Dream Fight: “Bam” Rodriguez vs “Puma” Martinez on the Horizon
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 10 Jul 2025
Boxing fans are thrilled as a potential showdown between two of the sport's brightest stars in the lower weight divisions is on the horizon.
The highly anticipated fight between Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and Fernando “Puma” Martínez, set for November 12 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, promises to be one of the most interesting match-ups for 2025!
Confirmed by none other than His Excellency Turki Alalshikh as part of his blockbuster card "Night of the Champions" on November 22, the rumble would pit Mexican-American sensation Bam Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs) against undefeated WBA champion Puma Martinez (18-0, 9 KOs) from the Land of Leo Messi.
But before this dream fight becomes a reality, Bam Rodriguez must first overcome a formidable challenge:
On July 19 (the same night that Pacquiao fights Barrios in Las Vegas), Bam will rumble against undefeated South African WBO super flyweight world champion Phumelela Cafu at The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.
A thrilling win over Cafu would not only showcase Bam's skills in front of his home fans, but also would confirm his clash against Puma, and would also solidify his status as one of boxing's top-10 pound-for-pounders.
Bam Rodriguez (R) in action against Mexican star El Gallo Estrada.
If Bam emerges victorious, the stage would indeed be all set for an electrifying unification rumble against Puma Martinez. Who wants to miss that war?
The question on every fan's mind is, if the fight happens, who would emerge victorious?
Would Bam's relentless southpaw aggression be enough to outmaneuver Puma's quick counters and technical skills?
Puma Martinez (R) defeats Japanese star Kazuto Ioka.
Puma is known by fans here in Cebu for his victories over our boy, Jerwin "Pretty Boy" Ancajas, and 4-division champion Kazuto Ioka.
But Bam has defeated formidable foes like Carlos Cuadras, Juan Francisco "El Gallo" Estrada, and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.
Only time will tell if this dream fight will become a reality. I hope yes!
If it does, we, boxing fans, are in for an awesome treat! Who would you pick? May the best man win!
Written by Carlos Costa, Cebu. carlos@philboxing.com
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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