PHOTOS: A Look Back at Lydell Rhodes’ Training Camp Ahead of High-Stakes Clash With Jason Sosa

Lydell Rhodes and trainer Danny Garcia inside of the Pound 4 Pound Boxing Gym in Las Vegas (Photo: Hustle B0ss)

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By Chris Robinson

It’s about that time again for Lydell Rhodes.

Rhodes (27-3-1, 13 KO’s) returns to the ring this weekend against former junior lightweight champion champion Jason Sosa (22-3-4, 15 KO’s) in the main event of an ESPN + card from the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. Rhodes vs. Sosa was originally set as the co-feature bout, but the match has since taken center stage after Carl Frampton had to withdraw from his scheduled matchup vs. Emmanuel Dominguez after a freak injury.

While in Las Vegas last month for the Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, we swung by the Pound 4 Pound Boxing Gym to catch up with Rhodes as his camp was winding down. Rhodes is now working with trainer Danny Garcia, known to those in the Vegas area for his work with local fan favorite Jesus “Chuy” Gutierrez in recent years, and he could be seen guiding the Oklahoma native as he wrapped up a day of training with some sparring and drills.

Rhodes recently signed an exclusive deal with Top Rank, with the Sosa fight being his first under their banner.

“We’ve got a big fight with Jason Sosa, ex-world champion, and we’re looking to go out there and dominate, and hopefully that leads to a title shot within the next year,” Rhodes told Hustle Boss. “We’re dropping back down to 130 and we’re ready to take over.”

Asked for his opinion of Sosa, Rhodes did make sure to give his respect.

“A puncher and relentless,” Rhodes said. “He comes to fight, in shape. And dude is strong as f*ck. Anybody with that combination is going to be a hard fight, but we are in dog shape, and this came up, and we jumped at the opportunity.”

Top Rank has a bevy of fighters at or near the 130-pound class, and a win over Sosa would certainly lead to bigger things for Rhodes.

Check below for more photos.

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Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com

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