Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez. Get excited
At the start of the year, Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez was a contender, and a flyweight contender at that. Fast forward six months, and the now 115lb belt holder has catapulted himself towards a P4P list littered with the sport's greats.
Now if there was one thing we did know before Saturday night it was that Bam had balls. His last minute decision to jump up to super-fly in February, and then win his maiden world title, was proof of exactly that. But whilst last time was the coming out party, this one felt like the seal of approval that he belongs at elite level.
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is one of boxing's greatest success stories. If you haven't heard, then we are talking about a man who as a teenager lived on leftover food he found when working in waste collection. It's a story like this that perhaps emphasizes the desire he enters the ring with. But aside from that, his boxing attributes are up there with the division's best - he's quick, battle-hardened and extremely heavy-handed.
This was going to be exciting.
As the first bell sounded, both men got to work with no hesitance. However it was Bam's skillset that shone brightest as he took convincingly the early rounds. Bam was always on the move and when Rungvisai went searching, it was 9 times out of 10 followed by a swift counter from the champ. Rungvisai was forced to tuck up in the 3rd and had to firm a few big hooks.
This was the start of the breaking down of Rungvisai, and it was in the 4th that he was lucky to avoid a knockdown. Bam was now in full flow, and with his home San Antonio crowd behind him stepped on the gas even further. Bam unleashed his arsenal to the body in the middle rounds, but didn't hesitate to wind up some big shots upstairs also.
The 7th saw the first knockdown, as Bam threw a left upstairs that muddled Rungvisai's footing. From here Bam showed maturity beyond the years, as he kept patient to avoid a potential firefight with what was a wounded but still dangerous Rungvisai. In the 8th the pressure continued and with the former champ on the ropes, Bam let loose. Then with nothing coming back... the referee stepped in.
I spoke earlier about Bam's unanticipated run from contender to champ, but as the hometown hero sunk to his knees in celebration, it felt like we had witnessed a performance worthy of superstar status.
For now, boxing will do what boxing does best and look forward. There are more belts for Bam to try to collect at 115lbs, however a slight hiccup could in fact be that his brother is in line to challenge for them first! Joshua Franco is the current WBA Regular champ, and has a fight with Juan Estrada for the Ring Magazine belt all but dated.
Roman Gonzalez is waiting in the wings, and I'm sure he wouldn't turn his nose up at a chance to put the young buck in his place. A move back to 112 is also possible, and something Robert Garcia and co. seem to be very open to. However, clearing out two of the most dominant forces at 115 in just four months should be enough of a hint that this is where Bam belongs.
Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez. Get excited.