Super-flyweight champ Jesse Rodríguez vacates WBC belt
Jesse 'Bam' Rodríguez (17-0, 11KO) has vacated his green and gold WBC super-flyweight belt in order to compete in a lower weight category.
The 22-year-old became the youngest reigning world champion when he defeated Carlos Cuadras in Phoenix earlier this year. He went on to defend the belt twice against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in June and Israel González in September.
The World Boxing Council released the following statement on October 27: "The WBC has been officially informed by our undefeated champion in the super flyweight division Jesse Rodríguez of his decision to vacate his Green and Gold Belt, in order to move down and compete in a lighter weight category.
"Jessie thrilled us in 2022, conquering the WBC title, by defeating former champion Carlos Cuadras, knocking out mandatory contender, also a former champion from Thailand, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai; and making a voluntary defense, defeating durable Israel Gonzalez to make this one of the most wonderfully successful years .
"The WBC wishes Jessie great success in his immediate future and looks forward to him competing for WBC plaudits in the months and years to come."
The Texan southpaw campaigned his entire career at flyweight until the opportunity to challenge for the super-flyweight world title became available to him.
Julio Cesar Martinez is the reigning WBC flyweight world champion and is due to rematch with interim titlist McWilliams Arroyo in his next fight.
The rest of the flyweight champions are Sunny Edwards (IBF); Junto Nakatani (WBO); Artem Dalakian (WBA); and Dave Apolinaria (IBO).
