Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: Focused on Unification and Ascent
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez has set an ambitious goal: to dominate the super flyweight division before moving up to a new weight class. The boxer from San Antonio, Texas, has two crucial fights in his sights to solidify his legacy. Rodriguez’s first challenge is Fernando Daniel Martinez, in a fight for three world titles that will take place at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event is part of a stellar card that also includes high-caliber matchups such as David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde (light heavyweight) and Brian Norman vs. Devin Haney (welterweight), all with world titles at stake. Rodriguez, current WBC and WBO champion, with an undefeated record of 22-0 and 15 knockouts, comes to this fight after defeating Phumelela Cafu in the tenth round in July, managing to unify titles. At 25 years old, he is ranked number 5 in the pound-for-pound best list. His opponent, Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the current WBA champion and has defended his title four times. If Rodriguez manages to defeat Martinez, he will only need one belt to achieve his goal of being the undisputed champion at 115 pounds. IBF champion Willibaldo Garcia (23-6-2, 13 KOs), from Mexico, will defend his title against Kenshiro Teraji in Saudi Arabia on December 25.Rodriguez claims he has a maximum of two more fights in the super flyweight division before moving up.The goal is to be undisputed. If I move past Martinez, there’s only one belt left, so I’m very close to achieving it.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
The boxer is confident that his team will be able to finalize the undisputed title fight against the IBF champion.I will have two more fights maximum at super flyweight and then I will move up. So this one and one more to be undisputed.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
Rodriguez acknowledges Martinez’s quality as a relentless rival, but feels prepared for the challenge. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of being part of such a prestigious card.I feel that the fight for the undisputed championship [against the IBF champion] can be made, I have Matchroom and my whole team behind me, they will make that fight happen, I have full confidence that it will happen.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
This will be Rodriguez’s third defense of the title in the super flyweight division, after having unified the world titles in flyweight. Rodriguez considers the possibility of competing in featherweight (126 pounds) and mentions Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani as possible rivals in the future.Martínez is a good fighter, he is very relentless and doesn’t stop throwing punches, but I’m more than ready for him. Having all these fighters on the same card on Saturday is incredible and being a part of it is really exciting, it’s only good for the sport of boxing.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
Rodriguez also expresses his interest in fighting in Japan in the future.We’ve talked about 126 pounds, that would be the maximum, I’m not sure I can go further, only time will tell, but I think I’ll end my career at 126.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez
