Bam Rodriguez clarifies his future at 115 pounds before bantamweight opportunity

On June 13, at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Jesse Bam Rodriguez will move up to challenge Antonio Vargas for his WBA bantamweight title, live on DAZN. The entire card will be promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions. Bam has appeared on the Big Fight Weekend podcast, speaking to Dan Rafael, where he clarified his future at 115 pounds.

Jesse Bam Rodriguez set to challenge Antonio Vargas

Bam Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) has dazzled throughout his professional career, defeating Sunny Edwards to unify the flyweight division. He has also recorded impressive wins over Carlos Cuadras, Juan Francisco Estrada, Pedro Guevara, and Phumelele Cafu. In his most recent outing, he was imperious, as he outboxed and knocked out Fernando Martinez to win the WBA super flyweight title. It soon became apparent that Bam would be unable to challenge Willibaldo Garcia, with a rematch between him and Rene Calixto ordered by the IBF.

Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) has been elevated to the full champion for the second time, having landed the interim title in December 2024 against Winston Guerrero. He was then elevated before defending the title against Daigo Higa in July, with their fight ending in a draw. He then became champion in recess after a fight with former champion Seiya Tsutsumi was postponed for a third time. The Japanese fighter has now been placed in the same position after being unable to face Vargas on the fourth attempt, with Vargas once again elevated. 

This chain of events has led to Bam stepping up to face Vargas for a title at 118 pounds.

To hear Dan Rafael’s full interview with Jesse Bam Rodriguez, click the play button below.

Jesse Bam Rodriguez clarifies his future at 115 pounds

Bam currently holds the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine titles at super flyweight, with many wondering if he would indeed go back down after the Vargas fight, should the opportunity for undisputed arise. However, speaking to Dan Rafael, Bam spoke on his disappointment at the Willibaldo Garcia fight not happening: “I would say it’s a little frustrating, but it’s out of my control, really.

“Like you said, he had his opportunity to do his mandatory or his voluntary defence. That was the goal to become undisputed. We were one belt away, but obviously, politics got involved, and it didn’t go that way. Like I said, it’s out of my hands, not much I can do about it, but go into the next fight, and go for another world title.”

Bam was asked later in the interview whether he would consider a move back to the super flyweight division for a shot at undisputed, regardless of what happens on June 13 against Vargas:

“Honestly, no. That’s out the window. I have bigger accomplishments I want to go out there and accomplish. So, I believe I’m finished with the 115 division.”

With Bam’s time at 115 done, it feels like we are getting closer to Naoya Inoue vs Jesse Bam Rodriguez.

Featured Image Credit:

Ed Mulholland/Matchroom