Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’s scintillating performance on November 22, which crowned him a three-belt super-flyweight champion, was one of the finest virtuoso displays of the year.
Rodriguez stopped Fernando “Puma” Martinez in the 10th round in Riyadh, further enhancing his reputation as one of the world’s elite fighters.
Only Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue and Dmitry Bivol sit above him on most pound-for-pound lists. And at just 25, the Texan southpaw’s future looks brighter than ever.
One fantasy matchup that continues to fuel debate is Rodriguez versus Naoya Inoue. The “Monster” has risen from light-flyweight to super-bantamweight, where he currently reigns as undisputed champion.
At 32, Inoue looked at his devastating best last time out in what was expected to be a stern test against Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Speed, accuracy and power combined as the Japanese star dominated the Uzbek on his way to a wide points victory.
Rodriguez may move to bantamweight if he cannot secure an undisputed fight at super-flyweight against the remaining champion, Willibaldo Garcia.
Former two-weight world champion Timothy Bradley — no stranger to upsets and defying expectations — urged caution over a potential “Bam” vs “Monster” showdown when speaking to FightHype.
“There’s weight classes for a reason. I know Bam is special. I think Bam is very skilful. I love his style. He’s one of the best we’ve ever seen. But the Monster is too mature right now, and he’s continuing to get better.
“That speed and power of the ‘Monster’ is something else. That explosiveness is something else. Bam flows like water, but the Monster is sharp, accurate — and that’s something to deal with. I think the Monster would be the favourite if they were to fight. That’s no disrespect to Bam. I think Bam is a tremendous fighter, man. I just think the Monster might be too explosive.”
Inoue returns to the ring to defend his 122lb championship against David Picasso on December 27.