Estrada Vs. Bam Rodriguez: Can Veteran Champion Catch Rising Star?

Juan Francisco Estrada will come out of a long fight to defend his WBC and Ring super flyweight titles against undefeated Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in a twelve-round main event this Saturday night, June 29, live on DAZN at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, E- Arizona. The event begins at 9:00 pm ET.

Estrada’s Latest Issues

This fight may come down to how much money Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) has left after 16 years in the lead. Estrada looked like a shadow of his former self when he last performed, and it seems that age has caught up with the old hero.

Estrada has not fared well since his 12-round split decision in his rematch with Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in March 2021. Estrada has looked washed out against Argi Cortes and Chocolatito Gonzalez in his two fights since.

Many fans believe that the judges in December 2022 in Glendale, Arizona, gave Estrada a gift decision in his trilogy match against Chocolatito. Chocolatito appeared to win the fight 10 rounds to 2 against the tough Estrada, who was not remotely competitive from the get-go.

This bout was more one-sided than their first in November 2012, which Chocolatito Gonzalez won by unanimous decision in 12 rounds. The trilogy fight told fans that the Nicaraguan-born Chocolatito wasn’t getting much love from the judges in Arizona against Estrada, who was in the thick of things.

If Estrada can’t step his game up a notch, Bam Rodriguez will unseat him on Saturday night, and the judges won’t be able to redeem the champion like they did to Chocolatito.

Bam Rodriguez Returns to 115

Bam Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) moves up to 115 after winning 112 IBF and WBO titles. With the flyweight division empty of top-level fights, Bam returns to 115 to challenge Estrada and the champion. Fernando Martinez, Kazuto Ioka, and Kosei Tanaka.

Undercard fights on Saturday:

• • Sunny Edwards vs. Adrian Curiel
  • Yamileth Mercado vs. Ramla Ali
  • Arturo Cardenas vs. Danny Barrio
  • Leonardo Rubalcava vs. William Flenoy
  • Fabian Rojo vs. Daniel Gonzalez
  • Gabriel Muratalla vs. Carlos Fontes

“I see myself as a complete boxer. I know how to go outside, I know how to press, I know how to box,” said Juan Francisco Estrada speaking to DAZN Boxing about what he will bring to his fight on Saturday night against Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. “I don’t think Bam will mention them.

“I think Bam Rodriguez must be willing to die because I’m willing to give everything in the ring, and this is a fight I’m not willing to let go of.” If it goes the distance, which I doubt, it will be the fight of the year.

“I just know that I will go out and do what I plan to do. People will see the best Bam Rodriguez so far,” said Bam. “I bring everything. I want my title back. Come June 29, just be ready and new. I’m ready for anything.

“Juan Francisco Estrada is a legend in this sport. He has been there for many years. He was a champion when I was young. Sharing the ring with him, it’s an honor, but come June 29, I’ll take over. I believe that a win against Estrada will put me at the top. I have already achieved it, I am one person,” said Bam.