Antonio Vargas vs Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez: Teddy Atlas weighs in

On June 13, at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Antonio Vargas vs Bam Rodriguez headlines a Matchroom Boxing card, live on DAZN. The event will be promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions. Renowned boxing trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas has broken down the fight, revealing his pick via The Ropes community.

Antonio Vargas vs Bam Rodriguez to headline in Arizona

Jesse Bam Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) has elevated himself onto many pound-for-pound lists, with his career progressing at a rapid rate, following his win against Sunny Edwards to unify the flyweight division.

Bam’s most recent outing saw him dominate Fernando Martinez to win the WBA super flyweight title. His team attempted to make an undisputed fight against Willibaldo Garcia, but he lost his IBF title to Andrew Moloney this past weekend.

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. The 29-year-old Houston native was elevated to the full champion status before defending the title against Daigo Higa in July, with their fight ending in a draw. 

Vargas 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 to being the full champion.

Antonio Vargas vs Bam Rodriguez: Teddy Atlas has his say

Summarising Antonio Vargas vs Bam Rodriguez, and revealing his prediction for June 13, Atlas wrote:

“It will be exciting while it lasts. Vargas is very game and talented, but Rodriguez is a pound-for-pound champion for a reason. He is patient and accurate and will find a hole in Vargas’ attack. Timing him as he punches, and although Vargas has gotten off the floor to win before, he won’t survive against a great finisher who places punches well.”

Atlas concluded with his prediction: “I like Vargas very much – he has talent and his heart, and he can have moments, but he has been on the floor before, and with Rodriguez, he knows how to finish you. I see a competitive fight until Rodriguez times him and hurts him.” 

Featured Image Credit:

@DAZNBoxing