Robert Garcia Calls On Juan Francisco Estrada to Face Jesse Rodriguez
A rivalry is starting to develop between multi-divisional world champion Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) and one-time WBC junior bantamweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs). If Team Rodriguez had it their way, they would love to settle things in the ring, the sooner the better.
NOT BELIEVING THE HYPE
The first shot across the bow came from “El Gallo”. During an interview with the media source EL BOXGLERO, the 32-year-old said he respects Rodriguez but feels that Bam not is the great fighter that others claim him to be. That assessment of Rodriguez was based on Bam’s last outing, a hard-fought decision victory over Israel Gonzalez in September 2022.
In that fight, Rodriguez had some early rough moments before pulling away in the second half of the bout to get the victory. Estrada and Gonzalez are friends and have previously sparred. El Gallo contends that Gonzalez exposed some flaws in Rodriguez.
FEELING DISRESPECTED
Those comments have infuriated the Rodriguez camp. Upon hearing what Estrada had to say, Rodriguez’s trainer, Robert Garcia, posted the following on social media.
Rodriguez had a breakthrough year in 2022. The 23-year-old captured his first world title, defeating Carlos Cuadras by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBC 115-pound strap in February 2022.
Bam twice defended the title before deciding to vacate and move to 112 pounds. He’s set to face Christian Hernandez for the vacant WBO flyweight title on April 8. Estrada has been idle since capturing a majority decision win in his trilogy match with rival and future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez in December 2022.
PREVIOUSLY BEEN DISCUSSED
While Rodriguez is going back down in weight, it’s clear that they are more than ready to go back to 115, if it means facing Estrada. It’s a fight that would greatly excite fans of the lower-weight divisions. On paper, it’s a fantastic matchup of highly skilled fighters. You would have the ultimate battle between the grizzled vet versus one of the best young guns in the world.
Estrada and Rodriguez happen to be promoted by Matchroom. Following Bam’s win over Cuadras, promoter Eddie Hearn expressed interest in an eventual fight between Estrada and Rodriguez at some point. Maybe Hearn needs to reevaluate, move up his plans, and start working on trying to make this potential fight a reality.
