Unified junior bantamweight champion Jesse Rodriguez steps up in weight to challenge WBA bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas on June 13 in Glendale, Arizona.
Rodriguez enters the bout riding a dominant run, having stopped his last five opponents. Victories over Sunny Edwards, Juan Francisco Estrada, Pedro Guevara, Phumelele Cafu, and Fernando Martinez have solidified his standing as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters. Now, he aims to carry that momentum into a third weight class.
Watch Bam vs. Martinez highlights: Watch
“New weight class, same goals – dominate and pick up all the belts,” Rodriguez said, outlining his ambition to become a three-division world champion. The announcement also confirmed that he has signed a multifight extension with Matchroom Boxing.
Vargas was recently elevated to full WBA champion after a scheduled bout with Seiya Tsutsumi fell through due to injury. The American last fought to a draw against Daigo Higa in July and has remained unbeaten since suffering a knockout loss in 2019.
Fully aware of the challenge ahead, Vargas welcomed the fight. “Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and that’s exactly why I took this fight,” he said, adding that he is ready to defend his title and prove himself among the best at bantamweight.
Fight card:
▪️Antonio Vargas vs. Jesse Rodriguez, 12 rounds, for the WBA bantamweight title ▪️Arturo Cardenas vs. Jordan Martinez, 10 rounds, for the WBC Continental Americas super bantamweight title
