Jesse Rodriguez to Kickoff Flyweight Campaign Against Cristian Gonzalez!
As 3Kings Boxing reported, one-time WBC super flyweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KO’s) vacated his title as he moved down to flyweight. Once there, it was thought he might square-up with WBC 112-pound champion Julio Cesar Martinez. There was also a belief Bam might compete for WBO flyweight champion Junto Nakatani’s (23-0, 18 KO’s) vacated title down the line. This notion was based upon Nakatani’s exodus from the division. Now, TalkSport has reported Rodriguez’s next definitive opponent to be Cristian “El Chicharito” Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KO’s).
Rodriguez’s name is still ringing loudly in boxing circles, having dominated in back-to-back victories when previously expected to lose. First he defeated Carlos Cuadras to claim the vacant WBC super flyweight title. Next was an even more impressive stoppage win over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. He followed Rungvisai with a solid performance over Israel Gonzalez. Now we shall see what fortune, or peril, awaits him in the flyweight division.
JUST WARMING UP
Gonzalez will be something of an unknown product in terms of American audiences. This is due to El Chicharito having staged all sixteen of his professional fights in his native Mexico. Along with his general obscurity, a brief perusal of his resume will show that he fought anything but world beaters or the crème of the crop.
In fact, in his last match and only fight of the year, his opponent, Juan Alejo, sported a resume of 25-10-1, 14 KO’s. Therefore, this first match at flyweight looks to be little more than one-part stay busy, one-part get acclimated to the new weight. So let’s see what happens when Bam collides with Gonzalez on fight night. But, Rodrigues knows better than anyone that it’s not a good idea to sleep on an underdog!
By: Bakari Simpson
