One of the contenders for victory in the nomination fighter of the year American Jesse Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs), perhaps much more likely to take first place in the race for opening/breakthrough of the year – in the status of a late replacement, he immediately rose by two weight categories and won the vacant WBC belt in the second flyweight in the confrontation with his ex-owner Mexican Carlos Cuadras. And then the ex-pounder Srisaket Sor Rungvisai from Thailand was beaten with one wicket and sent off.
In September, the young champion forcedly and undoubtedly passed the Mexican Israel Gonzalez, after which he decided to return to his native weight.
No Smoke Boxing claims that Rodriguez will challenge the vacant WBO flyweight belt in his native San Antonio (USA) – the fight will take place on March 25, and the fight will be with the Mexican Christian Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs).
Rodriguez does not hide the fact that his goal in the new weight is the title of absolute world champion. The source believes that the WBA champion Ukrainian Artyom Dalakyan can spoil the plans for the American. Alas, we are not talking about the level of our champion, but about the conflict of promoters.
Earlier, Dalakian’s team announced that in the event of a victory over mandatory challenger Costa Rican David Jimenez, Artyom would sign a co-promotion agreement with Frank Warren (queensberry promotions), with whom Eddie Hearn does not get along very well (Matchroom Boxing) is Rodriguez’s promoter.
Dalakian vs Jimenez fight will take place on January 28 in London (England) as part of the Arthur Beterbiev vs Anthony Yarde show. The promoter of the show is Warren.
The other day, the cutman of Usyk and Lomachenko shared his opinion about the Beterbiev-Yard fight: “This is the challenger’s chance.” And the British top coach turned to his compatriot with valuable advice and reminded that Beterbiev would drop the horse with a jab.