American WBO & IBF flyweight Jesse Rodriguez is set for a return at 115 lbs since last fighting in that weight class in September of 2022. The unified champion is now ready to step up a division again to face Mexican WBC super flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada as the two fighters have been confirmed as headliners for a Matchroom show that has been scheduled for June 29th at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Jesse Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KO’s) may face the relinquishment of his flyweight world titles as he prepares himself for a match against Juan “El Gallo” Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KO’s) who, like Rodriguez, enjoys the distinction of being a two-division champion.
The match-up will see the classic tale of youth against experience come to light as the 24-year old Jesse Rodriguez goes up against Juan Francisco Estrada who will be 34 by the time of the match. Though Estrada will go into the match as the defending champion through his WBC super flyweight title, the Mexican champion faces a tough time ahead as he returns the ring following an absence of almost two years.
Estrada’s last match occurred in December of 2022 that culminated in a close majority decision win for him when he faced Nicaraguan fighter Roman Gonzalez (51-4, 41 KO’s) in a trilogy bout. In comparison, Rodriguez has been much more active, having fought twice during 2023, with his last match occurring roughly 4/5 months ago when he defeated former IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (20-1, 4 KO’s) in a unification match.
Youth aside, recent form puts Jesse Rodriguez as the clear favorite for his upcoming June 9th bout against Juan Estrada, but Estrada remains an opponent that Rodriguez must be wary for given the Mexican champion’s credentials who has at least four years’ worth of experience as a world champion to draw upon, as well as him having been known as a pound-for-pound fighter.
However, the gains for Rodriguez are substantial, to say the least, with the American champion’s current position as the #10 best fighter in the world, according to the The Ring Boxing Magazine, allowing him to solidify his status as a pound-for-pound fighter.
Juan Francisco Estrada can still spoil Rodriguez’ party however, with his skillset and experience threatening to be a potential barrier to Rodriguez plans to return to the super flyweight division with a belt in his hand. Estrada himself is in the position to gain a lot from a win, including potentially Jesse Rodriguez’ #10 spot on The Ring’s pound-for-pound rankings, but his inactivity will be a key factor that might prevent him from being at his best.
El Gallo will also be defending his The Ring lineal title during the match, confirming that Jesse Rodriguez is still considered one of the best super flyweights in the world despite not having fought in the division for nearly two years. In an interview with Matchroom Boxing, Estrada also went on to clarify that his inactivity would not impede into him performing to the best of his ability come fight night.
“I’m very happy to announce my return against Bam Rodriguez,” Estrada told Matchroom. “After my last victory against Chocolatito we took a good break and was able to spend quality time with my family and my kids and heal an injury I was dealing with.
“I will be more than ready since I know Rodriguez is a dangerous fighter, but in June it will be clear that there’s is plenty of ‘Gallo’ excitement to come.”
Jesse Rodriguez also seemed up for the contest as he spoke on the significance of participating in his fourth world title fight.
“Fighting for my fourth world title against a legend like ‘Gallo’ is huge,” Rodriguez stated during his own interview with Matchroom.
“This is a fight I’ve been wanting for a while and I’m ready to prove myself once again. On June 29, you guys will see another special performance. AND THE NEW!”
