Juan Francisco Estrada is fully aware that he is the betting underdog in next week’s highly anticipated bout against Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, but this hasn’t shaken the veteran’s confidence.
Despite the odds favoring Rodriguez, Estrada remains confident in his abilities and his boxing future.
“Even the betting odds favor Bam Rodriguez – everybody is saying that I’m about to retire. But I actually consider that, at my age – 34 years of age – I have four more years left in my career. So the truth is, I think that a lot of people are wrong, and this 29th I’m going to prove it.”
Estrada acknowledges Rodriguez’s youth and hunger but is determined to continue making history.
“Bam is coming with everything. He is 10 years younger than me, he’s hungry, he wants to be world champion in this division, and I want to continue making history. I could say that I’ve been writing my legacy, but as I said, I have four or five years more.”
"This Is A Hell Of A Fight!" - Juan Francisco Estrada Vs Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez: Make The Days Count: Watch
Rodriguez, trained by Robert Garcia, recently unified the IBF and WBO flyweight titles by handing Sunny Edwards his first career loss. Estrada recognizes Rodriguez’s impressive performance but points out the difference in weight classes.
“I was there at that fight, and he looked great, spectacular. He knocked out Edwards very good, but then again, Edwards is a flyweight. But it’s a different story in super flyweight.”
Estrada has not fought since his trilogy contest with Roman Gonzalez at the end of 2022 but believes his experience and strength will be decisive.
“I consider myself to be a very complete boxer. I can go out, I can pressure, I can brawl. I don’t think Bam is going to have it easy. When our styles collide, it’s going to make for fireworks, and whoever is tuned in is going to see something special. People are going to see the best Bam Rodriguez to date,” Rodriguez said.
Read more about upcoming Estrada vs. Rodríguez event.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing