The undefeated southpaw has already established himself as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound talents, but believes he has operated well below his ceiling to this point in his career.
“I feel like I didn’t even show 50% of what I’m capable of, but the harder the opponent, the better my performance,” Rodriguez said during Thursday’s press conference. “Antonio Vargas, I feel like he’s going to bring out another percentage of Bam Rodriguez and I can’t wait to go out there and show it.”
Rodriguez also suggested that the move to bantamweight could unlock another level of his game after years of making the super flyweight limit.
“I feel a lot better in this weight class, a lot sharper, a lot stronger and faster. The fact that I don’t have to lose an extra three pounds. So, just expect another spectacular performance, and I’m ready to go out there and make it happen,” Jesse said.
The 26-year-old made the decision to vacate his WBC, WBA and WBO super flyweight titles rather than try to hold on while testing the waters in a higher division.
Bam admitted that routine title defenses no longer provide the same motivation as the pursuit of new challenges.
“Yeah, always trying to challenge myself. I mean, if it’s not a world title fight, then it doesn’t really interest me. Or even if it’s just a simple defense, it doesn’t really interest me or get me in the gym,” Rodriguez said. “When I got the opportunity to fight Antonio Vargas for another world title in another weight division, I was immediately on the move.”
Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) enters the contest riding a streak of five straight stoppage victories. Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs, 1 NC) accepted the assignment despite other options available and will look to derail one of boxing’s fastest rising stars.
Victory for Rodriguez would add another world title to an already impressive resume. It will also intensify calls for the San Antonio native to pursue the marquee fights that await further north on the scale as his career continues to gain momentum.
