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:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Boxing—A Spectacle of Masses and Millennial Stages
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Tue, 03 Mar 2026Golden Boy Promotions Vs Virgil Ortiz Jr going to arbitration?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 03 Mar 2026Boxlab Promotions Signs Undefeated Nicaraguan Knockout Artist Jordan “La Cobrita” Orozco
Tue, 03 Mar 2026STACKED MARCH 14 UNDERCARD SHOWCASES GOLDEN BOY’S NEXT GENERATION OF CHAMPIONS
Tue, 03 Mar 2026The Perfect Boxing Prospect 12-0 Marco Romero
Tue, 03 Mar 2026Quietly formidable boxers Kristian Prenga & Pyrce Taylor continue Their assault on the heavyweight division
Tue, 03 Mar 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Flies to Perth for WBC Australasia Title Fight
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Ryan Daye vows a dominant standout performance in WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth Thunderdome 53
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Moncal, Mag-aso rule Legacy Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lavant Brownlee Earns Gold, Lorenzo Patricio Earns Silver at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Disputes hometown decision for NBA Americas Featherweight title
Mon, 02 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER WINKY WRIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Reyes Siblings New Champions in US chess tourney
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lorenzo Parra Delivers Stunning Second-Round Knockout at Sold-Out Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026Almacen Bros Score Knockout Wins in Exciting Brico Santig Show in Thailand Live on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 01 Mar 2026