By Shaun Brown
THERE are fights value setting a reminder to observe, and then there are fights value counting down the times.
When Juan Francisco Estrada vs Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez was formally introduced on March 28, there have been 93 days to go. Tonight, the ready is over.
The pleasure for this super-flyweight clash – which sees Estrada’s WBC title at stake – comes from a perception that the combating types of each males will gentle a spark and explode right into a ‘fight of the year’ contender.
Both males can do a little bit of the whole lot, however in the case of Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs), he can look spectacular because of this. The 24-year-old has taken simply two years to create a legacy that accommodates victories over Carlos Cuadras, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Sunny Edwards. The first two could have been combating on the fallacious finish of their careers, however Rodriguez’s exhibiting towards Edwards proved that in a 50-50 struggle, the distinction was, in reality, broadly in his favour.
Rodriguez may probably be a nightmare for his Mexican opponent on June 29. Punches from angles, turning his opponent, and then throwing in blistering combos could possibly be an excessive amount of for ‘Gallo’ to deal with at 34 years outdated and in his 48th struggle. Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs) will additionally want to deal with a loud pro-Rodriguez crowd on the Footprint Centre in Phoenix – the location of Bam’s breakout victory towards Cuadras – and deal with 18 months away from the ring.
Estrada doesn’t see it as inactivity, nevertheless, as he mentioned in Matchroom’s ‘Make The Days Count’ documentary. Instead, he sees it as exercise, having frolicked in the fitness center and at house together with his three youngsters. But to go from a lifetime of fitness center and household to dealing with somebody who’s one thing of a legend killer is a daring transfer because the champion.
Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, the final man to share a hoop with Estrada, has sparred Rodriguez thrice throughout the challenger’s camp for June 29. Estrada-Chocolatito III featured the previous performing some pretty back-foot boxing and it wasn’t till the second half of the bout {that a} 35-year-old Gonzalez backed his man up with quantity punching to get himself into the struggle.
Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez (Melina Pizano/Matchroom)
It’s arduous to think about Rodriguez doing something however begin positively and take the struggle to a person 10 years his senior. The youthful of the 2 wants to search out out what Estrada has in the tank early by placing him beneath intense stress. What Estrada solutions that with will be a sign of how this struggle will play out.
For the primary six rounds, it needs to be aggressive, with Estrada doing the whole lot he can to remain in the struggle which will make for some thrilling exchanges. All of this effort could also be to his detriment, nevertheless, and with 18 months out and a 16-year profession behind him, it could show too powerful an task for Estrada.
Sunny leads the best way on Estrada vs. Rodriguez undercard
Sunny Edwards, who misplaced valiantly to Rodriguez in their flyweight unification six months in the past, faces former IBF light-flyweight champion Adrian Curiel in the primary help bout. Edwards (20-1, 4 KOs) has an easier-looking gig this time round, however one not with out hazard.
Curiel (24-5-1, 8 KOs) landed his world title in spectacular style towards Sivenathi Nontshinga in November with a ‘knockout of the year’ contender in lower than six minutes. But the Mexican misplaced the rematch in his homeland regardless of throwing the kitchen sink at his South African opponent.
Edwards confirmed he was rather more than a boxer-mover towards Rodriguez, however that was largely as a result of techniques deployed towards him. This time round, the 28-year-old can management proceedings early, and it might be a significant shock if he was dragged right into a tear-up towards his 25-year-old opponent.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 16: Jesse Rodriguez of the United States reacts throughout the IBF and WBO world flyweight title struggle towards Sunny Edwards of Great Britain at Desert Diamond Arena on December 16, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The query marks will be what that punishing defeat to Rodriguez took from Edwards. Curiel received’t cease till he’s both on the ground or the ultimate bell goes and this does appear to be being a distance struggle due to Edwards’ elusiveness and Curiel’s engine.
We can solely assume that Edwards will nonetheless have his bag of methods, which may largely frustrate Curiel. Things could get fascinating down the stretch, however a unanimous choice win for the travelling Brit appears to be like possible.
The seven-fight card in Phoenix additionally options Somali-born Brit Ramla Ali (9-1, 2 KOs) going for world honours towards WBC super-bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado (23-3, 5 KOs). Ali avenged her shock knockout defeat to Julissa Alejandra Guzman 12 months in the past by successful on factors 5 months later, which will stand her in good stead. However, Mercado is at one other degree, and it’s uncertain Ali can attain such heights to win her first world title.
Before working the nook for Bam Rodriguez in the primary occasion, Robert Garcia will be hoping to information his bantamweight prospect Gabriel Muratalla (11-0, 6 KOs) to victory towards southpaw Carlos Fontes (23-3-1, 19 KOs) whereas one other of his prospects Leonardo Rubalcava (7-0, 3 KOs) takes a break from working for his father’s development firm to start life as a Matchroom boxer towards William Flenloy (3-3-1, 1 KO).
Elsewhere, super-bantamweights Arturo Popoca (13-0-1, 8 KOs) and Danny Barrios Flores (15-0, 5 KOs) put their unbeaten data on the road over 10 rounds whereas native fighter Fabian Rojo (8-0, 6 KOs) will have the group on his facet in a welterweight contest towards Daniel Gonzalez (5-1, 2 KOs).
Talking level
Beating Estrada can be the third taming of the lower-weight Four Kings for Rodriguez. This would go away solely the legendary Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez to finish the set. Would the lacking piece matter or does the younger prince as a substitute journey to Asia and tackle Japan’s bantamweight rulers?
The Verdict
This is one other must-see struggle in the careers of each males, however one in which Rodriguez’s star will shine brightest with one other glowing efficiency.
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