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Boxing

Bam Rodriguez returns to challenge for a world title in new weight class on June 13

DAZN

17, Apr

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Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez returns, but with a new challenge on his quest for history.

It was revealed on Friday that the pound-for-pound great and unified super flyweight champion will move to 118 pounds to challenge Antonio Vargas for the WBA bantamweight championship on Saturday, June 13, from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, live and exclusively on DAZN.

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Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) was looking to become the undisputed super flyweight champion after blowing out Fernando Martinez by 10th-round knockout in November. However, IBF titlist Willibaldo Garcia is stuck in a mandatory defense against Andrew Moloney on June 6. Instead of waiting, Rodriguez wanted to get into the ring and pursue the chance to become a three-division world champion.

“New weight class, same goals – dominate and pick up all the belts,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “On June 13, I look forward to becoming a three-division World Champion.”

Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) last fought in July, going to a draw with Daigo Higa. Now, he will be taking on by far his toughest date in standing across the ring against one of the sport's premier fighters.

“Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and that’s exactly why I took this fight,” Vargas also said in a statement. “These are the moments champions live for. I respect his skill, his IQ, everything he brings to the ring. I look forward to defending my WBA World title, and I’m ready to prove that I’m one of the best fighters in my weight class.

“I’ve worked my entire life to become a World champion, and I’m going to defend it with everything I have. I’m focused, I’m prepared, and everyone is going to see the best version of myself. But most of all, I fight to glorify Jesus Christ.”