Seven days ago, Jesse Rodriguez was preparing to take on Fernando Diaz in a flyweight bout.
A non-COVID illness to Sriskat Sor Rungvisai and a quick acceptance to face Carlos Cuadras at the beginning of this week was what the doctor ordered for Jesse Rodriguez even though he'd have to jump up two weight classes. The weight discrepancy made no difference to "Bam" as he knocked down Cuadras and used his speed and footwork to beat Cuadras by unanimous decision (117-110, 117-110, 115-112) to win the vacant WBC super flyweight title at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. DAZN News scored it 116-111 for Rodriguez.
A non-COVID illness to Sriskat Sor Rungvisai and a quick acceptance to face Carlos Cuadras at the beginning of this week was what the doctor ordered for Jesse Rodriguez even though he'd have to jump up two weight classes. The weight discrepancy made no difference to "Bam" as he knocked down Cuadras and used his speed and footwork to beat Cuadras by unanimous decision (117-110, 117-110, 115-112) to win the vacant WBC super flyweight title at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. DAZN News scored it 116-111 for Rodriguez.
The opening two rounds belonged to Cuadras (39-5-1, 27 KOs). He was throwing in bunches, going to the body in an effort to impose his will on the smaller Rodriguez. However, Rodriguez had different plans in mind in the third round. Rodriguez flicked a jab, slid, and planted a picture-perfect right uppercut to send Cuadras to the canvas.
From there, it was all Rodriguez (15-0, 10 KOs). His speed was too much. His footwork was superb, allowing him to throw from unique angles. Those factors permitted Rodriguez to continuously walk Cuadras down and control the action to become the youngest world champion right now in boxing at the age of 22.
Here is what happened at Jesse Rodriguez vs. Carlos Cuadras.