Two successful defenses of the title were made, until a loss to Kostya Tszyu in 1995. Later that year Rodríguez challenged WBC welterweight champion Pernell Whitaker, but lost via knockout.
Two strong title defenses were mounted, until a defeat to Kostya Tszyu in 1995. Later that year Rodríguez took on WBC welterweight champion Pernell Whitaker, but was knocked out.