a warm up fight, a tune up. After about the third round I began to loosen up. My family was there, my brother was there who had never been to one of my fights. But yeah, it turned out to be a good fight for me."

Peterson quickly returned to Duluth in June to box an exciting exhibition bout with Northerner Jorey Olson.
"Those two fights have me feeling a lot more comfortable again. It's a lot like riding a bike. You never forget but you need a couple good fights to get back. I feel like I am back in the groove."

Both Peterson and Rodriquez seem ultra confident going into this Saturday's fight in Rochester. Rodriquez recently revealed his interest in fighting Peterson in an interview done with Minnesotaboxing.com a few months ago. In fact, Peterson's name has come up in discussions with other MN fighters as well recently.
" I don't care if these guys are talking about me because once we get in the ring, it's all going to be proven right there" said Peterson. "That's how I feel and that's how I have always been. Let's just see how everything happens in the ring. I am not one to talk until we get in there. And I feel like if I were to talk a bunch of crap I wouldn't be as confident in what I do. I just feel a lot more confident going in there and doing what I do the best that I can when I do my talking in the ring."

Peterson held true to form when asked again if he had any thoughts on some of the talk that has been said about him and his father/trainer in interviews or at the online boxing forums. The 23 year old declined to comment and reassured me that he doesn't get into the talking that some like to do. But this writer couldn't help but notice some tension as the humble fighter turned a few degrees warmer when the subject was brought up again.
"As far as the bad things that Corey has said, I have nothing bad to say about him. When we meet in the ring, I will say everything I need to say with my fists."

Peterson-Rodriquez is part of a five fight card that will also include amateur boxing bouts. The old Fleet Farm building (fight venue) is located on Highway 63 South. Coming from the cities, follow Hwy. 52 south to Hwy. 63 south. Take the first exit (40th street). Take a right and then another right onto the frontage road. Follow back (north) about a half mile. The building is on your left. The fights will be moved indoors in case of inclement weather.