Photos: Jesse Rodriguez Grinds Hard For Srisaket Sor Rungvisai Title Clash

Rodriguez (15-0 10 KOs) makes the first defense of the belt he won in stunning fashion in February, flooring former world ruler Carlos Cuadras en-route to becoming the youngest current world champion in just his 15th pro-outing. ‘Bam’ will get a hero’s welcome on his home turf when he steps through the ropes in San Antonio for the first time as king of the world and only the third time in his career, boxing on his doorstep in his third and fifth fights in June 2017 and March 2018 respectively.

 

The 22 year old could hardly face a stiffer test when putting his belt on the line for the first time, coming up against former two-time super fly kingpin Rungvisai (50-5-1 43 KOs). The Thai star was set to face Cuadras in a long-awaited rematch for the title in San Diego, only for Rungvisai to fall ill and be replaced at late notice by the new young champion. The 35 year old has a chance to get his hands on the coveted green and gold strap for a third time, having first held the belt in 2013 and then reclaiming it against Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez three years later.