Bam Rodriguez vs Antonio Vargas & Martinez vs Cardenas Preview and Picks
By Chris Carlson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 13 Jun 2026
This Saturday night at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Jessie ‘Bam’ Rodriguez faces Antonio Vargas. This will be Rodriguez’s first outing of 2026 as he looks to add another solid name to his resume. Antonio Vargas is a sizable underdog heading into Saturday’s showdown. On the undercard, a rematch between Arturo Cardenas and Jordon Martinez will likely steal the show. This event will steam live on the DAZN app.
Bam Rodriguez shot up the pound for pound rankings over the last few years by beating quality opponents. Names like Juan Francisco Estrada, Carlos Cuadras, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Sunny Edwards, and most recently Fernando Martinez. This boxing podcaster believes it will be highly difficult for Antonio Vargas to compete on Bam’s level. It’s not just that Vargas is coming off a draw versus Daigo Higa last summer. It’s also the fact that Antonio Vargas isn’t experienced enough to pull off an upset. From a fan perspective, here’s hoping we get a two-way main event while it lasts. If you feel Vargas can last the distance bet the over and Bam by decision +430.
My Official Prediction is Jessie Rodriguez by mid to late knockout.
Cardenas vs Martinez is a real 50-50 matchup that will produce plenty of back and forth. This pair of combatants fought to a split-decision draw in February. On a personal note, this boxing junkie scorecard leaned for Martinez, but I did think a draw was fine. It took a couple of rounds for Arturo to get going which could’ve cost him the fight. Even in his corner Robert Garcia thought Cardenas may need a stoppage as he motivated his fighter down the stretch.
Cardenas landed clean shots no doubt, although it appeared Martinez got the better of him. Jordon used pressure behind his jab and worked the body very well. He also used subtle foot movement remaining a moving target throughout the rounds. The more versatile boxer generally is the difference maker in close fights on paper. Cardenas is a slight underdog on the betting sites sitting around –102 to +110. Martinez is the favorite anywhere from –110 to –140. Cardenas by decision is +185 and by KO +480. Martinez by decision is +130 and by KO +490.
The best bets are Martinez money line and/or by decision +130.
My Official Prediction is Jordan Martinez by decision.
PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000772089858
Side Note: Keep an eye out for Eif Nur Turhan vs. Gabriela Tellez on the undercard.
Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.
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