A talented amateur guided by the brilliant Robert Garcia, and also the younger brother of Joshua Franco, Rodriguez had plenty going for him heading into the new year.

Last weekend, it’s likely that whatever annual aspirations he held were achieved in just five short weeks when he became world champion. 

Although a position prophesised for him many years ago, Rodriguez’ masterclass against the more experienced Carlos Cuadras was a stunning showing that displayed a ruthless maturity far beyond ‘Bam’s’ age.

At 22 and with his team, Garcia and Matchroom, backing him, Rodriguez became boxing’s current youngest world champion and the first fighter born in 2000 to capture the sport’s biggest prize. 

By taking the vacant WBC belt at super-flyweight title, Rodriguez’ stock was inflated overnight, and he’s now seen as one of American boxing’s brightest hopes with a ton of opportunities ahead of him. Eddie Hearn, Matchroom’s chairman, was delighted to capture the signature of Rodriguez, and after his schooling of Cuadras, it’s no surprise to see why.  

“I am delighted to welcome Jesse to the team,” said Hearn once completing the acquisition of Rodriguez.

“Jesse is a world champion in waiting and one of the most talented young fighters in the world. He’s itching to get his hands on a world title and make the biggest fights.” 

 

The original plan for Rodriguez was an undercard outing in Arizona last weekend, but when Srisaket Sor Rungvisai was ruled out of his eagerly anticipated showdown with Cuadras, Rodriguez grabbed the chance with both hands.

A firm believer in his ability, it was a wise decision, and one that provides the Texan southpaw with a promising future. 

With super-flyweight currently stacked with a number of boxing’s leading names such as Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez, and Julio Cesar Martinez occupying the business end of the division, Rodriguez won’t be short of challenges.

For now, the spotlight is shining brightly on him following the Cuadras win and if he can follow that up with victory over any of the aforementioned names, it’s only going to get brighter.