Monday 28 May 2018 15:38, UK
Emmanuel Rodriguez has vowed to prove he is the best bantamweight in the world by winning the World Boxing Super Series.
The IBF champion has signed up for the second series of the knockout tournament and will be part of a star-studded line-up including all three of the divisions' other world champions in Zolani Tete (WBO), Ryan Burnett (WBA 'Super') and, latest addition, Naoya Inoue (WBA 'regular').
The ultimate goal is to become the best in the world and beat the best fighters.
The unbeaten Puerto Rican delivered a dazzling performance to beat Paul Butler in London earlier this month and, after claiming the IBF belt, Rodriguez is now determined to unify the division.
"It was a dream to fight for a world title, it's something I've waited to do for a long time", 'Manny' exclusively told Sky Sports.
"I knocked Butler down twice in the first round but he showed good resistance to come back.
"I came to London to win a world title and that's what I done, I loved fighting in the UK and was treated very well - hopefully, I can come back.
"The goal now is to win this tournament, that's my next ambition."
Rodriguez, Burnett, Tete and Inoue are the only four fighters currently signed up for the eight-man tournament, but each fighter brings world honours to the occasion.
The WBC belt is the only missing major title and is currently vacant, with Tassana Sanpattan of Thailand and France's Nordine Oubaali scheduled to fight for it on June 23.
"I am here to win and that's all I'm thinking about," Rodriguez continued.
"The ultimate goal is to become the best in the world and beat the best fighters.
"There are four world champions signed up already so the quality is of the highest level.
"We are all at quite a similar point in our careers so it's great to finally find out who really is the best at 118lbs."
