Breakout star Jesse Rodriguez has signed an extension to his long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. The WBC non-franchise junior bantamweight champion put pen to paper following his sensational stoppage win over ex-champ Srisaket Sor Rungvisai at the Tech Port Arena in his San Antonio hometown on Saturday night. The 22 year-old ended matters in the eighth round on Saturday. Prior to that, in February, he made his name as a late replacement against ex-title holder Carlos Cuadras. “I am delighted to sign with Eddie and Matchroom and so excited for the future,” said Rodriguez. “Last night was the best night of my career so far, beating a great fighter like Rungvisai in my hometown – but it’s only the beginning and there’s so much more that I can achieve. I was so happy because there was a lot of people doubting me before last night saying that I shouldn’t be at 115lbs and that Rungvisai was going to KO me. So, for me to stop him, that’s a big statement. He has boxed the very best at Super-Flyweight and has not been stopped since his first two fights so that says a lot about me. I knew I could stop him, I said so in the build-up so to do it, I’m very happy. He packs a punch, I knew that and I could feel it, so I was glad to get him out of there."
As for what's next, Rodriguez said, “We will talk as a team, but I want to keep coming home to San Antonio. I hope everyone that came enjoyed the show, it means everything to me for my city to show out. The plan has been to go [back] to 112 pounds and win a title there but I’m open to fighting anyone, I want to keep improving and fighting the best. Every fighter wants to be on that pound-for-pound list, and you get there by fighting the best and beating them.”
“I am very happy to extend our promotional contract with Eddie and Matchroom,” said trainer and manager Robert Garcia. “Mr Honda’s Teiken Promotions and Matchroom together have done a great job.
“I want to thank Mr. Honda for being there since day one and believing in Jesse’s abilities. I also want to thank Eddie and Matchroom for believing in Jesse and giving us the opportunity to showcase Jesse’s talent. Together we are going to do great things with Bam.”
“I am delighted to see Jesse commit his future to Matchroom and DAZN,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “As I said in the ring last night – superstar. That’s all you need to know about this kid – he is a must-watch talent and that’s live in person or live on DAZN, you have to watch him perform.
“The options for Jesse are endless from 108lbs to 115lbs, and with Matchroom and Robert Garcia behind him, we’re going to be able to showcase this sensational fighter on the biggest platforms.
“Last night he had his hometown fans on their feet, and we want him to grow into a massive star on his own doorstep, but make no mistake, this young man will grow into a star attraction that all of America will get behind.”
