Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez has made it clear that racking up routine defenses is no longer enough motivation as he prepares to challenge Antonio Vargas for the WBA bantamweight title on June 13 in Glendale, Arizona
Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs), already one of boxing’s most accomplished young champions, will move up in weight to face Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) in a bid to become a three-division world champion. While many see Rodriguez as the favorite, he said the bigger attraction was the challenge itself.
“The title defense wouldn’t have gotten me as excited as this fight. Moving up to another division, trying to win another world title against a fighter like Antonio Vargas, will push me that much more inside the gym and make me go out there and perform a lot better come fight night,” Rodriguez said at the press conference.
The commentary offers a glimpse into Rodriguez’s mindset at 26. He already holds major titles at 115 pounds and has little left to prove in standard defense. A move to bantamweight gives him a new target and another belt to chase.
Rodriguez also dismissed the idea that Vargas should be overlooked because he doesn’t have a big profile.
“He’s a tough fighter. He has good speed, so I expect a very tough fight. A lot of people write him off just because he doesn’t have a big name, but on June 13th I expect a big fight,” says Bam Rodriguez.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said Rodriguez could return to 115 pounds after the fight to pursue undisputed status, but he must deal with a dangerous opponent at 118 first.
Moving divisions can revive elite fighters. Rodriguez seems to know that staying hungry can be just as important as staying undefeated.
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Last updated on 2026/04/24 at 16:43
