What occurs if you stand throughout out of your idol within the boxing ring? Isn’t it a dream come true? Effectively, for many, it’s. However not for Jesse Rodriguez, who has to brush apart Juan Francisco Estrada in a high-stakes combat. It’s the epitome of ‘idols becoming rivals,’ because the American boxer prepares to dislodge probably the most adorned 115-pound fighter and snatch his throne. Can he actually do it and usher the division into a brand new daybreak?
In addition to glory, careers are at stake when Estrada and Rodriguez shut off the Matchroom occasion on June 29 on the Footprint Middle in Phoenix. On one hand is the fan-favorite, the reigning WBC champion in Estrada, and the long run Corridor of Famer. Difficult him is Bam Rodriguez, who has carved out a status for slaying champions lately. Will he construct on this and add Estrada to the record of his victims? Earlier than we solid a verdict on it, let’s take a look at how the 2 stack up earlier than their showdown.
Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: Story of the Tape
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If you happen to sit right down to record the best flyweights in historical past, you’ll invariably put Estrada towards the highest spots. The 34-year-old boxer has shattered quite a few data with ease and dismantled opponents. And after placing his physique on the road for 16 years, he holds a splendid document of 44-3 with 28 KOs. What’s extra? The 5’4″ (163 cm)-tall orthodox boxer has grow to be a family identify amongst followers due to his well-rounded boxing expertise. He is aware of the way to placed on a present for them, and his KO ratio of 63% additionally bolsters his picture as a fan-friendly fighter. The Mexican champion makes use of his attain of 66″ (168 cm) to unload his heavy punches and unleash punishment on his opponents.
However can the WBC tremendous flyweight champion fend off the quickly surging, youthful challenger in Bam Rodriguez? ‘Bam’, at 24, is already making waves within the flyweight division together with his technical prowess and his well-executed sport plans. His spotless document of 19-0 with 12 KOs additionally screams that he may be the enforcer sooner or later at 115 and maintain sway over the followers. Curiously, the previous unified flyweight champion has an similar KO ratio of 63% to Estrada. What are the percentages of it? And that’s not the tip of it.
Rodriguez additionally has the identical measurements and stands tall at 5’4″ (163 cm). However the place do the 2 lastly diverge, which could put the opposite at a slight drawback? It’s the San Antonio native’s 1-inch attain benefit at 67″ (170 cm), which could hassle the champion. Is it sufficient to tilt the narrative in his favor?
Prediction: Momentum, combating kinds and X-factor
So, what precisely separates Rodriguez from Estrada? Not solely does he carry the facility of the youth, however he additionally has an insatiable starvation, which is just ignited by the self-discipline drilling ways of coach Robert Garcia. That’s what allowed him handy Sunny Edwards, the previous IBF Flyweight champion, a beating and the primary lack of his profession when the 2 met contained in the ring final December.
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If you happen to have a look at the southpaw boxer’s profession, he has proven an upward trajectory and even collected wins towards Carlos Cuadras and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Whilst you may hotly debate whether or not the previous champions’ have been previous their prime or not, you may’t look previous the truth that these are outstanding accomplishments. If you happen to think about Rodriguez’s age, you’ll notice that he has but to hit his prime years. His youth is his X-factor, which could propel him to a win that may be talked about for a very long time. It’s already wanting like an uphill battle for Estrada. So, how does ‘El Gallo’ take care of him?
Estrada is an entire boxer, who can swap gears in accordance with the state of affairs and put relentless strain on his foes. He may also interact in a brawl if want be, however the query stays. Is the Sonora native the identical fighter he as soon as was? Inactivity plagues his profession, together with his final combat in 2022 rematch towards Román González, which he barely scrapped by. Whereas his expertise and energy are his X-factor, his age, coupled together with his 18-month-long layoff, makes it a mismatch.
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The place will the combat be gained, then? It’s a conflict of Estrada’s expertise, excessive ring IQ, and swift actions with Rodriguez’s youth and his persistence to evolve into a greater boxer. It’s an amusing combat, which guarantees exhilarating motion and this combat may resolve the way forward for the 115 lbs division. Will Estrada cling onto his crown or will a brand new technology lastly topple him? All of it unfolds on June 29.
What do you make of this coming combat between Juan Francisco Estrada and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez? Who do you assume will reign supreme at 115? Tell us within the feedback under.