Jesse Rodríguez vs. Phumelela Cafu: Press Conference Quotes and Fight Prediction

Jesse Rodríguez (21-0, 14 KOs) and Phumelela Cafu (11-0-3, 8 KOs) will soon clash in a bid to become a unified super flyweight champion.

Their bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card in the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN. Rodríguez will be putting his WBC super flyweight world title on the line. Cafu’s WBO belt will also be at stake.

Ahead of their July 19 contest, both men spoke at a press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.

Jesse Rodríguez vs. Phumelela Cafu Press Conference Quotes

Jesse Rodríguez

“The big fights are all I want at this point,” said “Bam” Rodríguez. “Like I said before, no tune-ups. Give me the champions right away. But, just going back to the first time I fought here back in 2020, I was the first fight on the card and my name wasn’t even spelt right on the fight poster. So, that just goes to show how much I’ve done in the sport, how far I’ve come and how my hard work has paid off. So, I’m just very blessed, very grateful to be here and come Saturday night, it’s going to be another performance like the past ones.”

Read More: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez Dominates Pedro Guevara in Philly

Phumelela Cafu

“I’m ready for this fight,” said Cafu. “This is everything that I’ve ever dreamed of. Fighting a guy like Bam. I’ve been saying that I want to fight the best guys in the division and I know to a lot of people this fight doesn’t make sense. That’s why I wanted the [Román] González fight first. Then, Bam would be next. But, unfortunately, that fight didn’t happen and I get to fight Bam…He’s a very good fighter and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. So, all thanks to him. Thanks to you Mr. Eddie [Hearn]. Come Saturday night, Everybody’s going to see how great I am.”

Read More: Phumelela Cafu Drops, Earns Split Decision Win Against Kosei Tanaka

Fight Prediction

“Bam” is hands down one of the most talented fighters in the world. He is heavily favoured to defeat Cafu. While Rodríguez will have to be wary of the South African’s power, he has shown in the past that he can take a punch. Juan Francisco Estrada may have scored a knockdown against “Bam,” but otherwise, he was getting outboxed and was eventually stopped by the current WBC champion. Expect Rodríguez to dominate Cafu and eventually get the stoppage within eight rounds on July 19.

Full Press Conference

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