It appears fight fans will not be seeing a rematch between WBC super flyweight titleholder Jesse Rodriguez and Juan Estrada.
Back in late June, Rodriguez challenged Estrada for the WBC gold inside the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. While Estrada managed to score a flash knockdown, this was a dominant showing from “Bam,” who scored a seventh-round knockout victory.
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While Estrada did have a rematch clause, many fans and experts felt that this one didn’t need part two given how one-sided Rodriguez made the fight look. As it turns out, there will not be a rematch.
Jesse Rodriguez vs. Juan Estrada 2 not happening
Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Boxeo reports that Juan Estrada has decided to forgo his rematch clause with Jesse Rodriguez. It was noted in the report that “El Gallo” will instead move up to the bantamweight division, clearing a path for “Bam” to go after title unification at super flyweight.
Standing in Rodriguez’s way from becoming the undisputed king at 115 pounds are Fernando Martinez, who holds the IBF and WBA gold, and WBO champion Kosei Tanaka. There is also David Jiménez, who is the WBA interim super flyweight champion.
Rodriguez has held gold in two weight classes, but he has never been a unified champion. The 24-year-old is already closer than he’s ever been to earning that distinction.
As for Estrada, the surefire future Hall of Famer is hoping the move to bantamweight will keep him in the title picture. If “El Gallo” can win a world title in a fourth weight class, he’ll add to an already legendary in-ring career.
Prior to the defeat at the hands of Rodriguez, Estrada was on an eight-fight winning streak. Time will tell if “El Gallo” can get back on the winning track, or if this is the beginning of the end for his in-ring run.