Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez Dazzles on DAZN; Akhmadaliev and McCaskill Win Too

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez overpowered the dangerous Thai champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai by stoppage and retained the WBC super flyweight title in spectacular fashion on Saturday.

“Feels like a dream,” said Rodriguez.

Fighting in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, the 22-year-old Rodriguez (16-0, 11 KOs) befuddled and battered the powerful Sor Rungvisai (50-6-1, 43 KOs) at the Tech Port Arena. Most expected a decision win against the always dangerous Thai warrior.

When Rodriguez was asked to face the two-time conqueror of Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and victor of Juan Francisco Estrada, many felt he was being shoved into the situation too early.

He was more than ready.

The memories of young champions put into the fire too early always loomed in the back of many experts’ assessment of the outcome.

“Bam” Rodriguez put those concerns to rest.

Behind his clever footwork and use of angles and jabs the muscular younger brother of IBF super flyweight champion Joshua Franco controlled the ring. Sor Rungvisai, 35, was unable to connect solidly for three rounds.

Though Rodriguez won the first three rounds clearly, the Thai fighter was eager to exchange with the intent of landing one of his big blows. When Sor Rungvisai could not pound the head, he targeted the body.

When the Thai fighter resumed targeting the body, he was met with stiff jabs and a strong Bam uppercut. From that point on the Texan who trains in Riverside, California seemed in even more control.

“His power wasn’t the same after the third round. That’s when I took advantage,” said Rodriguez.

During an exchange of blows Rodriguez connected with a counter left and down went Sor Rungvisai. He easily got back up but seemed surprised by the outcome. He never seemed the same after the knockdown.

“I threw my left shot and he went down,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez opened the eighth round with a veteran’s confidence and unleashed a five-punch combination that seemed to surprise and stun Sor Rungvisai. The crowd sensed a big moment and Rodriguez did too. The young champion unleashed another combination that stunned the Thai fighter and Rodriguez opened a torrential flood of blows until the referee stopped the fight with 1:50 of the eighth round.

Rodriguez had stopped Sor Rungvisai on his feet.

“We came out here tonight to put on a show,” said Rodriguez.

Super Bantamweight Title

WBA and IBF super bantamweight titlist Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8 KOs) could have defeated veteran Ronny Rios (33-4) by a decision but was convinced to go for the knockout and did in the 12^th and final round.

It was Akhmadaliev’s third defense of the two world titles.

The Uzbekistan fighter used his southpaw jab to score heavily and battered the body to keep Rios from gaining too much confidence. Akhmadaliev was winning most rounds but his corner convinced him to go for the knockout and he did. A body shot followed by several blows put Rios down. He got up but a flurry of blows forced the referee to end the fight.

Undisputed welterweight champion

Once again Jessica McCaskill (12-2, 5 KOs) surprised the experts and ran Mexico’s Alma Ibarra (10-2, 5 KOs) out of the ring with a bludgeoning attack to retain the undisputed welterweight world championship.

With most predicting a stiff test, McCaskill immediately erased all doubt with a withering offensive burst that stunned the much taller Ibarra with the first punch she absorbed. From the first round on the taller Mexican fighter was unable to connect with more than a few punches and instead relied on holding to survive.

I thought it was going to be a crazy firefight Mexican vs Mexican,” said McCaskill who is half Mexican and half Black. “I just knew my training was spectacular. I just had too much power, too many angles.”

McCaskill said she will be dropping down to super lightweight.

“I think I’m going to go down to 140. 147 doesn’t interest me,” McCaskill said.

Also

Raymond Ford (12-0-1, 6 KOs) cruised to victory over Richard Medina (13-1) in a battle between undefeated featherweights. Ford was as comfortable as an old sofa behind his southpaw jab in all 10 rounds and simply stuck it into Medina’s face with little danger of return fire.

Photo credit: Matchroom

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