Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’s scintillating efficiency on November 22, which topped him a three-belt super-flyweight champion, was one of many best virtuoso shows of the 12 months.
Rodriguez stopped Fernando “Puma” Martinez within the tenth spherical in Riyadh, additional enhancing his popularity as one of many world’s elite fighters.
Solely Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue and Dmitry Bivol sit above him on most pound-for-pound lists. And at simply 25, the Texan southpaw’s future appears brighter than ever.
One fantasy matchup that continues to gasoline debate is Rodriguez versus Naoya Inoue. The “Monster” has risen from light-flyweight to super-bantamweight, the place he at the moment reigns as undisputed champion.
At 32, Inoue checked out his devastating greatest final outing in what was anticipated to be a stern take a look at in opposition to Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Pace, accuracy and energy mixed because the Japanese star dominated the Uzbek on his approach to a large factors victory.
Rodriguez could transfer to bantamweight if he can’t safe an undisputed combat at super-flyweight in opposition to the remaining champion, Willibaldo Garcia.
Former two-weight world champion Timothy Bradley — no stranger to upsets and defying expectations — urged warning over a possible “Bam” vs “Monster” showdown when talking to FightHype.
“There’s weight courses for a motive. I do know Bam is particular. I believe Bam may be very skilful. I like his fashion. He’s the most effective we’ve ever seen. However the Monster is simply too mature proper now, and he’s persevering with to get higher.
“That velocity and energy of the ‘Monster’ is one thing else. That explosiveness is one thing else. Bam flows like water, however the Monster is sharp, correct — and that’s one thing to cope with. I believe the Monster could be the favorite in the event that they have been to combat. That’s no disrespect to Bam. I believe Bam is an amazing fighter, man. I simply assume the Monster could be too explosive.”
Inoue returns to the ring to defend his 122lb championship in opposition to David Picasso on December 27.
