Antonio Vargas vs. Jesse Rodríguez press conference quotes and fight prediction

Antonio Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs, 1 NC) will soon put his WBA bantamweight world title at stake against Jesse “Bam” Rodríguez (23-0, 16 KOs).

Their bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN.

Both men spoke at a press conference ahead of their June 13 clash. Below is some of what they had to say.

Antonio Vargas vs. Jesse Rodríguez press conference quotes

Antonio Vargas

“I haven’t really been paying too much attention to [the talk of Rodríguez fighting Naoya Inoue],” said Vargas. “I’m just focused on ‘Bam’ right now. I know after I beat him it’ll open up so many more doors for me. I’m tunnel vision right now. I’m just focused. I eat, sleep, focus on this fight to get this win and get that out the way and then whatever comes after that, comes.”

“I’m really excited. I’ve trained my whole life for this moment. I believe this will be one of many more moments to come so I’m prepared. I want to give the fights a good fan [sic]. Fighting one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing right now. So I’m really excited to put a good performance on for the fans.”

Jesse Rodríguez

“Always ready to go,” said Rodríguez. “Always 100 per cent ready mentally, physically. This is just another step in my career. I’ve been training just as hard as any fight. I never look past any opponent. I know each opponent is coming to take what I have, but I make sure that doesn’t happen. Every time I step inside the gym I give 110 per cent and I’m just ready to go out there and give the fans a great fight.”

“Constantly, always trying to challenge myself. I mean, if it’s not a world title fight then it really doesn’t interest me or even if it’s just a simple defence. It really doesn’t interest me or get me going inside the gym. So when I got the opportunity to fight Antonio Vargas for another world title in another weight division, I was on goal right away. Antonio Vargas, he’s an Olympian, he’s a world champion and so the fact that I’m able to move up to a new weight class and that be my first fight, it means everything to me and I’m ready to go out there and capture the moment.”

Fight prediction

From Big Fight Weekend’s Ricky Carroll: Vargas is tough; no one can doubt that. He has strong footwork and high resilience, ensuring he stays competitive in his fights. He’s a problem on the outside and inside for his opponents. Everything he’s ever said and what we know means Vargas will believe he can become the first fighter to beat Rodríguez.

“Bam” has proven he carries plenty of power. His lateral movement is exceptional, often helping him pivot away from danger and create angles for his own attacks. Rodríguez is difficult to pin down because his movement is so swift, and his guard is consistently high. He puts his punches together impressively, and we are backing “Bam” to wear the champion down and get a late-round stoppage to become the new WBA bantamweight champion.

Full press conference

For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.

Featured Image Credit

Zachariah Delgado – Matchroom Boxing