Fight Picks: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Jesse Rodriguez

On Saturday, junior bantamweight Ring champion and WBC titlist Juan Francisco Estrada will put his belts on the road in opposition to two-division rising star Jesse Rodriguez on the Footprint Heart, Phoenix, Arizona.

The intriguing match up might be broadcast on DAZN together with supporting undercard bouts from 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Estrada got here of age in a shedding effort to former pound-for-pound king Roman Gonzalez (UD 12) in November 2012. He rebounded to win WBA and WBO 112-pound titles on the expense of Brian Viloria (SD 12). After making 5 defenses, Estrada abdicated his throne for a transfer as much as junior bantamweight.

After shedding to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai (MD 12), he outboxed the big-punching Thai to say the Ring and WBC junior bantamweight titles within the rematch. He made three defenses, edging outdated rival Gonzalez (SD 12) who held the WBA title, in a basic and hung out on the legendary pound-for-pound lists. “El Gallo” had his WBA and WBC titles taken when he spent 18 months on the sidelines. When he returned he was given a tougher than anticipated time in opposition to Argi Cortes (UD 12). Nevertheless, the 34-year-old returned to type, boxing to an early lead and holding off Gonzalez (UD 12) to choose up the vacant WBC title of their trilogy combat however hasn’t fought since.

Rodriguez, rated at No. 9 by The Ring pound-for-pound, was a embellished beginner at junior degree earlier than turning skilled at 17. “Bam” labored his means via the junior flyweight rankings and was a extremely touted prospect when he appeared on ESPN in the course of the pandemic.

The Texan was given the chance to leap two weight lessons and face savvy former titleholder Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC title. He made essentially the most of his large probability, dropping Cuadras en path to claiming a 12-round unanimous determination. He went on to make two defenses, notably stopping Sor Rungvisai (TKO 8). He determined to drop down in weight and picked up the vacant WBO title however suffered a damaged jaw within the course of in opposition to Cristian Gonzalez (UD 12). Final day out, he stopped Sunny Edwards (RTD 9) so as to add the IBF title earlier than electing to vacate each titles to maneuver again as much as 115-pounds.

Estrada (44-3, 28 knockouts) might be combating for the primary time in 18 months. Though he’s had equally lengthy layoffs beforehand, it’s not ideally suited. Will the inactivity have an effect on the Mexican? In the meantime, Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) is in nice type and coming off a career-best win in opposition to Edwards. For Rodriguez, that is one other step up and the perfect fighter he’s shared a hoop with. Estrada has seen all of it and completed all of it. Will the sting in expertise be an excessive amount of for Rodriguez? Each elite fighter has that one final nice efficiency in them. Might Rodriguez be that for Estrada? Will Rodriguez’s southpaw footwork be an excessive amount of for Estrada to take care of at this stage of his profession?

On-line playing group William Hill lists Rodriguez as an 2/9 (-450) favourite, whereas Estrada is priced at 16/5 (+320); the draw is 16/1 (+1600).

Right here’s how the consultants see it:

THE RING 

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: RODRIGUEZ UD

“This appears to me like a passing-of-the-torch combat. Estrada hasn’t fought in 18 months which is hardly the perfect preparation for Rodriguez, in that point “Bam” has come into his personal and is now a two-weight world champion who can be on many individuals’s pound-for-pound record. Apart from the inactivity, Estrada might be hampered by the 10-year age distinction. It’s best to by no means write somebody of Estrada’s high quality off. And whereas I feel it’ll be a superb combat, the youthful, more energizing fighter can have an excessive amount of pace and that may offset the guile of Estrada, who I feel can have moments however not sufficient to win. I feel Rodriguez will win a 12-round unanimous determination.”

LEE GROVES: RODRIGUEZ KO 10

“If each males are at their finest, Rodriguez-Estrada might effectively produce Battle-of-the-12 months high quality motion as a result of, no less than on paper, their types seem made for each other. However whereas Rodriguez is coming off a superb effort in opposition to Sunny Edwards, there’s no assure that Estrada might be at his finest as a result of his most up-to-date combat in opposition to Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez came about in December 2022 and likewise as a result of 34 stays an elevated age for the decrease weight lessons. That’s much more true for Estrada, who has been via greater than his share of wars. I consider Rodriguez has the ability set and the expertise to make Estrada look every single day of his 34 years, and whereas Estrada might be prepared and keen, I’m undecided he’ll be capable of stave off a primed Rodriguez for all 12 rounds, a lot much less win the combat.”

DIEGO MORILLA: ESTRADA UD

“Plenty of constructive indicators (youth, momentum and extra) might level in the direction of a win by Rodriguez, however “El Gallo” has rather more than simply expertise and grit. He’s a veteran who all the time finds a spot to concentrate on and who hardly makes the identical mistake twice. If “Bam” manages to drop him no less than as soon as, then Estrada could also be in hassle later within the scorecards. In a stand-up combat to the end, although, I like Estrada by an in depth however clear determination win.”

MARTIN MULCAHY: RODRIGUEZ UD

“I a lot admiration for Juan Estrada, however man are issues working in opposition to the conflict horse for this combat. At 34 Estrada is close to the top of his viability at elite degree, he has been out of the ring for 18 months, and is going through a younger phenom who’s getting higher with each combat. Add to this a 10-year age distinction, and no discernable distinction in measurement… actually, it’s arduous to any bodily benefit for Estrada. Regardless of all that, Estrada is a dwell underdog on this combat due to his huge expertise and that he has by no means been outclassed regardless of going through Corridor of Fame degree foes. I see Estrada edging the primary two or three rounds, then Bam’s superior pace and reflexes negate the boxing IQ of Estrada. After that Rodriguez’s personal excessive degree boxing acumen enters the fray, and the desk is totally turned, resulting in a lopsided unanimous determination victory within the 10 spherical to 2 neighborhood… with a knockdown thrown in for good measure.”

MICHAEL MONTERO: RODRIGUEZ UD

“It is a basic “outdated vs new” matchup that has given us so many nice fights all through boxing historical past. I consider this bout will dwell as much as the hype, with loads of forwards and backwards motion. However, ultimately, “Bam” is a decade youthful and has been extra energetic these days. I just like the southpaw from Texas to beat the Mexican by unanimous determination in an exciting affair. Rodriguez 116-112.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: RODRIGUEZ UD

“Bam is coming into his prime; Estrada is exiting his. Solely time separates them. However there’s a whole lot of that. A complete decade, actually. Bam is 24, Estrada 34. The completed Estrada has seen all of it, together with 36 rounds in opposition to Roman Gonzalez, the all-time nice within the lightest divisions. Estrada, who gained two slim selections over Gonzalez, has an unrivalled skillset, however he’s catching Bam at precisely the improper time. Bam’s documented energy and bettering skillset are maturing right into a lethal, pound-for-pound combine. Estrada’s knowhow over his a few years in opposition to the perfect is sufficient for him to outlive, however not win on scorecards that – ultimately — will belong to Bam.”

Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez commerce blows throughout their Ring/WBA/WBC junior bantamweight title unification combat on the American Airways Heart in Dallas, TX. – Photograph by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): RODRIGUEZ SD

“Don’t you simply like it when the small males take middle stage on this WBC world title combat. Bam Rodriguez will problem Estrada for his belt and I can’t wait. I’ve modified my thoughts so many occasions on the result. Expertise is up in opposition to youth, however can Rodriguez do what he has been doing in beating champions? This younger rising star is a pleasure to look at. Certain there are different younger proficient prospects and champions however this child has one thing particular. His focus, steadiness, timing, accuracy isn’t one thing you’d affiliate with a younger fighter. So many qualities packed into one individual. He’s up in opposition to a wily outdated fox, who can chew you down with a lapse of focus or a missed punch. Estrada is battle hardened and is the Bernard Hopkins of the junior bantamweight division. He has each trick within the ebook, he faints, bobs and weaves, can flip you round within the blink of an eye fixed earlier than happening the assault. I want this combat was a draw, I’ve the upmost respect for these two. I’m going with Bam through a spit determination.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): RODRIGUEZ TKO 12

“Out and in of the ring, boxing is all about timing. Whereas Estrada is a formidable opponent, the actual fact is that he’s 34 years outdated and has contested 47 skilled fights – lots of them wars – over 16 years. The champ is a first-ballot Corridor of Famer, however he’s additionally so much nearer to the top than the start. Bam is the youngest world champion in boxing at the moment. At 24 years outdated, he’s within the prime of his life and he’s the extra energetic fighter by far. Not solely is the challenger youthful and more energizing, however he has terrific expertise, packs a punch and he’s hungry to create the type of legacy Estrada established a very long time in the past. I foresee Estrada boxing and transferring and he’ll construct a lead early. Nevertheless, the youthful man might be making use of loads of strain and seeking to drain his opponent’s assets. The combat can have modified by spherical 5 and the champion might be out-punched in a lot of the exchanges. It’s past uncommon for me to choose in opposition to Estrada, significantly by stoppage, however I feel the 19-month layoff will come again to hang-out him right here.”

STEVE KIM (THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE): RODRIGUEZ UD

“I’m a giant believer that exercise issues. Nicely, in Estrada you’ve got a man who has not fought since December of 2022 (when he defeated Roman Gonzalez), and my perception is that Estrada’s not in his prime. Whereas on the other finish of the spectrum is ‘Bam’ who just isn’t solely a fighter who’s coming into his bodily prime at age 24, has elite abilities and already has a resume that’s prime notch. Youth might be served right here. Estrada might be on this combat early, however because the rounds go on Rodriguez will steadily separate himself from the ‘el Gallo’ and win a transparent unanimous determination.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): RODRIGUEZ PTS

“Unimaginable combat between two of the perfect on the earth, Juan Francisco Estrada has fought everybody at junior bantamweight and might be seeking to make his sixth consecutive title protection. I feel each fighters can have their moments all through the combat, the largest distinction in my view is the exercise between the 2. Bam is the youthful fighter by 10 years, and likewise has managed to remain energetic, whereas Estrada is the elder at 34 years outdated, and has not fought in about 18 months. Jesse might want to soar on him early to steal these first couple of rounds, slightly than let Juan shake off the ring rust and get right into a rhythm. I’m siding with Jesse Rodriguez to win a razor skinny determination, in what ought to be a Battle of the 12 months candidate when all mentioned and completed.”

ROBERTO DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): RODRIGUEZ UD

“Reminders of Chiquita Gonzalez vs. Michael Carbajal, A Battle of Little Giants. Estrada brings energy and expertise whereas Bam whereas youth and expertise. Superb combat that I plan to attend. I see this as a real passing of the torch, Estrada as dominate as he has been with a one sturdy behind Bam who is just too sharp, quick and on level. I can see the nook stopping the combat late or broadly unanimous determination.”

Jesse Rodriguez (proper) grew up quick throughout his late-notice title shot vs. veteran Carlos Cuardras on February 5 on the Footprint Heart in Phoenix, Arizona. Photograph by Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing

SUNNY EDWARDS (FORMER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION): RODRIGUEZ KO

“Bam desires to win or it’s not gonna make me look excellent is it [Laughs.] I feel Bam’s gonna outbox him to begin and as Estrada begins slowing I feel Bam gonna go up the gears. Bam KO 10-12.”

BOB SANTOS (TRAINER): RODRIGUEZ UD 

“I’m taking Bam. I feel his ring IQ, willpower, his skill to get on angles and degree modifications could be the large distinction within the combat. Bam by unanimous determination.”

TONY SIMS (TRAINER): RODRIGUEZ SD

“It might be Battle of the 12 months. I’ve witnessed Estrada up shut as I used to be at ringside on the discussion board when he beat the Thai fighter, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, for the world title in a return combat, a thriller, after shedding to him beforehand. He’s boxed everybody in his weight class, Chocolatito, Cuadras and many others. he’s such a intelligent field fighter, can punch with each fingers additionally. I’m a fan of his. I’m additionally a fan of Bam, he’s intelligent and may punch, nice rhythm, he’s youthful and a lot much less skilled however extra more energizing. That is one combat I might like to be a ringside spectator for however I occur to have two younger fighters on similar night time within the U.Ok. in any other case I might’ve gone over. I’m going for Bam in a really shut combat to win a break up determination.”

TONY TOLJ (MANAGER): RODRIGUEZ 

“This has the makings of an instantaneous basic as each have extraordinarily fan pleasant types. I do know Bam has been sparring Chocolatito and the rounds have been going wonderful. I’m going for the youth of Rodriguez, in a coming-out get together.”

ANDREW MOLONEY (JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER): RODRIGUEZ

“I consider this combat is all about timing. I’ve been a fan of Estrada over time however this combat is ideal timing for Bam to dethrone a legend. Estrada has been extraordinarily inactive during the last 4-years and it has proven in his earlier performances. Having been out the ring now for nearly 19 months, I consider this may price Estrada badly and Bam will win this combat convincingly. Bam by extensive unanimous determination or presumably a late stoppage.”

MATTHEW MACKLIN (FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER/ COMMENTATOR): RODRIGUEZ PTS

“I fancy Bam. The youthful man coming off a very good win, confidence is excessive and I feel Estrada’s inactivity gained’t assist both.”

WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): RODRIGUEZ UD

“This combat is at 115-pounds and will become a basic combat with each guys giving all the pieces for the win. It might even find yourself with the fighters combating a trilogy. Estrada involves combat and has a very good engine to maintain him going within the later rounds. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is a southpaw who fights continuous and similar to Estrada, he has knockout energy in every hand. I feel the motion might be principally toe-to-toe with neither man giving floor to the opposite. Estrada will push Rodriguez within the center rounds touchdown lefts and rights off Rodriguez’ head that may make “Bam” combat tougher and he’ll land cleaner lefts and proper hooks off Estrada’s head and physique. I’m anticipating the rounds to be shut going forwards and backwards however I feel Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez will steal the previous couple of rounds to tug off an in depth unanimous factors win and keep unbeaten.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): RODRIGUEZ UD

“Fascinating combat however it’s a combat that I want would’ve occurred prime for prime. Whatever the consequence, there might be excuses. Rodriguez wins, he beat an outdated man or Estrada wins, Rodriguez wasn’t pretty much as good as we thought. Right here’s how I really feel the combat will go. The primary few rounds it will likely be aggressive, then the youth of Rodriguez will present and he’ll management the combat with pace and footwork. Estrada, because the combat progresses, he’ll present his age and ring rust. I see Bam successful a unanimous determination in 118-110 or 117-111. Bam can’t get comfy within the ring and I don’t see it occurring, however he should keep sharp as a result of one punch can change the result.”

Ultimate Tally: Rodriguez 18-1

Questions and/or feedback may be despatched to Anson at [email protected].

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