The Lone Star State has emerged as one of the premier hotspots for boxing anywhere in the world. It is producing world champions and blue-chip prospects at breakneck speeds. Much of that talent will be on display Saturday the 25th in San Antonio at the Tech Port Arena. In the main event, WBC Super Flyweight champ Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez will step in the ring and make his inaugural title defense against legendary former champ and future first ballot hall of Famer Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Rodriguez could have chosen any number of opponents, much less deserving and accomplished than Sor Rungvisai. However Rodriguez wanted the challenge and wanted to fight the legendary Thai fighter. Rodriguez, who is the youngest champ in the sport, and the first-ever world champion born in the 2000s, is no stranger to a challenge. He won his world title by beating another future hall of Famer on six days' notice and moving up two weight classes in what was perhaps the performance of the year. Rodriguez has emerged from being the hardcore fight fans darling, the fighter that every hardcore fan thought might be special, to the talk of the boxing world and the future of the smaller weight classes in a very short period of time. The 22-year-old now begins his title reign and pound-for-pound run.
Also on the card is 21-year-old San Antonian "El Castigo" Rick Medina, who will put his perfect 13-0 record on the line against fellow unbeaten featherweight prospect Raymond Ford. In what is a massive step-up fight for the unbeaten San Antonian. Recently a picture of Bam Rodriguez, Josh Franco, Mario Barrios, and Rick Medina posed together when they were children went viral. The other three in the now-famous picture have all captured world titles. It is now Medina's turn, and he can take a massive step toward that goal by defeating Ford in the battle of unbeaten featherweights. Ford is Ranked #6 by the WBA at 126-pounds and in the top 15 by the IBF. If "El Castigo" picks up the "W" he will likely replace Ford in those rankings and propel himself into the world title picture at just 21 years old.
Del Rio Native, 14x national champ, and unbeaten Bantamweight prospect "Panterita '' Jesus Martinez returns to the ring just two weeks after making his pro debut in Mexico. Panterita made his debut a successful one. Taking a brilliant four-round unanimous decision against Daniel Nunez Gomes of Mexico. The hard-hitting south Texan wowed the boxing world with his sensational professional debut and was added to the San Antonio card by popular demand. The boxing world wanted to see Panterita again, given his sensational performance in Mexico, and they will get that chance just a few hours from the fighter's hometown. He will battle with Keven Monroy 1-2 (1), and hails from California. Given Martinez continues to look impressive, it is believed he will be moved along quickly to a world title opportunity.