Robert Garcia Jr. said this week that Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, the junior bantamweight he assists in training alongside his father Robert Garcia, wants the best fights possible. Rodriguez’s upcoming fight with Juan Francisco Estrada is just a taste of what is to come.
Rodriguez, set to face WBC titleholder Estrada on Saturday at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, aims to prove himself against top competition to solidify his status as the top dog of the modern era in the flyweight and junior bantamweight divisions.
Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs), 24, of San Antonio, seeks to establish himself as a modern boxing legend by taking on Estrada (43-3, 28 KOs), 34, of Mexico, widely regarded as one of the best lower weight fighters. The bout, broadcast on DAZN, presents a pivotal moment for both fighters, with Rodriguez aiming to enhance his reputation with the backing of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, and Estrada looking to further cement his potential Hall of Fame status.
“This is all ‘Bam’ wants,” said Garcia Jr. at the press conference. “He only wants the biggest and toughest fights, and this is probably the toughest one he could’ve got and it’s the one he chose.”
Estrada has been unbeaten for six years and noted for two victories over Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, among others, as well as having avenged a loss to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, a fighter Rodriguez knocked out in 2022. Garcia Jr. expressed confidence in Rodriguez’s ability to seize the spotlight on fight night.
“‘El Gallo’ is a legend in the lower weight classes and one of the greatest fighters Mexico has produced in the lower weight classes,” Garcia Jr. said of Estrada. “You have to respect what he has accomplished in the sport. But I think on Saturday night, Bam is going to show it’s his time now.”
Phoenix, no stranger to boxing history with lower-weight greats like former titleholder Michael Carbajal, sets the stage for Rodriguez’s big night. Garcia Jr. also hinted at Rodriguez’s potential, despite his young age and status as the challenger in the bout.
“The better the competition, the better Bam performs,” said Garcia Jr. “He is also only 24 years old. People forget he became a champ at such a young age. He’s not near his physical prime.”
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