According to Dan Rafael via his Fight Freaks Unite Substack, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs), the unified WBO/IBF flyweight world champion is ready to move back up in weight to junior bantamweight, with his eyes firmly set on the WBC strap he previously vacated, which is now held by the lineal champion Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs). The report also details that Rodriguez has agreed to the fight.
‘Bam’ Rodriguez Agrees to Estrada Fight
History of ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Estrada
It appears “Bam” has agreed to the Estrada bout, with Rodriguez trainer and manager Robert Garcia telling Fight Freaks Unite: “It’s done on our side. I believe it’s very close on Estrada’s side.” He continued: “Looks like Glendale, Arizona, for Estrada’s WBC title.” It’s also revealed that the proposed fight would headline a Matchroom Boxing card on June 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Rodriguez has maintained that he only wants significant fights, which Garcia supported when he said: “That’s all ‘Bam’ wants. He wants the best fights out there for him.” “Bam” was last seen when he brutally stopped Sunny Edwards on December 16. He also possesses impressive wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez.
Estrada is a former unified flyweight champion who has been largely inactive, with only four fights since 2020. “El Gallo” has enjoyed an illustrious career with an epic trilogy against “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, which he is winning 2-1, two fights against Sor Rungvisai and a split decision win against Brian Viloria for the unified flyweight title.
Rodriguez vs. Estrada
Any potential fight between “Bam” and Estrada would be a fascinating contest pitting youth against experience. Rodriguez has remained fairly active, with three fights in 2022 and two in 2023, and will look to use his high punch output and accurate combinations to hurt his Mexican opponent. Estrada has the experience and know-how to win, with his methodical style ensuring he throws every punch with thought. Let’s see if these two stars will meet.
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