Highly-regarded boxer Jesse `Bam` Rodriguez is aiming to unify a world title in a second weight class during a Matchroom event scheduled for July 19.
The 25-year-old is scheduled to fight Phumulela Cafu at The Star in Frisco. This bout comes roughly a year and a half after a career highlight – his ninth-round win over Sunny Edwards, which unified the flyweight division. Now, with the WBC and WBO titles on the line, the undefeated Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) seeks to emulate legends like Johnny Tapia, who unified the super flyweight division (115lb) back in 1997.
In recent super flyweight action, Fernando Martinez became a two-belt champion last summer by defeating Kazuto Ioka in Japan for the IBF and WBA titles. Martinez and Ioka are set for a rematch on May 11, but only the WBA belt will be contested as Martinez (known as `Pumita`) has vacated the IBF title. The IBF title is currently vacant following a December 2024 draw between Willibaldo Garcia and Rene Calixto.
Rodriguez`s rise shows no signs of stopping, and he`s expected to be the favourite against the southpaw Cafu (11-0-3, 8 KOs). Cafu, a 26-year-old from South Africa, secured the WBO belt via a controversial split decision against Kosei Tanaka in Japan in October 2024. A fifth-round knockdown for Cafu proved crucial in that fight, with the final scores being 114-113, 113-114, 114-113.
The month after Cafu`s title win, Rodriguez dominated Pedro Guevara, winning by third-round stoppage. Should `Bam` win on July 19, it would solidify his position as an elite fighter, likely cementing his status as the top super flyweight and a top 10 pound-for-pound contender.
Rodriguez Aims for Unification
According to a Matchroom press release, Rodriguez stated: “I`m thrilled to finally get back in the ring. Fighting in front of my home state fans is something I can`t wait for. Unifying another weight division is my goal.”
He added, “I know Cafu is a strong adversary, but these matchups push me to perform my best, and I`ll be fully prepared for him. Be sure to watch on July 19 and witness greatness.”
Meanwhile, Cafu expressed excitement about another chance to compete against a top-tier opponent and prove his capabilities abroad. He commented, “This is fantastic because I get another opportunity to face an elite fighter and show everyone that I belong among the best.”
Cafu continued, “I`ve always wanted this fight. Many see him as the divisional boogeyman and unbeatable, but I`m here to show that no one is. A victory over him will land me on the pound-for-pound rankings and establish me as the ruler of the division.”
The card will also feature WBO`s top-ranked super middleweight contender, Diego Pacheco, in action against Trevor McCumby.
