Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is undoubtedly one of boxing’s brightest pound-for-pound stars, always producing electric performances with his pulverizing power and elite footwork.
The WBC world super flyweight champion will face Pedro Guevara, his mandatory challenger, this Saturday, featuring on a double header with flashy welterweight sensation Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
Ahead of his routine title defense, Bam comes off two scintillating stoppages to dethrone both Sunny Edwards and legendary boxer Juan Francisco Estrada.
But still, one suspects that the 24-year-old is yet to unlock his full potential – something that could see him reach astronomical levels of super stardom.
And so, in anticipation of the inevitable blockbuster nights that await him, Bloody Knockout brings you three opponents Jesse Rodriguez could face after his upcoming outing at the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia.
- Read More [Who is Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez? Step into the life of one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world]
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez
Rodriguez has, first and foremost, expressed a desire to unify the belts in his division. In his quest to become the undisputed king at 115 lbs, though, he may be compelled to topple formidable WBA champion Fernando Martinez.
Since scoring a sizable upset to outpoint seasoned operator Kazuto Ioka – unifying the WBA and IBF trinkets – Martinez, an aggressive and physically imposing Argentinian, has established himself as a ferocious force.
And yet, with the Argentinian being mooted to face Ioka in a rematch, a mouthwatering clash with Bam may have to wait.
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez
Now, while Roman Gonzalez does not hold a belt in his new bantamweight division, the 37-year-old is nonetheless a bona fide icon of his sport.
Known for his front foot counterpunching style, the Nicaraguan seemingly has not lost the motivation to enhance his already decorated legacy.
More than that, a showdown with Chocolatito has already been teased by Bam’s head coach, Robert Garcia, who attests that the matchup could materialize if his charge is unable to secure any unification fights.
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs Junto Nakatani
WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani could be the perfect dance partner for Rodriguez.
The Japanese star has been heavily linked to a monumental clash with undisputed king Naoya Inoue but, equally, would certainly benefit from keeping his options open.
After all, with several super bantamweight contenders waiting in the wings to earn a shot at Inoue, it would appear that the Nakatani fight is by no means a done deal.
And so, with Rodriguez having expressed an interest in moving up to 118 lbs, perhaps Nakatani – an equally devastating finisher – would make for the career-defining dustup he has been yearning for.