The First Millennial Boxing World Champion Has Just Been Crowned!
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 07 Feb 2022
Mexican-American Jesse “Bam!” Rodríguez (15-0, 10 KO’s) of San Antonio rocked down and decisioned super tough former champ Carlos "Príncipe" Cuadras to conquer the vacant WBC Super Flyweight World Title Saturday night, Feb 5, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, live on DAZN; becoming the first millennial to claim a world title in boxing.
Coming in as a late-sub, the 108-pounder who 10 days ago did not know that he would be fighting for the 115-lbs world title... and win it, joined his brother as world champion, achieving the dream of his life: claiming a fantastic elite win over one of the most experienced, most dangerous super flyweight boxers in the world. That he did.
Against all odds, way out of his weight-class, against a bigger, formidable much-more experienced opponent, he won.
En route to that, the 22-year-old Jesse Rodríguez dropped Cuadras in the 3rd chapter by performing a fast and beautiful right-angle side-step, then firing with power one perfectly accurate right uppercut that on impact stunned "Principe" backwards down on his ass. (See the photos, what do you think?)
But the bigger, stronger Carlos Cuadras was so far from done.
“El Príncipe,” a true Mexican warrior, got up willing to engage as both tough, fully-committed men threw heavy artillery at each other for the remainder of the 12-round fight in a blow-by-blow war that completely satisfied the fans who cheered and clapped until the sound of the final bell.
Scores were read 117-110 (twice) and 115-113 all in favor of the new champion of the world Jesse “Bam!” Rodríguez!
After the hot clash, "Bam" Rodríguez said that his win is the result of his hard training and dedication to the sport and to always being ready; telling fans in the post-fight interview that he is grateful to the people who helped him in his journey, including his promoter Eddie Hearn.
“The New” added that he will watch the coming Chocolatito vs Martínez fight unfolding on March 5 in San Diego. "Because maybe I’d get to fight the winner."
And the new!...
Jesse’s fan-friendly fighting style would make a possible rumble against Chocolatito, Martínez or Estrada another exciting show. Hopefully we’ll see him again in summer.
Born in January of 2000, Jesse James Rodríguez Franco becomes the first millennial boxing world champion.
The first Millennial Champion has been crowned.
Congratulations Jesse! 👍🥊
The author Carlos Costa is a senior boxing columnist at Philboxing. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp 09184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Liddard Destroys Conway to Claim British Middleweight Title, Becomes Youngest-Ever Champion
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 18 Oct 2025Keiron Conway vs George Liddard: Unbeaten Prospect Faces Stiff Challenge
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 18 Oct 2025Alicaba to fight for WBC Asian Continental super fly
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 18 Oct 2025DAY TWO: STARBOY MANAS STEALS THE SHOW AS TEAM ASIA EXTENDS PERFECT RUN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS INTRODUCES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND VICE PRESIDENT TONY COHEN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Joseph Subia Signs with Wise Owl Boxing
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Sirimongkhol, Midgley Make Weight for WBF World Title in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 17 Oct 2025ICTSI South Pacific on Oct. 28-31
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Oct 2025PIONEERING FILIPINO BOXERS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT ON FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH (PART II)
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 17 Oct 2025California Commission Backs Dana White’s ‘American Boxing Revival’ and Expanded Muhammad Ali Act
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 17 Oct 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS PRESENTS “COUNTDOWN TO THRILLA IN MANILA” AND “THRILLA IN MANILA 50”
Fri, 17 Oct 2025Rafael Espinoza-Arnold Khegai Featherweight World Title Showdown Set for Nov. 15 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Fri, 17 Oct 2025Irish welterweight contender Paddy Donovan Positioned for another World title shot
Fri, 17 Oct 2025DAY ONE: TEAM ASIA LAUNCHES TITLE DEFENCE WITH DOMINANT WHITEWASH AS AJ ‘STARBOY’ MANAS SHINES
Fri, 17 Oct 2025CONNOR MITCHELL SIGNS FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AND DREAMS OF SURPASSING HIS LEGENDARY FATHER
Fri, 17 Oct 2025