Report: “El Gallo” Estrada Nixes “Bam” Rodriguez Rematch, Will Move Up To 118

According to Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Deportes, former flyweight and super flyweight world champ Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada has opted to not exercise the rematch clause in his contract with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez.

Rodriguez outgunned and stopped the 34-year-old Mexican and defending WBC super flyweight champ in seven rounds this past June. But, despite affirming that he would pursue a rematch during the post-fight interview that evening, he’s apparently changed his mind. According to Rodriguez, Estrada will now move up to bantamweight to explore opportunities there.

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‘Gallo’ Estrada se va a las 118 libras en busca de nuevos retos en su carrera. No habrá revancha con ‘Bam’ Rodríguez.

— Salvador Rodriguez (@ChavaESPN) September 12, 2024

In many ways Rodriguez’s defeat of the likely Hall of Famer, Estrada, was a breakthrough win and affirmation that the young fighter was truly a “for real” elite-level presence.

Despite suffering a flash knockdown in the sixth round– the first knockdown of his career– the 24-year-old Rodriguez was in full control throughout the contest, winning just about every exchange against the game, proud veteran champ. He had already dropped Estrada in the fourth round and had buzzed him on a couple of other occasions before scoring with the liver kill shot in the seventh.

Not only did he deliver Estrada’s first stoppage loss, but Rodriguez also managed to recapture a super flyweight world title after temporarily moving down to flyweight to win two world title belts there.

The young fighter’s run over the last two years or so has been eye-opening, especially from someone who’s likely not even in his prime. High-water mark victories over Estrada, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Carlos Cuadras, and Sunny Edwards– registered over the course of a relatively brief 7-year pro career– showcase a resume that is as deep as nearly anyone’s currently in the game.

Being untethered to an Estrada rematch opens the possibility for “Bam” to pursue title unification opportunities against IBF/WBA super flyweight champ Fernando Martinez and, possibly, WBO titlist Kosei Tanaka.

Estrada, meanwhile, could eventually find his way to Japan for a shot at one of the reigning 118 lb. titlists. His status as a long-in-the-tooth 34-year-old, coming off the first stoppage loss of his career, however, would make him a decided underdog in future world title pursuits.