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WBO junior bantamweight champion Phumelele Cafu is not only looking to prove all the doubters wrong, but he's also looking put South Africa on the map July 19th.

Cafu is set to face WBC and Ring Magazine champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez at The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, Rodriguez's home state.

This will be the South African's biggest fight to date and arguably the toughest fight of his career. Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) is currently the top ranked boxer at 115 lbs and is currently No. 7 on the Ring Magazine's pound-for-pound list. Cafu is currently the No. 3 ranked junior bantamweight according to the Ring. Even though "Bam" is highly rated and his hype is at an all-time high, Cafu told KO on SI that he's looking to shock the world.

"When I face Bam, I want to face him at his best. Cause when I beat him, I want to know that I beat Bam in his prime. I don't want it to feel like an off day."Cafu told KO on SI

July 19th is not only a chance for Cafu to become a unified champion at junior bantamweight, but it's a culmination of the life journey that he's has been on. Following in his father's path, Cafu starting to take boxing seriously at the age of 16, after watching some videos of Floyd Mayweather and his lifestyle.

Fast forward to 2025, he is now South Africa's only world champion currently in boxing. And heading into this fight with Rodriguez, Cafu is looking to leave a lasting legacy not only in the sport but his country as well.

"I still have a lot to prove. I believe I do have what it takes to be one of the greatest boxers in South Africa. So, I'm heading there."Cafu told KO on SI

Rodriguez-Cafu is expected to be streamed on DAZN with Matchroom Boxing, Rodriguez's promoter.

This article first appeared on KO on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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