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Bam Rodriguez is doing it his way

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2 hours ago

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Author: Sean Crose

It’s part of up-to-date boxing. Competitors watch videos of other competitors they are about to face as often as possible. Watching what a player has done before can logically be an indication of what he will do again. Watching film of future opponents makes a lot of sense, and many, if not most, fighters do it whenever they have the opportunity. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, however, is a different story. The undefeated 23-0 fighter made it clear that watching the tape can be misleading. And indeed, this man is right because he points out that a player can easily change his strategy.

“I like to just go out for the first few rounds and see what they bring to the table,” Rodriguez told Boxing Scene. “You can go out and watch all the movies in the world and he can change his style on fight night.” So what does this man make of strategy? “Just go there and see what they bring.” There is no doubt that Rodriguez’s next opponent will be more than ecstatic to show Rodriguez what he can bring to the fight. On the 13th of this month, Rodriguez will face Antonio Vargas.

At stake will be the WBA bantamweight belt. If he wins, Rodriguez will be a three-time world champion. Suffice it to say, the scheduled 12-rounder against Vargas is a match Rodriguez is expected to win. But strange things happen in boxing, and Vargas is not a man to be taken lightly. This is especially true when you consider that Naoya Inoue could be on the horizon if Rodriguez wins. Regardless of whether he watches the video or not, Rodriguez will certainly want to step into the ring on January 13 in the best shape of his life

But the ever-confident Rodriguez doesn’t seem overwhelmed by where he’s at in his career. “A lot of people may not know who Antonio Vargas is,” Rodriguez said (via Boxing Scene ), “but me and my team do.” He may not be watching the film, but it’s clear that Rodriguez is getting to know his opponent next week. “We don’t take this lightly at all,” he said. “We are in the gym every day giving 100 percent.” Without a doubt, Vargas is training like never before. After all, he has plenty on the line on the 13th.

However, there is a reason why Rodriguez is the favorite. He is only 26 years senior, but he has already achieved many achievements in the ring. He is as talented and agile as he is tough and hazardous. Some might even argue that Rodriguez is the entire package one could want in a player. Rodriguez no doubt hopes that’s the case… or maybe he already believes it. Once again, this is not a man who probably lacks self-confidence. He’s proven a lot so far, and if he performs well against Vargas, he could start to prove a lot more.

However, it is worth noting that Vargas is also a confident person. And unlike Rodriguez, he may be watching his opponent’s video. “We focused on every detail,” he told British Boxing News. “Condition, strategy, sparring, everything was done at a masterful level.” Vargas added that: “I feel like I’ve reached another level during this camp. I’m hungry to show the boxing world this version of myself.”

Sounds like something completely novel. Perhaps Rodriguez is absolutely right that he doesn’t study the tape after all. In fact, the men’s approach to preparation has certainly proven effective so far.

*Photo: DAZN

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Boxing

David Benavidez’s father and trainer predicts Canelo vs Mbilli fight: ‘It’s over’

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24 minutes ago

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June 6, 2026

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David Benavidez’s father and trainer predicts Canelo vs Mbilli: “He’s done”

Jose Benavidez senior has been critical of Canelo Alvarez’s future in the sport, believing WBC champion Christian Mbilli could send him into retirement.

The two pairs will fight for Mbilli’s super middleweight world title on September 12, giving Canelo a chance to regain one of his belts in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.

It was Terence Crawford won by unanimous decision this relieved Alvarez of his undisputed crown last September, and the Mexican subsequently underwent elbow surgery.

At this stage, many suspect that the 35-year-old is past his prime and may be just one or two fights away from ending his decorated career.

Most, however, would still consider him the clear favorite against Mbilli, who was promoted from “interim” to full WBC champion following Crawford’s retirement last year.

The Frenchman defended his “interim” title after a 10-round draw with Lester Martinez, who was on the Canelo-Crawford card in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Canelo has long been competing at the highest level, having been somewhat blamed for dodging three-division world champion David Benavidez.

I’m talking to Fighting Hub TVBenavidez’s father and coach Jose has shared his thoughts on the four-division world champion’s upcoming assignment against Mbilla.

“I think his era is over – reflexes, speed, power [and his] he has no legs, so we see Canelo gradually decline.

“This could be another loss for him [against Mbilli]. Mbilli is a little fresher, but I don’t think he’s an elite player.

“At the end of the day, they’re trying to place it [Canelo in with] players he can beat.”

While Benavidez gives Mbilli the appearance of a chance, he seems more confident that the 31-year-old has been handpicked as a beatable opponent for Canelo.

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Boxing

Leo Atang stops Fouad Shaili in the first round and remains undefeated

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4 hours ago

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June 6, 2026

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Image: Leo Atang Stops Fouad Shaili In Opening Round To Stay Unbeaten

Prospective heavyweight Leo Atang continued his climb through the professional ranks with a first-round stoppage win over Fouad Shaili on Saturday night at the Sheffield Arena.

The undefeated Atang wasted no time getting to work, landing a punch early and then landing a flurry of right hands that quickly put Shaili on the defensive.


As the tension mounted, Atang unleashed a combo that pinned Shaili and took spotless shots. Referee Kieran McCann stepped in to stop the fight at 2:30 of the opening round, awarding Atang another early victory.

Shaili protested the stoppage and later even did push-ups in the ring to show he felt able to continue fighting, but the referee’s decision was upheld.

The fight was scheduled for six rounds but never threatened to go beyond the opening session as Atang immediately imposed himself.

The victory improved Atang’s record to 7-0 with six knockouts and extended an impressive run that has cemented his position as one of Britain’s rising heavyweight prospects.

The victory improved Atang’s record to 7-0 with 6 knockouts and marked another early end to an undefeated heavyweight prospect.

For Shaili, the loss dropped his record to 5-5-2.

With another knockout on his resume, Atang continues to gain momentum, gaining experience in the professional ranks and getting closer to a tougher opponent.

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Last updated: 6/06/2026 at 15:25

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Devin Haney will fight Shakur Stevenson on one condition only

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6 hours ago

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June 6, 2026

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Devin Haney will only fight Shakur Stevenson under one condition

Bill Haney has insisted that his son Devin will “absolutely” fight Shakur Stevenson, but only if terms are met at the negotiating table.

Both pound-for-pound stars have been linked to a move to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, perhaps with the intention of clashing under the promotional banner.

At this stage, Zuffa does not recognize the super lightweight division, where Stevenson won the WBO title by unanimous decision over Teofimo Lopez.

Thanks to this particular triumph, he became a four-division world champion in January, but if he signs a contract with Zuffa, the 28-year-old will have to choose between fighting in the lightweight or welterweight division.

Stevenson had previously insisted he would only face a welterweight opponent under one of two conditions: either a rehydration clause in his contract or a catchweight of 144 pounds.

However, it appears that Haney will not accept either option, as the WBO champion’s father told Cigar Talk host Naji that he will not accept such offers.

While ruling out any possibility of a weight being set, Bill Haney said his son would face Stevenson at his usual fighting weight of 147 pounds.

Haney became the three-division world champion last November. dethroning Brian Norman Jr by unanimous decision after scoring a knockout in the second round.

Since then, there has been talk of a unification match with WBA champion Rolando Romero, which was initially supposed to take place on May 30.

However, with no official dates on the diary, the immediate future of both Haney and Stevenson remains quite hazy.

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