22-year-old American wunderkind Jesse Rodriguez (15-0, 10 KOs) is preparing for his debut defense of the WBC super flyweight title (up to 52.2 kg) against the legendary two-time ex-champion in the same version of Srisaketa Sor Rungvisai (50-5- 1, 43 KOs) from Thailand.
WATCH THE FIGHT Rodriguez vs Rungvisai AT DAZN
Rodriguez won the belt in February this year, replacing mandatory challenger Rungvisai against former Mexican champion Carlos Cuadras. The young prodigy, who is often compared with the Ukrainian Vasily Lomachenko due to his boxing style, was supposed to act as an opening act for Rungvisai and Cuadras, and planned to box two categories lower.
It seemed that the young man would give up his belt in the second flyweight division and return to his division, but Rodriguez accepted the fight with the knockout legend without a doubt. “American Lomachenko”
explained his choice: “I’m here to become the greatest in the history of boxing, I’m just not interested in the championship. Especially since this title chance came out of nowhere. We won the title, we plan to take the belt below the division or even compete for all the belts. What’s next? Who knows, I’m only 22 years old, my body is growing. Personally, I see myself in the future even in the second bantamweight (up to 55.3 kg), and maybe in the featherweight division (up to 57.2 kg). This title is just the beginning.”
Promoter Eddie HearnMatchroom Boxing) in awe of the champion: “Of course I love this kid. He accepted the fight for the title 6 days before the fight and was not even afraid that he would have to fight not in his weight. And now he comes out in the opening defense against Rungvisai. What then? We are ready to fight him with Juan Francisco Estrada, and with Roman Gonzalez, and with Julio Cesar Martinez. It’s a fucking top 10 pound shot!”
Rodriguez understands that it will be very difficult to beat Rungvisai: “I know that this is the most difficult option of all that I had. I know that most champions chose something simpler for their opening defense, they chose whom they wanted. But I’m not here to be another “just a champion”. Not to be one of many. I want to leave a legacy, I want to be talked about as one of the greatest. I know it will be a difficult fight, because Srisaket is a great fighter, a two-time world champion. But it’s fights like this that make your legacy. That’s why I chose him.”
Rodriguez vs Rungvisai fight will take place this weekend in the champion’s hometown – San Antonio (USA).
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