Thought he be fighting for undisputed, however it was confirmed that Andrew Moloney will not step aside. Meaning Bam would have to wait likely entire year for two fights to be finished to have a shot. Robert Garcia has stated if that was the case, Bam will move up to Bantamweight (118).
https://x.com/GarciaBoxing/status/1993562836011008094?
If that the case, he has finished his business in this division at age 25, How would rate Rodriguez's run at the division? Top 5? First place?
https://x.com/KOJournals/status/1993036055575240717?
A division that had Nana Konadu, Santos Laciar, Jiro Watanabe, Moon Sung-kil, Johnny Tapia, Gilberto Roman, and Khaosai Galaxy.
I could be wrong but I don't think Bam could beat Inoue. I know the competition at 118 isn't that great but Bam is kinda small for him. He needs to focus on the winner of Teraji and Willibaldo Garcia to become undisputed.
Naoya is fighting at 122, so that match-up isn't in the immediate future. However, Bam's ultimate goal should be to get Naoya/Nakatani winner in the ring.
I could be wrong but I don't think Bam could beat Inoue. I know the competition at 118 isn't that great but Bam is kinda small for him. He needs to focus on the winner of Teraji and Willibaldo Garcia to become undisputed.
Bam would move up to 118 before sitting on the shelf and stop his momentum. Belts matter, but not to the degree that Rodriguez needs to wait for a shot where it might not happen or take even longer to realize it.
Andrew Moloney somehow is getting a title shot against Garcia/Teraji for the fourth time after coming from a loss and beating a few unranked journeymen.
Think if Bam unified at Bantamweight in 2026 with just two fights (Takuma Inoue, Christian Medina, Jose Salas or winner of Tsutsumi/Donaire). It is quite realistic he acclimate and potentially view fighting the winner of Nakatani vs Inoue by early 2027. Wouldn't be shocked if he fought Nishida to test the waters at 122 temporarily and move down.
Bam dominated Guevara who decisioned Moloney, yet IBF prioritizes Moloney because he beat a journeyman in Majungoen. It makes no damn sense.
It's unfortunate to hear that Bam won't make history as the first 115lb Undisputed. However, that means we won't have to wait much longer for Bam vs. Nakatani. I assume Bam will go after Takuma first, so he can have the WBC title as a bargaining chip. Takuma is decent, but his lack of power will lead to his undoing vs. Bam.
Bam would move up to 118 before sitting on the shelf and stop his momentum. Belts matter, but not to the degree that Rodriguez needs to wait for a shot where it might not happen or take even longer to realize it.
Andrew Moloney somehow is getting a title shot against Garcia/Teraji for the fourth time after coming from a loss and beating a few unranked journeymen.
Think if Bam unified at Bantamweight in 2026 with just two fights (Takuma Inoue, Christian Medina, Jose Salas or winner of Tsutsumi/Donaire). It is quite realistic he acclimate and potentially view fighting the winner of Nakatani vs Inoue by early 2027. Wouldn't be shocked if he fought Nishida to test the waters at 122 temporarily and move down.
It's unfortunate to hear that Bam won't make history as the first 115lb Undisputed. However, that means we won't have to wait much longer for Bam vs. Nakatani. I assume Bam will go after Takuma first, so he can have the WBC title as a bargaining chip. Takuma is decent, but his lack of power will lead to his undoing vs. Bam.