WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is relishing his role as the co-main attraction to the trilogy blockbuster between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night, as he defends his world title against Israel Gonzalez.
The 22-year-old Rodriguez (16-0 11 KOs) became the youngest active world champion in February, stepping in late to defeat Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC strap in Phoenix. Then he stopped Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds.
“I don’t feel pressure because I feel I was born for this,” said Rodriguez. “I belong on these big stages, it’s where I feel comfortable. Headlining in San Antonio, co-main to Canelo-GGG III, this is where I want to be, it’s been part of the plan and it’s great to see it play out. There’s expectation on me, all eyes are on me, I know that I need to perform at my best but that excites me.
“Canelo is the face of boxing so to be the curtain raiser for that fight is amazing, so many fans are going to be able to see what I can do. I’m only 22 so to be doing the things that I am doing, beating Carlos and Rungvisai, two of the four kings at Super-Fly, I never look back and feel I need to appreciate what I do, but I do downplay what I do because I’m a humble guy.
“I’m right where I need to be, it’s just the beginning and the sky is the limit for me. I can’t tell you how far I can go because I don’t know how to stop. I want to be one of those fighters that 20 years from now, people say; ‘remember Bam Rodriguez, he was a bad dude’. One of those legends.
“I feel like I’m getting the recognition that I deserve, and Saturday is the perfect platform to show everybody that I am the real deal.”
Bam is an exciting fighter to watch and expecting him to stay undefeated for quite a while
I read Estrada – Chocolatito 3 was going to be in December. Bam — presuming he beats Gonzalez — might be the biggest fight for the winner. If he comes out in at 23 (or at any age really), having beaten 3 of the 4 ‘Superflys’, that is an amazing accomplishment.
Absolutely. This young lion is catching the old cadre at the right time. Estrada seemed to struggle in his last outing and Gonzalez has many fights behind him. When these two meet again it will likely be another war of attrition. The winner will be battle worn indeed and will likely have to face the young lion. I would favor Bam – especially with the way he handled Rungvisai – a fighter that gave Estrada and Gonzalez all they could handle.
Bam vs inoue, he could still go for gonzalez or estrada but, this dudes are going to be worn out after their 3rd fight and not really much left in their tanks to take on young lions! A prime monster vs a prime bam should be next in line! Definetely a great match to be on the look out for 2923.
Timing is everything in this sport! Should Bam fight the winner of Estrada-Chocolatito and win, having all the heads of the 4 Kings is quite the accomplishment!! Hope he makes great purses along the way too!!
Bam looks sweet in there. Great balance and great variety of punches. Classy boxer. Reminds me of a young Fernando Vargas the way he showed tact, poise, and confidence beyond his years. Weird ability to get just out of range of punches. Def has that it factor. You can tell his camp has utmost confidence in him.