Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez has set a goal to clear out the junior bantamweight division within two fights before moving up to the next weight class. The San Antonio-based fighter is set to face Fernando Daniel Martinez for three world titles at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event will also feature world title bouts such as David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde in the light heavyweight division and Brian Norman vs. Devin Haney in the welterweight division.
Currently holding the WBC and WBO titles, 25-year-old Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs) captured his second belt by defeating Phumelela Cafu in July and is ranked among ESPN’s Pound-for-Pound best. His opponent, 34-year-old Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs) from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the WBA champion, ranked fifth, and has successfully defended his title four times.
If Bam wins against Martinez, he will need to secure just one more belt to become the undisputed 115-pound champion. That remaining IBF title is held by Willibaldo Garcia, who will fight Kenshiro Terachi on December 25 in Saudi Arabia.
“The goal is undisputed,” Bam said in an interview with ESPN. “If I get past Martinez, there’s only one belt left, so I’m pretty close to achieving that.” He added that after two more fights at junior bantamweight, he plans to move up in weight, aiming for a potential showdown with the IBF champion, confident that his team will make it happen.
Rodriguez described Martinez as a relentless fighter but feels well-prepared. He expressed excitement about the high-profile card and its positive impact on boxing.
This upcoming match will be Bam’s third defense at junior bantamweight following his world title unification at flyweight. He envisions competing up to featherweight (126 pounds) and anticipates rivalries with champions like Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani.
“I think my career will end at 126 pounds,” Rodriguez said. “An Inoue vs. Nakatani fight will definitely happen someday. It would be a great match, and whoever lands first will win.” He also expressed his fondness for Japan, noting his enjoyment of fighting there and the support from fans.
Fan Take: This series of fights could significantly reshape the junior bantamweight division and set the stage for thrilling matchups at featherweight, escalating global interest in boxing. Rodriguez’s pursuit of undisputed status highlights the sport’s evolving competitive landscape, promising unforgettable moments for fight fans worldwide.
