In another fantastic display of an increasingly impressive career, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez added another crown to his collection of world titles by knocking out the tough Argentine Fernando “El Puma” Martinez on the undercard headlined by David Benavides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “Bam” Rodriguez delivered another masterful boxing lesson by knocking out the Argentine Martinez with a left to the jaw in the 10th round, taking away his undefeated record and his World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight title. But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 25-year-old San Antonio, Texas native's victory is that he achieved it just three days after the birth of his son Milo, which he missed to fulfill his commitment on the other side of the world. “It’s difficult for me, but it was worth it,” said a tearful Rodriguez about missing his partner. for the birth of the child. “He’ll understand when he’s a little older. I did it for him, for my daughter, for my girlfriend.”

Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs), who was defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight titles, was able to focus on his fight knowing that little Milo and his girlfriend were safe at home after the birth. And as soon as the bell rang, he displayed clear superiority over the 34-year-old, who was previously undefeated.

“Puma” Martinez couldn’t overcome Rodriguez’s superior technique

“El Puma” Martinez (18-1), from the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires, landed some powerful blows in the first round, even prompting chants of “Puma, Puma” in the ANB Arena in Riyadh. But “Bam” Rodriguez quickly neutralized those powerful punches from the South American, imposing his will with his wide repertoire of blows, surgical precision, and superior boxing technique. Rodriguez, however, briefly visited the canvas in round 2 when he put a glove to the floor after an apparent simultaneous punch. The referee didn't even stop the fight, which was a mistake on his part.He should at least have indicated that the fall was accidental.

Seconds later, it was the Argentine Martinez who fell, missing a punch and losing his balance. There was no official knockdown either.

“Bam” Rodriguez dismantled his opponent and finished him in the 10th

Rodriguez was superior in every round, with his impeccable footwork, ability to find angles, and distribute his punishment to the head and body. From round 3 onward, he began to dismantle Martinez, who complained a lot about his nose, which appeared to be fractured.

But fighting with pride, “Puma” Martinez stayed in the fight against a champion in his prime, with tremendous composure in the ring that contrasted with his violent punching.

The end of the fight came in round 10 when Rodriguez evaded a right hand from his opponent to counterpunch him with a perfectly placed left. The Argentine fell backward and couldn't get up in time for the knockout, right in the middle of the round.

“Bam” Rodriguez confirmed that he is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He only needs the IBF championship to become the undisputed champion, and his move up to higher weight classes is imminent.