'Bam' Rodriguez, Matchroom Boxing in discussions about a contract extension says Frank Smith

Is one of boxing's pound-for-pound greats on the verge of staying with Matchroom Boxing?

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith did an interview earlier this week, saying talks have begun on a contract extension with unified junior bantamweight champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez. 

“Look, we're in discussions about extending, Smith told Boxing Scene. "I think we've had a great relationship with ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. I think we've done great things together and will continue to do great things. I'm excited about what the future holds. He undoubtedly is pound-for-pound one of the best fighters in the world right now, so yeah, there's lots to talk about what's next for him."

Rodriguez (22-0, 15 KOs) steps back into the ring on Nov. 22 on The Ring IV card in Saudi Arabia, as he battles WBA titlist Fernando Martinez in a three-belt unification clash, which can be seen exclusively on DAZN PPV. The bout is currently the last one on Rodriguez's contract with Matchroom. Recently, the promotion retained Jaron "Boots" Ennis to an extension, so keeping Rodriguez would give Matchroom a stronger foothold than they already have in the United States. 

“Someone like ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, everyone wants to promote ‘Bam’ Rodriguez," Smith said. "I think we're in a great place, especially in US boxing. When you look at the stars, you know, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis signed a new long-term extension with us. Undoubtedly, as we keep saying, he is going to be the pound-for-pound No. 1 in the sport in time to come. So people like him, people like ‘Bam,’ it's very important to keep him as part of the books."

Watch Parker vs Wardley live on DAZN

Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley fight on Saturday, October 25, to become the WBO mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk. Watch the fight and undercard live and exclusive on DAZN PPV.

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