Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez’s Upcoming Title Defense
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is set to defend his WBC junior bantamweight championship against WBO titleholder Phumelela Cafu this Saturday in Texas, marking a significant milestone in his boxing career. Rodriguez, who hails from San Antonio, first graced the stage of the Ford Center at The Star back in February 2020, when he was a fresh-faced 20-year-old competing during a card headlined by Mikey Garcia’s victory over Jessie Vargas. At that time, he recalled the atmosphere being lackluster, with only around 30 fans present to witness his ring debut—a far cry from the anticipated 12,000-strong crowd expected for his upcoming bout.
“It’s surreal to think about how much I’ve grown since that night. Back then, I was just trying to get my name out there; they even misspelled it on the poster!”
Rodriguez remarked, reflecting on his journey from obscurity to rising star in the boxing world. Currently boasting an undefeated record of 21 wins and 14 knockouts, Rodriguez stands as Uncrowned’s No. 5 pound-for-pound fighter, a stark contrast to the early days of his career.
Significance of the Upcoming Fight
This upcoming fight represents a major evolution in Rodriguez’s trajectory. With the stakes high, he is not only defending his titles but also bringing his box office appeal to the forefront. The last time he fought in Texas was more than two years ago, and the enthusiasm around this event signifies a growing fanbase.
“It’s incredible to see how the fans are rallying behind me,” he said. “I have so many supporters coming here from San Antonio, and I’m excited to deliver a great fight.”
Rodriguez’s career has been remarkable, with Saturday’s match being his eighth in a row against a champion or former champion. It all began in February 2022 when Rodriguez claimed the WBC junior bantamweight title, stepping in at the last minute to face Carlos Cuadras. His return to the junior bantamweight scene saw further success, including a headline fight in San Antonio where he dismantled former champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai amidst a roaring crowd.
Rodriguez’s ascent continued as he claimed another title by defeating Cristian Gonzalez for the vacant WBO flyweight championship, although he faced adversity when he suffered a broken jaw during their matchup. Despite this setback, he went on to unify titles against Sunny Edwards in a memorable fight late last year, transitioning from contender to one of the sport’s elite.
Focus on the Present
Amidst this backdrop of triumph, Rodriguez is acutely aware of the challenge Cafu presents. This fight is critical—not just for his current title defense but also as a stepping stone towards another potential bout against Fernando “Pumita” Rodriguez, the WBA titlist, scheduled for later this year in Riyadh. While future fights are tempting, Rodriguez emphasizes his focus on the present, stating he doesn’t wish to overlook Cafu.
As he prepares to step into the ring this weekend, Rodriguez dreams of one day headlining a major fight at the Alamodome in his hometown, a symbol of his journey from a quiet arena with scant support to a celebrated champion wielding significant influence in the sport.
“Going from fighting in front of almost nobody to potentially selling out a 73,000-seat venue is something I can hardly imagine,” he shared. “But that’s the dream. For now, it’s about winning on Saturday and continuing my journey.”
