Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez Goes For Flyweight World Title Saturday

Coming up Saturday night in San Antonio, TX, former WBC super flyweight champ  Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez returns to the ring for the first time in 2023.

This, as he aims to become a two-weight world champ by taking on Cristian Gonzalez for the vacant WBO flyweight title at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in the Matchroom Boxing main event that will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

FACE OFF 👀@210bam vs Cristian Gonzalez

👑 Vacant WBO World Flyweight Title#RodriguezGonzalez pic.twitter.com/QemCstG0Tz

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 6, 2023

And, while world champions don’t typically vacate their belt to move down in weight, Rodriguez, 17-0, 11 KOS, made clear to the media that he doesn’t see a problem,

“I have the opportunity on Saturday night to become San Antonio’s first two-weight World champion and that would make the night just that little more special,” Rodriguez said.

I would have been ready to fight at 115lbs as I entered camp on weight, I just came into camp more disciplined and a little more in shape coming into camp; I’ve had a ten-week camp away from my family, so I’ve sacrificed a lot and come Saturday night it’s going to show. After my last performance, people wrote me off, so I am ready to do what I do and I’m a different person in that ring.

All the belts, all the champions at 112lbs – that’s what I want. Let’s make these fights, give the fans what they want, so step up to the plate and make it happen.”

Rodriguez won the vacant WBC 115 lb. title with a dominant decision over Carlos Cuadras in February of 2022 becoming at that time boxing’s youngest world champ at just 22 years old. He defended it twice, including the decision in his last bout against Israel Gonzalez in Las Vegas last September that he referenced above.

On our latest “Big Fight Weekend Preview” podcast, hear our insider Dan Rafael give you more on why Rodriguez is choosing to move down in weight and what lies ahead, especially if he scores a convincing victory. You can hear the show by clicking play below,

As for Gonzalez, he’s 15-1 and has won his last nine bouts. The Mexican will be a formidable challenge for the young star Rodriguez, even though “Bam” is the heavy favorite.

We’ve studied him, we understand his qualities, we’ve worked hard in camp and as a Mexican I must give everything to try to become World champion on Saturday night,” Gonzalez said to the media.

Clearly, the stage is set for “Bam” Rodriguez to get a large bout at 112 lb., but now, we’ll see of dropping weight will matter that much in his quest to be world champion again or will it be another big night in the “Alamo City” on Saturday?