Jesse Rodriguez Becomes Three-Division Champion

Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez became a three-division world champion by stopping Antonio Vargas in the sixth round to win the WBA bantamweight title Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona. The victory, achieved by technical knockout, marked Rodriguez's debut at 118 pounds and solidified his status among boxing's pound-for-pound elite.

Rodriguez, 26, improved his record to 24-0 with 17 knockouts. He previously held world titles at flyweight and super flyweight. The fight against Vargas, the defending champion, was competitive through the early rounds. Vargas, 29, matched Rodriguez's movement and work rate, presenting a challenge for the first four rounds. However, Rodriguez shifted momentum in the fifth round with a knockdown and finished the fight decisively in the sixth with a combination that left Vargas unable to continue.

In his post-fight remarks, Rodriguez acknowledged Vargas's toughness and power, stating the former champion had more pop in his punches than expected. Rodriguez said he is ready for any challenge his team presents. "Whoever they put in front of me, I'm going to say yes," he said.

The immediate focus after the fight shifted to Rodriguez's future, particularly a...