Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez moved up two weight divisions on short notice and still won the WBC super flyweight title against former champion Carlos Cuadras on Saturday night in Phoenix, Arizona.
“That was a tough ass fight,” said Rodriguez. “He brought out a Jesse Rodriguez I didn’t know was in me. I’m so happy. I knew it was going to be a tough fight, he’s a true warrior, I thought I was going to get him out of there but he’s so strong.
“I stuck to the game plan, used my angles, but in the fifth round I knew he wasn’t going to go so I stayed composed and did my work.”
As for the future, Rodriguez stated, “I feel good at this weight so I will stay here for now but if I get a good fight at 108lbs or 112lbs, maybe I’ll get the winner of Chocolatito vs. Martinez, who knows? – I’m just open to the best fights.”
I’m super interested in what they decide to do, ultimately. Surely you don’t want to leave a title like that, but Rodriguez is probably too small to consistently compete with world class guys at 115. That being said, however, a lot of those guys are aging, so maybe as they age out, he’ll get older and naturally bigger as well. But he inherits Rungvisai as a #1 contender now and if SSR was landing some of those uppercuts and bodyshots that Cuadras was, Rodriguez would have had some serious problems.
Rodriguez looked excellent though. I think he’s the goods and about to be a star, multiple time, multiple weight world champion.
Yes. The division will change a lot in a few years. It looks like there is an interim title open in the division as well. When the dust settles on this fight the WBC needs to announce the SSR/Rodriguez title shot later this year with the winner getting the winner of Chocolatito/Martinez late 2022 or 2023. Another interesting possibility would be to pair the two covid struck fighters – Estrada and SSR – the third fight that was supposed to happen a few years ago.
I’m thinking that if Martinez beats Gonzalez, that would work out well for Rodriguez because Martinez is just moving up himself. That would have been a good fight at 112 too and if that does happen, it gives Martinez’ flyweight belt to Arroyo (presuming Martinez decides to stay at superfly), if I’m Rodriguez, I’m definitely interested in fighting 35 year old McWilliams Arroyo at 112 for that title.
Good points – especially the idea of Rodriquez dropping down for an Arroyo fight. He does have a lot of options.
Ridriguez is a bit taller than Rungvisai, JF Estrada, R Gonzalez, C Cuadras and some others top 115. IMO he should avoid Ancajas or Ioka, they are big and skilled.
He showed a lot of grit in a tough fight and he doesn’t have to move down in weight. As WBC champion at 115 lbs there will be plenty of action where he is.