Exclusive Phumelela Cafu: ‘I Feel Like People Think I Can’t Beat Bam (Rodriguez)’

Driven by a strong sense of self-belief, Cafu has not been shy about his lofty ambitions within the division and the sport more generally. Although it has become cliche in modern boxing terminology, the phrase “the best should fight the best” has become the mantra by which he wishes to conduct business.

Not long after Cafu had arrived home, talks quickly turned from triumph to a first defence. Here, the names of The Ring’s current number five-ranked contender, Andrew Moloney, and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, an icon in the final stages of a legendary career in the lower weight classes, were first linked.

With both bouts falling flat, and with a growing eagerness to prove to all that his name belongs alongside boxing’s best, the offer to fight Rodriguez in his home state was one that simply could not be turned down.

“I’ve been saying that I want all of the best guys in the division because I believe I’m one of them,” Cafu said. “I want the challenges. I don’t want easy fights; I want the best fights. I just want to become the unified world champion, hopefully in the future become undisputed, before I move up.

“I was looking forward to fighting Gonzalez, because I believe Gonzalez is a legend, and has made it into the Hall of Fame already. So for me, beating Gonzalez already before going to Bam, I think could have made a lot of sense. (It) would prove that I’m one of the elite fighters.

“One day I’ll be gone. So when people look at me, they Google my name, and they look at my resume, they’ll be like, “Oh, this guy really fought the best guys.” That’s what I want.

“I’ll never duck anyone. We’re fighters, so we can’t always go looking for easy fights.”

Winning attitude aside, the magnitude of the task at hand is not lost on Cafu. In facing Rodriguez, perhaps boxing’s brightest young star, the Colin Nathan-trained fighter will have to overcome a combatant who pairs a proficiency in subtle angle changes with tenacious punching ability.

Similar to Cafu, the 25-year-old Rodriguez has grand ambitions and has already beaten a host of champions at both 112 and 115 pounds, laying the foundation. Moreover, preliminary plans are in place for Rodriguez to further unify titles later in the year against WBA champion Fernando “Puma” Martinez. Should he be successful on July 19, a meeting between the pair has been tentatively booked for November 22 in Saudi Arabia.

Just like in October, though, Cafu has his own plan, one that involves storming into enemy territory and burning the opponent’s blueprint. As his moniker suggests, he can see “The Truth” being revealed by his blazing left hooks and straight rights.

Now, it’s time for the masses to start believing too, just like the man in the mirror.

“I feel like people think I can’t beat Bam. I don’t blame them though because in the world ranks, I haven’t proven myself,” Cafu concluded. “I’ve only got 14 fights, Bam has got 21 fights. I’ve only got 14 fights and 3 draws, so I feel like people really underrate me.

“Bam” is a very good fighter, and I respect him. I feel like, from all the things I’ve seen on the socials, the way he talks about me, I feel like he also respects me. If you do not respect me and go into a fight night underestimating me, that could be very bad for him.

“I’m going there to shock the world again. I’m really proud of myself, and I know I can pull off an upset.”