Juan Francisco Estrada (left) and Jesse Rodriguez (proper) pose after the press convention asserting their upcoming battle to be held on June 29, 2024 at Footprint Heart in Phoenix, Arizona. – Photograph by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
On Saturday, junior bantamweight Ring champion and WBC titlist Juan Francisco Estrada will put his belts on the road towards two-division rising star Jesse Rodriguez on the Footprint Heart, Phoenix, Arizona.
The intriguing match up will probably be broadcast on DAZN together with supporting undercard bouts from 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.
Estrada got here of age in a dropping effort to former pound-for-pound king Roman Gonzalez (UD 12) in November 2012. He rebounded to win WBA and WBO 112-pound titles on the expense of Brian Viloria (SD 12). After making 5 defenses, Estrada abdicated his throne for a transfer as much as junior bantamweight.
After dropping to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (MD 12), he outboxed the big-punching Thai to say the Ring and WBC junior bantamweight titles within the rematch. He made three defenses, edging outdated rival Gonzalez (SD 12) who held the WBA title, in a traditional and frolicked on the legendary pound-for-pound lists. “El Gallo” had his WBA and WBC titles taken when he spent 18 months on the sidelines. When he returned he was given a more durable than anticipated time towards Argi Cortes (UD 12). Nevertheless, the 34-year-old returned to type, boxing to an early lead and holding off Gonzalez (UD 12) to select up the vacant WBC title of their trilogy battle however hasn’t fought since.
Rodriguez, rated at No. 9 by The Ring pound-for-pound, was a adorned newbie at junior stage earlier than turning skilled at 17. “Bam” labored his means by means of the junior flyweight rankings and was a extremely touted prospect when he appeared on ESPN in the course of the pandemic.
The Texan was given the chance to leap two weight lessons and face savvy former titleholder Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC title. He made essentially the most of his huge probability, dropping Cuadras en path to claiming a 12-round unanimous determination. He went on to make two defenses, notably stopping Sor Rungvisai (TKO 8). He determined to drop down in weight and picked up the vacant WBO title however suffered a damaged jaw within the course of towards Cristian Gonzalez (UD 12). Final day out, he stopped Sunny Edwards (RTD 9) so as to add the IBF title earlier than electing to vacate each titles to maneuver again as much as 115-pounds.
Estrada (44-3, 28 knockouts) will probably be combating for the primary time in 18 months. Though he’s had equally lengthy layoffs beforehand, it’s not supreme. Will the inactivity have an effect on the Mexican? In the meantime, Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) is in nice type and coming off a career-best win towards Edwards. For Rodriguez, that is one other step up and one of the best fighter he’s shared a hoop with. Estrada has seen all of it and performed all of it. Will the sting in expertise be an excessive amount of for Rodriguez? Each elite fighter has that one final nice efficiency in them. May Rodriguez be that for Estrada? Will Rodriguez’s southpaw footwork be an excessive amount of for Estrada to take care of at this stage of his profession?
On-line playing group William Hill lists Rodriguez as an 2/9 (-450) favourite, whereas Estrada is priced at 16/5 (+320); the draw is 16/1 (+1600).
Right here’s how the consultants see it:
THE RING
ANSON WAINWRIGHT: RODRIGUEZ UD
“This seems to be to me like a passing-of-the-torch battle. Estrada hasn’t fought in 18 months which is hardly one of the best preparation for Rodriguez, in that point “Bam” has come into his personal and is now a two-weight world champion who can be on many individuals’s pound-for-pound listing. Other than the inactivity, Estrada will probably be hampered by the 10-year age distinction. You need to by no means write somebody of Estrada’s high quality off. And whereas I feel it’ll be a wonderful battle, the youthful, more energizing fighter may have an excessive amount of pace and that may offset the guile of Estrada, who I feel may have moments however not sufficient to win. I feel Rodriguez will win a 12-round unanimous determination.”
LEE GROVES: RODRIGUEZ KO 10
“If each males are at their greatest, Rodriguez-Estrada might properly produce Struggle-of-the-Yr high quality motion as a result of, at the very least on paper, their types seem made for each other. However whereas Rodriguez is coming off a wonderful effort towards Sunny Edwards, there’s no assure that Estrada will probably be at his greatest as a result of his most up-to-date battle towards Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez occurred in December 2022 and in addition as a result of 34 stays an elevated age for the decrease weight lessons. That’s much more true for Estrada, who has been by means of greater than his share of wars. I consider Rodriguez has the talent set and the expertise to make Estrada look day by day of his 34 years, and whereas Estrada will probably be prepared and keen, I’m unsure he’ll be capable to stave off a primed Rodriguez for all 12 rounds, a lot much less win the battle.”
DIEGO MORILLA: ESTRADA UD
“A whole lot of constructive indicators (youth, momentum and extra) might level in the direction of a win by Rodriguez, however “El Gallo” has way more than simply expertise and grit. He’s a veteran who at all times finds a spot to deal with and who hardly makes the identical mistake twice. If “Bam” manages to drop him at the very least as soon as, then Estrada could also be in bother later within the scorecards. In a stand-up battle to the end, although, I like Estrada by an in depth however clear determination win.”
MARTIN MULCAHY: RODRIGUEZ UD
“I a lot admiration for Juan Estrada, however man are issues working towards the warfare horse for this battle. At 34 Estrada is close to the top of his viability at elite stage, he has been out of the ring for 18 months, and is going through a younger phenom who’s getting higher with each battle. Add to this a 10-year age distinction, and no discernable distinction in dimension… in actual fact, it’s onerous to any bodily benefit for Estrada. Regardless of all that, Estrada is a dwell underdog on this battle due to his huge expertise and that he has by no means been outclassed regardless of going through Corridor of Fame stage foes. I see Estrada edging the primary two or three rounds, then Bam’s superior pace and reflexes negate the boxing IQ of Estrada. After that Rodriguez’s personal excessive stage boxing acumen enters the fray, and the desk is totally turned, resulting in a lopsided unanimous determination victory within the 10 spherical to 2 neighborhood… with a knockdown thrown in for good measure.”
MICHAEL MONTERO: RODRIGUEZ UD
“This can be a traditional “outdated vs new” matchup that has given us so many nice fights all through boxing historical past. I consider this bout will dwell as much as the hype, with loads of forwards and backwards motion. However, ultimately, “Bam” is a decade youthful and has been extra energetic these days. I just like the southpaw from Texas to beat the Mexican by unanimous determination in an exciting affair. Rodriguez 116-112.”
NORM FRAUENHEIM: RODRIGUEZ UD
“Bam is getting into his prime; Estrada is exiting his. Solely time separates them. However there’s a number of that. A complete decade, in actual fact. Bam is 24, Estrada 34. The completed Estrada has seen all of it, together with 36 rounds towards Roman Gonzalez, the all-time nice within the lightest divisions. Estrada, who received two slim selections over Gonzalez, has an unrivalled skillset, however he’s catching Bam at precisely the incorrect time. Bam’s documented energy and bettering skillset are maturing right into a lethal, pound-for-pound combine. Estrada’s knowhow over his a few years towards one of the best is sufficient for him to outlive, however not win on scorecards that – ultimately — will belong to Bam.”
Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez commerce blows throughout their Ring/WBA/WBC junior bantamweight title unification battle on the American Airways Heart in Dallas, TX. – Photograph by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
BOXING INSIDERS
DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): RODRIGUEZ SD
“Don’t you simply find it irresistible when the small males take middle stage on this WBC world title battle. Bam Rodriguez will problem Estrada for his belt and I can’t wait. I’ve modified my thoughts so many occasions on the end result. Expertise is up towards youth, however can Rodriguez do what he has been doing in beating champions? This younger rising star is a pleasure to look at. Certain there are different younger gifted prospects and champions however this child has one thing particular. His focus, steadiness, timing, accuracy isn’t one thing you’ll affiliate with a younger fighter. So many qualities packed into one particular person. He’s up towards a wily outdated fox, who can chunk you down with a lapse of focus or a missed punch. Estrada is battle hardened and is the Bernard Hopkins of the junior bantamweight division. He has each trick within the e book, he faints, bobs and weaves, can flip you round within the blink of a watch earlier than happening the assault. I want this battle was a draw, I’ve the upmost respect for these two. I’m going with Bam through a spit determination.”
TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): RODRIGUEZ TKO 12
“Out and in of the ring, boxing is all about timing. Whereas Estrada is a formidable opponent, the actual fact is that he’s 34 years outdated and has contested 47 skilled fights – a lot of them wars – over 16 years. The champ is a first-ballot Corridor of Famer, however he’s additionally quite a bit nearer to the top than the start. Bam is the youngest world champion in boxing at the moment. At 24 years outdated, he’s within the prime of his life and he’s the extra energetic fighter by far. Not solely is the challenger youthful and more energizing, however he has terrific expertise, packs a punch and he’s hungry to create the form of legacy Estrada established a very long time in the past. I foresee Estrada boxing and transferring and he’ll construct a lead early. Nevertheless, the youthful man will probably be making use of loads of stress and trying to drain his opponent’s assets. The battle may have modified by spherical 5 and the champion will probably be out-punched in a lot of the exchanges. It’s past uncommon for me to select towards Estrada, significantly by stoppage, however I feel the 19-month layoff will come again to hang-out him right here.”
STEVE KIM (THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE): RODRIGUEZ UD
“I’m an enormous believer that exercise issues. Nicely, in Estrada you’ve gotten a man who has not fought since December of 2022 (when he defeated Roman Gonzalez), and my perception is that Estrada’s not in his prime. Whereas on the alternative finish of the spectrum is ‘Bam’ who just isn’t solely a fighter who’s getting into his bodily prime at age 24, has elite expertise and already has a resume that’s prime notch. Youth will probably be served right here. Estrada will probably be on this battle early, however because the rounds go on Rodriguez will steadily separate himself from the ‘el Gallo’ and win a transparent unanimous determination.”
JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): RODRIGUEZ PTS
“Unbelievable battle between two of one of the best on this planet, Juan Francisco Estrada has fought everybody at junior bantamweight and will probably be trying to make his sixth consecutive title protection. I feel each fighters may have their moments all through the battle, the largest distinction in my view is the exercise between the 2. Bam is the youthful fighter by 10 years, and in addition has managed to remain energetic, whereas Estrada is the elder at 34 years outdated, and has not fought in about 18 months. Jesse might want to leap on him early to steal these first couple of rounds, slightly than let Juan shake off the ring rust and get right into a rhythm. I’m siding with Jesse Rodriguez to win a razor skinny determination, in what ought to be a Struggle of the Yr candidate when all mentioned and performed.”
ROBERTO DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): RODRIGUEZ UD
“Reminders of Chiquita Gonzalez vs. Michael Carbajal, A Battle of Little Giants. Estrada brings energy and expertise whereas Bam whereas youth and expertise. Excellent battle that I plan to attend. I see this as a real passing of the torch, Estrada as dominate as he has been with a one sturdy behind Bam who is just too sharp, quick and on level. I can see the nook stopping the battle late or broadly unanimous determination.”
Jesse Rodriguez (proper) grew up quick throughout his late-notice title shot vs. veteran Carlos Cuardras on February 5 on the Footprint Heart in Phoenix, Arizona. Photograph by Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing
SUNNY EDWARDS (FORMER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION): RODRIGUEZ KO
“Bam needs to win or it’s not gonna make me look excellent is it [Laughs.] I feel Bam’s gonna outbox him to start out and as Estrada begins slowing I feel Bam gonna go up the gears. Bam KO 10-12.”
BOB SANTOS (TRAINER): RODRIGUEZ UD
“I’m taking Bam. I feel his ring IQ, dedication, his potential to get on angles and stage modifications could be the large distinction within the battle. Bam by unanimous determination.”
TONY SIMS (TRAINER): RODRIGUEZ SD
“It could possibly be Struggle of the Yr. I’ve witnessed Estrada up shut as I used to be at ringside on the discussion board when he beat the Thai fighter, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, for the world title in a return battle, a thriller, after dropping to him beforehand. He’s boxed everybody in his weight class, Chocolatito, Cuadras and so forth. he’s such a intelligent field fighter, can punch with each fingers additionally. I’m a fan of his. I’m additionally a fan of Bam, he’s intelligent and might punch, nice rhythm, he’s youthful and a lot much less skilled however extra more energizing. That is one battle I’d like to be a ringside spectator for however I occur to have two younger fighters on similar evening within the U.Ok. in any other case I’d’ve gone over. I’m going for Bam in a really shut battle to win a cut up determination.”
TONY TOLJ (MANAGER): RODRIGUEZ
“This has the makings of an instantaneous traditional as each have extraordinarily fan pleasant types. I do know Bam has been sparring Chocolatito and the rounds have been going superb. I’m going for the youth of Rodriguez, in a coming-out get together.”
ANDREW MOLONEY (JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER): RODRIGUEZ
“I consider this battle is all about timing. I’ve been a fan of Estrada through the years however this battle is ideal timing for Bam to dethrone a legend. Estrada has been extraordinarily inactive over the past 4-years and it has proven in his earlier performances. Having been out the ring now for nearly 19 months, I consider it will price Estrada badly and Bam will win this battle convincingly. Bam by extensive unanimous determination or presumably a late stoppage.”
MATTHEW MACKLIN (FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER/ COMMENTATOR): RODRIGUEZ PTS
“I fancy Bam. The youthful man coming off win, confidence is excessive and I feel Estrada’s inactivity received’t assist both.”
WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): RODRIGUEZ UD
“This battle is at 115-pounds and will transform a traditional battle with each guys giving every thing for the win. It might even find yourself with the fighters combating a trilogy. Estrada involves battle and has engine to maintain him going within the later rounds. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is a southpaw who fights continuous and identical to Estrada, he has knockout energy in every hand. I feel the motion will probably be largely toe-to-toe with neither man giving floor to the opposite. Estrada will push Rodriguez within the center rounds touchdown lefts and rights off Rodriguez’ head that may make “Bam” battle more durable and he’ll land cleaner lefts and proper hooks off Estrada’s head and physique. I’m anticipating the rounds to be shut going forwards and backwards however I feel Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez will steal the previous couple of rounds to tug off an in depth unanimous factors win and keep unbeaten.”
RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): RODRIGUEZ UD
“Attention-grabbing battle however it’s a battle that I want would’ve occurred prime for prime. Whatever the final result, there will probably be excuses. Rodriguez wins, he beat an outdated man or Estrada wins, Rodriguez wasn’t nearly as good as we thought. Right here’s how I really feel the battle will go. The primary few rounds it is going to be aggressive, then the youth of Rodriguez will present and he’ll management the battle with pace and footwork. Estrada, because the battle progresses, he’ll present his age and ring rust. I see Bam profitable a unanimous determination in 118-110 or 117-111. Bam can’t get snug within the ring and I don’t see it taking place, however he should keep sharp as a result of one punch can change the end result.”
Remaining Tally: Rodriguez 18-1
Questions and/or feedback will be despatched to Anson at [email protected].
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