By Vince Dwriter: WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (16-0, 11 KOs) is a boxing star on the rise. He has a chance to make his star shine brighter on September 17 live on DAZN pay-per-view when he steps into the ring to defend his title against Israel Gonzalez (28-4-1, 11 KOs). at the co-main event. on the Canelo-GGG 3 card that will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A product of San Antonio, Texas, Bam Rodriguez made his professional boxing debut in March 2017. After winning his first fourteen pro bouts, Rodriguez would receive an offer he couldn’t refuse. He was set to fight Fernando Diaz as part of a DAZN card in February 2022 until Srisaket Sor Rungvisai had to pull out of the main event due to illness. When Rodriguez got the call, he was more than willing to step up for the biggest fight of his pro career.
In a five-day notice, the undefeated 22-year-old boxing prospect’s name was entered in the empty slot of the main event to face Carlos Cuadros for the vacant WBC super flyweight title. During the first rounds of the title fight, Rodríguez used his jab and fired body shots at Cuadros. In the third round, Bam used angles to get in position to land a right uppercut that sent Cuadros to the canvas.
During the second half of the title fight, Rodriguez took control of the match by knocking down Cuadros and landing sharp combinations. At the end of 12 rounds, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez earned a unanimous decision victory. Roughly four months after winning the WBC strap, Bam Rodriguez was back in the ring, making his first title defense against the hard-hitting Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.
By staying on the sidelines and using his boxing skills, Rodriguez put on a dominant performance. Bam kept Rungvisai off balance by using a diversified offensive attack consisting of angles, feints, a consistent jab and sharp combinations. Rodriguez scored a knockdown in the seventh round when he landed an overhand left hand, and then sealed the deal in the eighth round when he pinned Rungvisai against the ropes and hit him with a flurry of punches that forced the referee to step in and stop the punch. combat.
Immediately after Bam Rodriguez’s first successful title defense, Robert Garcia went to Eddie Hearn and asked Hearn to put Rodriguez on the Canelo-GGG 3 card. Initially, Hearn said he didn’t have room on the card, but then he would reconsider and add Rodriguez as a co-star. Being added to the trilogy card gives Rodriguez the chance to showcase his skills in front of a massive audience.
The time between Rodriguez’s last fight and his next fight is twelve weeks, and it’s a quick turnaround, but Bam Rodriguez is cognizant of the fact that the opportunity to perform on a big stage like the one he’s scheduled to fight equates to a chance. to take his notoriety and his boxing career to the next level.
“I feel like since my last two fights, I feel like I’m finally getting the recognition I deserve, and September 17 is the perfect platform to show that I’m the real deal.”
Robert Garcia has consistently stated that from a talent standpoint, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is the best fighter in his stable. On Saturday, September 17, Rodríguez will have the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of a huge crowd. During a recent interview with 210 Boxing TV, Rodriguez expressed his mindset going into the fight.
He knows that Israel Gonzalez is a strong opponent, but he is also aware of the fact that an impressive performance could help expand his fan base. “I know he is a tough fighter. He took Chocolatito twelve rounds, but I’m at the top of my game right now. I’m more confident than ever, and I think I’ll be able to make a statement and get him out of there early.”
