Edwin Rodriguez doesn't make weight for Andre Ward fight

Edwin Rodriguez weighed two pounds overweight at Friday's weigh-in. (Alexis Cuarezma/Getty Images)

Super middleweight contender Edwin Rodriguez could not make weight for Saturday’s scheduled fight against Andre Ward. On Friday, Rodriguez weighed in at 170-pounds -- two over the limit -- and did not weigh in again. Rodriguez will be docked a percentage of his $1 million purse and is ineligible to win the WBA title.

Rodriguez will be fined $200,000 and must not weigh heavier than 180-pounds on Saturday.

It’s a disappointing -- and embarrassing -- development for Rodriguez (24-0), who last fought in July. The fight with Ward (26-0) represents the biggest fight and largest purse of his career. Throughout the promotion, Rodriguez repeatedly expressed that he was ready for this fight.

“Mentally I’m prepared and I’m ready,” Rodriguez said on a recent conference call. “I understand that Andre Ward is at a whole different level, but I have proof that I’m also at a different level. I do understand that Andre Ward is undefeated, but so am I. He has to figure me out just as much as I got to figure him out. I’m not worried about all the hype. I’m ready.”

Apparently, Rodriguez is not.

-- CHRIS MANNIX