Tag Archives: Jesse Rodriguez

Posted on 04/26/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Jesse Rodriguez believed that slow and steady was the appropriate way to go about his career. Nevertheless, the former flyweight contender saw an opportunity too good to pass up.

With Srisaket Sor Rungisai forced to withdraw from his February 5th ring appearance due to illness, Rodriguez brazenly accepted a short notice opportunity against Carlos Cuadras for the vacant super flyweight title. Although the 22-year-old was initially taken aback by the offer, he eagerly accepted. As a result, Rodriguez made oddsmakers eat their words as he went on to dominate the former champion.

Following his victory, Rodriguez appeared unsure about his immediate future. While he thoroughly enjoyed being labeled as a world champion, Rodriguez expressed a desire to return to the flyweight division. After pondering his next move, however, Rodriguez has officially decided to retain his world title and continue his career as a full-fledged super flyweight. For the first defense of his newly won title, Rodriguez will take on the man who lost his original opportunity.

On June 25th, at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Rodriguez and Rungvisai will battle in the main event. Considering the former multiple-time champion’s extensive resume, Rodriguez is well aware of the dangers Rungvisai presents. However, while he might be viewed as his stiffest test, Rodriguez is chomping at the bit.

“Fighting a guy like Rungvisai is going to bring me to a whole new level,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a great fighter but this is my time now. You have to take risks in this sport, that’s what special fighters do. They said it was a risk me challenging for a World title fight on short notice and now they say it’s a risk-taking on a fighter like Rungvisai but this is what I want. These are the types of fights you need so you can be remembered by the fans long after your career is done.”

Unsurprisingly, Rungvisai joined Rodriguez in his excitement. Prior to being forced to withdraw from his showdown against Cuadras, Rungvisai was the winner of three consecutive bouts, two of which came via stoppage. Ultimately, the end goal for the Thailand product is not only to reign once more as super flyweight champion but to forever etch his name in the history books.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to fight for the WBC World title,” said Rungvisai. “I will be at my best to win the WBC World title and become the first three times WBC World champion in the history of Thailand. Thank you so much to Matchroom, DAZN, and the WBC for this opportunity.”

Posted on 02/06/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Jesse Rodriguez knew it was only a matter of time before he became a world champion. But, the 22-year-old had no idea his time was coming so soon.

The San Antonio Texas native didn’t hesitate in the slightest when he was given the last-minute call to compete in the main event at Footprint Center in Phoenix Arizona against former multiple-time champion Carlos Cuadras for the vacant 115 super flyweight WBC title.

Despite moving up two weight divisions, Rodriguez had little to no trouble dealing with his much more experienced foe.

In the opening frame, a confident Rodriguez marched to the center of the ring and attempted to hold his ground. However, he was completely befuddled in those first few minutes. With the help of unique angles and relentless body shots, Cuadras appeared to bank round one.

Even with Rodriguez fighting on the big stage for the first time in his career, he appeared composed in the following round. He started the period strong, landing crisp right hands down the center. With a minute and a half remaining in the period, Rodriguez landed the best and most explosive blow of the night, a crushing left that floored Cuadras.

Though he appeared dazed, Cuadras picked himself up off the deck and began trading blows with his much younger opponent. As the midway point of their contest crept by, Cuadras attempted to apply pressure in an effort to break his man down. Try as he might, Rodriguez simply bounced up and down on his toes and continued to push the pace. The baby-faced 22-year-old punished the former champ, landing thudding rights and lefts across his already marked face.

With a world title only minutes away, Rodriguez went into cruise control. Though he boxed cautiously on the outside, Cuadras seamlessly cut off the ring and pinned his man against the ropes. A consistent barrage of shots to the midsection made Rodriguez wince in agony.

In the final three minutes of their showdown, Cuadras once again attempted to fluster his man against the ropes. This time, however, it was to no avail as Rodriguez met the former titlist with his own offense.

With both fighters throwing leather until the final bell, Rodriguez leaped onto the ropes following the conclusion of their contest. Moments later, his championship dreams were realized as he was handed a unanimous decision victory by the scores of 115-113 and matching scorecards of 117-110,