Jesse Rodriguez vs. Phumelele Cafu: Preview & Betting Tips

“Bam” Rodriguez is one of the most complete boxers in the sport as we speak. He is a sharpshooting southpaw with very fast hands, he has good footwork, and elite ring IQ. On top of that, he has enough pop in his punches to end any fight in the lower divisions. All of this creates a recipe for success against fighters that love to come forward and apply pressure.

Cafu likes to mix up the way he fights; he can fight long and can fight at mid-range where he can apply pressure when needed. He punches with intent. He’s not heavily reliant on being a pressure fighter like Puma Martinez or Sor Rungvisai, which could play to his advantage against Bam’s slick style. While he doesn’t match Rodriguez’s polish or footwork, he’s physically stronger and certainly hits harder. 

The odds for this one are very wide and almost disrespectful to Cafu’s actual ability. Then again, Rodriguez has proven to everyone that he’s the one to beat in this division.

Rodriguez vs Cafu: Prediction & Betting Tips

Rodriguez’s style does seem particularly well-suited to neutralising aggression, which is part of why he made short work of opponents like Cuadras and Sor Rungvisai. However, Cafu isn’t anywhere near as reckless. 

Still, it’s hard to find areas where Cafu definitively has the edge other than power and height. Rodriguez has superior hand speed, combination punching, and experience in big fights. And it’s mainly “Bam’s” experience which I think can win him this fight, as he’s shown time and time again at just 25 that he has excellent composure.

There is no value in taking Rodriguez to win by stoppage. Instead, I’m looking at Jesse Rodriguez to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 5.50 as this has far more value than a KO/TKO win.