Eddy Reynoso has heard and seen his name dragged through the mud to the point that he decided the time had come to take action.
Reynoso, a two-time Trainer of the Year – best known for his career-long work with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez – understandably took exception to his name being linked to yet another drug-testing scandal. The accused in question this time is Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez, who tested positive for a banned substance following his June 21 upset win over unbeaten Galal Yafai in Birmingham, England.
Mexico’s Rodriguez – a former unified strawweight titlist – claimed the WBC interim flyweight title with the win. He sported “No Boxing, No Life” branding on his ring attire as part of a sponsorship deal with the company founded by Reynoso. The link has been misconstrued by some as Rodriguez being guided by Reynoso, who chose to directly address the issue.
“Given the recent comments and speculations about my relationship with boxer Francisco ‘Chihuas’ Rodriguez, it is pertinent to make the following clear,” Reynoso said in a public statement. “First and foremost, I am not Francisco’s coach or manager, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person just yesterday. The support he was given was through the promotion and sponsorship of the No Boxing, No Life brand, who arranged three fights with [promoter] Clase y Talento to try to support him in achieving a championship fight.
“I have dedicated almost my entire life to boxing because it is my passion and reason for being. Everything I have achieved has been through sacrifice, discipline and dedication. In the way we supported Francisco, we have supported many fighters and we will continue to do so [as long as] God allows us to.”
Speculation of Reynoso’s influence on Rodriguez’s career grew after Rodriguez posted on Instagram a picture of the two standing together in a gym, holding Rodriguez’s newly won belt.
“Thank God for putting me on the right path,” Rodriguez said on the social media post. “Mr. Eddy Reynoso, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to believe when no one else did. I will be grateful to you all my life.
“[L]et’s go for the 4 title[s] with God’s favor. [It’s] a[n] honor to be part of your team. #NBNL Management (Don’t be afraid to start over, you may like your story better).”
Reynoso was appreciative of the kind words – but not so much the public reaction accusing him of wrongdoing.
“I consider it unfair that for appearing in a photo supporting [Francisco] Rodriguez, they want to hold me responsible for situations outside of my work,” stated Reynoso.
“Regarding the positive test result in his recent fight, it will be Francsico who will have to make the pertinent clarifications regarding the same. I had no participation of any kind in that fight, nor was I present at it, therefore I will not comment on it. To Francisco, all our support and that he may overcome this obstacle.”
News of Rodriguez’s positive test result resurrected a running smear campaign against Reynoso, citing all of the fighters who have both worked with him and have tested positive for a banned substance.
Two of the fighters – Ryan Garcia and Luis Nery – were not with Reynoso when they were caught. Rodriguez is now the only fighter on the trolling list who didn’t train with him at all.
However, four fighters have – Alvarez, Oscar Valdez, Julio Cesar Martinez and, most recently, Jaime Munguia.
Reynoso was similarly targeted after Munguia tested positive following his May 4 win over prior conqueror Bruno Surace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Munguia decided to make the switch to Reynoso’s camp shortly after his knockout defeat to Surace, which took place last December 14 in his hometown of Tijuana, Mexico.
Munguia and his team continue to work with those investigating the matter, and have also gone on record in the best effort to absolve Reynoso of any wrongdoing. The statement came after Reynoso noted that his role in Munguia’s camp was strictly that of trainer – a stance he felt the need to once again clarify in distancing himself from Rodriguez’s case.
“In my position as a trainer or manager, I have nothing to do with my fighters’ nutrition plans,” noted Reynoso. “I don’t cook for the fighters, I don’t buy their food, I don’t give them supplements, I don’t recommend supplements and I certainly don’t give them banned substances.
“I support drug testing and clean boxing, and I hope that everyone I work with shares the same values. I am very grateful to the professional media that have investigate[d] in depth and that have reported the facts about me.”
