Streaming dwell on DAZN from the Footprint Heart in Phoenix, Arizona, Bam Rodriguez challenges lineal champion Juan Francisco Estrada. This matchup is very anticipated for a couple of cause, first being the type, in fact. Estrada, the classical boxer, versus the aggressive strain fighter in what seems to be a can’t-miss principal occasion on paper.
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You even have the older, wiser Estrada, which begs the query: Is Juan able to instructing yet one more lesson to the youthful Bam? One can assume the 19-0 San Antonio native might be seeking to rip the torch out of the palms of a first-ballot Corridor of Famer. Whoever raises their hand on Saturday, the followers win in what ought to be a barnburner.
The outdated saying, “Youth have to be served,” matches fairly properly when describing a prospect or rising star in boxing. The time period usually implies that younger folks ought to be given alternatives to develop, study, and categorical themselves whereas being handled with persistence and understanding to nurture their potential.
As a proficient boxer at 24, Bam has been moved ideally thus far, so he ought to be prepared for an additional actual take a look at. Again to the battle, the ability stage and expertise displayed within the ring assure this boxing podcaster might be on the sting of my seat. Saturday’s bout might be Bam Rodriguez’s sixth battle since February 2022, making this sentence an ideal segue to the primary merchandise on this record of keys to this battle.
Though Estrada’s resume is as deep as they arrive in Twenty first-century boxing, Juan has been out of the ring for round 17 months. For a boxer who depends on timing as an elite counterpuncher, that point on the shelf is troubling. Not solely has Bam been far more energetic, nevertheless it’s not like he’s been in there with stiffs.
Dealing with names like Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Carlos Cuadras, and Sunny Edwards in simply 19 professional bouts is nothing to sneeze at. Each boxers have a greater than succesful jab, however Bam has one of many highest touchdown jabs per spherical, and it’s essentially the most correct within the sport.
Though an elite counterpuncher, Estrada throws and lands extra energy punches than Bam. Bam leads Gervonta Davis in landed energy punching percentages 48.8 to 48.2, in keeping with Compubox.
Bam should set up his jab to constantly penetrate Estrada’s protection to win extra rounds. Throwing combos is nice, however Bam can’t make the error of standing in entrance of Estrada. Utilizing angles to get inside, together with the jab and a few bodywork, is necessary. Rodriguez should again up Estrada into the ropes and corners, smothering his opponent’s work. Bam is transferring as much as 115, nevertheless it shouldn’t make that huge of a distinction, provided that he’s fought at that weight three different instances lately.
We will point out how proficient Juan Francisco is, however is he too far over the hill to beat Bam? Being out of the ring for over a yr places him behind the 8-ball. Including to the truth that he isn’t in his prime makes for a little bit of an uphill climb. Now don’t get this boxing junkie mistaken. We will’t overlook Estrada has by no means been stopped. As a lot as I’ve been a fan of Estrada, his final finest efficiency might be within the 2020-21 vary. Type was talked about earlier, and having three bouts with Roman Gonzalez can’t harm in Juan’s recreation plan prep.
At instances, Gonzalez appears to get downgraded by some defensively due to his aggression and all of the wars he’s been in. Roman is an underrated defender, for my part. Let’s not overlook Estrada has been in a bunch of two-way scraps as nicely, and one wonders he can muster up sufficient vitality and psychological focus to tug off the upset on Saturday,
Estrada has to win the early rounds, which is a tall order contemplating how briskly Bam tends to begin out of the gate. Juan might be seeking to set traps and lure Bam into counters. Additionally, if ring rust doesn’t play a substantial half, Estrada has a observe document of touchdown the larger punches in exchanges. If Estrada constantly pivots and successfully counters Rodriguez’s jab, that can restrict Bam’s offensive creativity. Bam will possible depend on his jab, angles on the best way in, and work charge to put on down Juan Francisco because the rounds go on.
If this battle occurred after a powerful outing by the lineal king of 115 or perhaps a few years in the past, this lifelong boxing fan can be siding with Juan Francisco Estrada to win. Lately, we’ve seen a number of high-level boxers at a sophisticated age look lackluster, with inactivity taking part in a major issue. Each benefit a fighter can get in a 55-45 or 60-40 sort battle vastly improves their possibilities of profitable. It gained’t come simple, however Bam will scratch and paw his technique to a aggressive victory.
My Official Prediction is Bam Rodriguez by Majority-Choice.
Written by Chris Carlson, Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast Accessible at www.blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio Observe on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio
