Francisco Rodríguez Jr.

Jose Francisco Rodríguez Tamayo (born 10 July 1993) is a Mexican professional boxer. He is a former unified mini flyweight world champion, having held the WBO title from March to December 2014 and the IBF title from August to October 2014. Rodríguez Jr. is also a one-time light flyweight title challenger, having fought for the WBO title in 2015, and one-time super flyweight title challenger, having fought for the WBO title in 2021.

Francisco Rodriguez Jr.
Born
Jose Francisco Rodríguez Tamayo

(1993-07-10) 10 July 1993 (age 30)
Other namesChihuas Rodriguez
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height163 cm (5 ft 4 in)
Reach165 cm (65 in)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights45
Wins38
Wins by KO26
Losses6
Draws1

Professional career edit

Unified mini flyweight champion edit

Rodríguez Jr. vs. Sabillo edit

His 16–2 record earned Rodríguez Jr. the right to challenge the undefeated WBO mini flyweight champion Merlito Sabillo in what was the Sabillo's third title defense.[1] The title bout was scheduled as the main event of a card which took place at the Monterrey Arena in Monterrey, Mexico on 22 March 2014. He won the fight by a tenth-round technical knockout. Rodríguez Jr. knocked Sabillo down with a flurry of punches as early as the second round and continued to dominate from that point on. Sabillo's head trainer Edito Villamor opted to throw in the towel at the 1:50 minute of the tenth round, having deemed his fighter to have taken too much punishment.[2]

Rodríguez Jr. vs. Takayama edit

Rodríguez Jr. faced the IBF mini flyweight champion Katsunari Takayama in a unification bout in his next professional appearance. The contest took place in the same venue as his previous title fight, the Monterrey Arena in Monterrey, Mexico, on 9 August 2014. It was broadcast by TV Azteca domestically and by beIN Sports in the United States.[3] Rodríguez Jr. won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 119–108, 116–111 and 115–112. He scored the sole knockdown of the fight in the third round, flooring Takayama with a left hook.[4] The fight was later named the "2014 Fight of the Year" by Bleacher Report,[5] Boxing Scene,[6] and ESPN.[7]

Rodríguez Jr. vacated the IBF title on 1 October 2014 and the WBO title on 15 December 2014. His promoters claimed that he had vacated the title as was struggling to meet the 105-lbs mark, saying: "...basically, since he was struggling to make 105 pounds, he’s looking to make his mark at the higher weight now".[8]

Light flyweight and flyweight edit

Rodríguez Jr. vs. Fajardo edit

After vacating his IBF title, but before vacating the WBO title as well, Rodríguez Jr. moved up to flyweight in order to face the unheralded Jomar Fajardo. The bout was scheduled for the undercard of "Pinoy Pride 28", which was headlined by a light flyweight title bout between Donnie Nietes and Carlos Velarde, and which took place at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Cebu City, Philippines on 15 November 2014. Fajardo stepped in as a late notice replacement for Virgilio Silvano.[9] Despite coming into the fight as a significant favorite, Rodríguez failed to win the bout, as it ended in a split decision draw. One judge scored the fight 96–94 for Fajardo, the second judge scored it 98–92 for Rodríguez, while the third judge scored it as an even 95–95 draw.[10]

An immediate rematch was booked for 31 January 2015. It took place at the Palenque de la Feria in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico.[11] Rodríguez Jr. won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 100–92, 97–92 and 99–90.[12]

Rodríguez Jr. vs. Nietes edit

On 3 June 2015, it was revealed that Rodríguez Jr. would challenge the reigning WBO and The Ring light flyweight champion Donnie Nietes.[13] The fight headlined a beIN Sports and ABS-CBN broadcast card, that took place on 11 July 2015 in Nietes' native Philippines.[14] Nietes retained the titles by unanimous decision, with scores of 118–110, 119–109 and 115–113.[15]

Super flyweight edit

Title run edit

After failing to capture the WBO flyweight title, Rodríguez Jr. moved up to super flyweight. He faced the former WBO light flyweight champion Ramón García Hirales, in his first fight at super flyweight, on 20 February 2016. He won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 99–89, 99–88 and 96–91. Rodríguez knocked Hirales down twice in the seventh round and once in the eight round, although he was unable to finish him.[16]

Rodríguez Jr. next faced Johnny Michel Garcia in a tune-up fight on 23 July 2016.[17] He won the fight by a fifth-round technical knockout. He was leading on all three of the judges' scorecards at the time of the stoppage, with scores of 50–45, 50–45 and 49–46.[18] Rodríguez Jr. was booked to face Crison Omayao on 29 October 2016, at the Palenque Vicente Fernandez in Gomez Palacio, Mexico. He knocked Omayao down once in the fourth round, before knocking him out in the fifth round.[19]

Rodríguez Jr. faced Hajime Nagai on 4 February 2017, in his first fight of the year. He won the fight by technical decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 50–43 in his favor. The fight was stopped at the 1:22 minute mark of the fifth round, as Nagai was unable to continue due to a eye swelling and watering caused by an accidental elbow strike.[20]

Rodríguez Jr. was next booked to face the undefeated Elias Joaquino on 12 August 2017. He won the fight by a seventh-round knockout, after having knocked Joaquino down once in the seventh round. He was leading at the time of the stoppage, with all three judges' having scored the fight 70–61 in his favor.[21]

Rodríguez Jr. faced the 60-fight veteran Ronald Ramos on 16 December 2017.[22] He had a great start to the fight, knocking Ramos in the very first round, and won the fight by a sixth-round technical knockout.[23]

Rodríguez Jr. faced the former Japanese super flyweight champion and one time WBO Asia Pacific and OPBF title challenger Yohei Tobe on 9 June 2018, for the vacant WBC Latino Silver Super Flyweight belt.[24] He knocked Tobe down twice by the 2:33 minute mark of the second round, prompting Tobe's corner to throw in the towel.[25]

Rodríguez Jr. faced the former WBA flyweight champion and one-time interim super flyweight title challenger Hernán Márquez on 20 October 2018.[26] He won the fight by a third-round technical knockout. Rodríguez knocked Márquez with a short left cross 30 seconds into the third round, which didn't leave his opponent visibly hurt as he was able to beat the ten-count. Rodríguez floored Márquez down with another left cross in the final minute of the round, which left him unable to rise from the canvas. Referee Florentino Lopez decided to wave the fight off at the 2:10 minute mark, without administering the full ten-count.[27]

Rodríguez Jr. faced fellow former mini flyweight champion Oswaldo Novoa on 6 April 2019.[28] He won the fight by a narrow unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 95–94 in his favor.[29]

Rodríguez Jr. faced the undefeated David Barreto on 1 June 2019, who entered the fight on a 12-fight winning streak.[30] He won the fight by a second-round stoppage, as Barreto's corner chose to retire their fighter at the end of the round.[31]

Following a third-round stoppage of William Riera on 26 October 2019, Rodríguez Jr. was booked to face Jose Maria Cardenas on 30 November 2019, with the vacant WBC Latino super flyweight title on the line. He won the fight by a sixth-round technical knockout.[32]

Rodríguez Jr. vs Ioka edit

On 2 December 2020, it was revealed that Rodríguez Jr. would challenge the reigning WBC super flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez. The fight was expected to take place on the undercard of the Canelo Álvarez and Callum Smith super middleweight title bout, which took place on 19 December 2020 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.[33] Martinez withdrew from the fight on 10 December, due to a non-COVID-19 related illness.[34]

On 1 June 2021, the WBO ordered their reigning champion Kazuto Ioka to face Rodríguez Jr., who was at the time the #2 ranked super flyweight contender, in a mandatory title defense.[35] The pair came to terms three weeks later, on 21 June, therefore successfully avoiding a purse bid.[36] The fight was scheduled to take place on 1 September 2021, at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.[37] Ioka won the fight by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 116–112 in his favor.[38]

Later super flyweight career edit

After his second failed title bid, Rodríguez Jr. moved up to bantamweight. He faced Arnulfo Salvador Rodriguez on 14 January 2022.[39] Rodríguez Jr. won the fight by a seventh-round technical knockout.[40] Rodríguez Jr. returned to super flyweight to face Erick Omar Lopez on 16 July 2022. He won the fight by a unanimous decision.[41]

Rodríguez Jr. faced the WBO flyweight champion Junto Nakatani in a super flyweight non-title bout on 1 November 2022, on the undercard of the Hiroto Kyoguchi and Kenshiro Teraji title unification bout.[42] He lost the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 98–91, 97–92 and 99–90. Rodríguez Jr. was deducted a point in the seventh round for landing a low blow.[43]

Professional boxing record edit

45 fights 38 wins 6 losses
By knockout 26 1
By decision 12 5
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
45 Win 38–6–1 Jose Javier Torres TKO 3 (10), 2:54 16 Mar 2024 Guadalajara, Mexico
44 Win 37–6–1 Joel Cordova UD 10 27 Jan 2023 San Pedro, Mexico
43 Loss 36–6–1 Junto Nakatani UD 10 1 Nov 2022 Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan
42 Win 36–5–1 Erick Omar Lopez UD 10 16 Jul 2022 Torreon, Mexico
41 Win 35–5–1 Arnulfo Salvador TKO 7 (10), 2:55 14 Jan 2022 Arena Jose Sulaimán, Monterrey, Mexico
40 Loss 34–5–1 Kazuto Ioka UD 12 1 Sep 2021 Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan For WBO super flyweight title
39 Win 34–4–1 Martin Tecuapetla SD 10 26 Feb 2021 Lienzo Charro, Talpa de Allende, Mexico
38 Win 33–4–1 Jose Maria Cardenas KO 6 (10), 0:21 30 Nov 2019 Palenque de la Feria, Ciudad Victoria, Mexico Won vacant WBC Latino super flyweight title
37 Win 32–4–1 William Riera TKO 3 (10), 0:20 26 Oct 2019 Plaza de Toros, Cancún, Mexico
36 Win 31–4–1 David Barreto RTD 2 (12), 3:00 1 Jun 2019 Gimnasio Municipal del Pueblo Mágico, Linares, Mexico
35 Win 30–4–1 Oswaldo Novoa UD 10 6 Apr 2019 Grand Oasis Arena, Cancún, Mexico
34 Win 29–4–1 Hernán Márquez KO 3 (12), 1:20 20 Oct 2018 Centro de Convenciones, Cozumel, Mexico
33 Win 28–4–1 Yohei Tobe KO 2 (12), 2:33 9 Jun 2018 Gimnasio Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico Won vacant WBC Latino Silver super flyweight title
32 Win 27–4–1 Pablo Carrillo TKO 4 (12), 1:54 24 Mar 2018 Lienzo Charro, Saltillo, Mexico
31 Win 26–4–1 Ronald Ramos TKO 6 (10), 2:45 16 Dec 2017 Grand Oasis Arena, Cancún, Mexico
30 Win 25–4–1 Elias Joaquino KO 7 (10), 2:35 12 Aug 2017 Grand Oasis Arena, Cancún, Mexico
29 Win 24–4–1 Hector Rolando Gusman KO 3 (12), 1:35 3 Jun 2017 Grand Oasis Arena, Cancún, Mexico
28 Win 23–4–1 Hajime Nagai TD 5 (10), 1:22 4 Feb 2017 Grand Oasis Arena, Cancún, Mexico Unanimous TD after Nagai could not continue from accidental elbow
27 Win 22–4–1 Crison Omayao TKO 5 (8), 1:21 29 Oct 2016 Palenque Vicente Fernandez, Gomez Palacio, Mexico
26 Win 21–4–1 Johnny Michel Garcia TKO 5 (8), 2:44 23 Jul 2016 Grand Oasis Arena, Cancún, Mexico
25 Win 20–4–1 Ramón García Hirales UD 10 20 Feb 2016 Arena José Sulaimán, Monterrey, Mexico
24 Loss 19–4–1 Moisés Fuentes SD 12 5 Dec 2015 Gimnasio Municipal Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Tecate, Mexico
23 Loss 19–3–1 Donnie Nietes UD 12 11 Jul 2015 Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Cebu City, Philippines For WBO and The Ring light flyweight titles
22 Win 19–2–1 Jomar Fajardo UD 10 31 Jan 2015 Palenque de la Feria, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico
21 Draw 18–2–1 Jomar Fajardo SD 10 15 Nov 2014 Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Cebu City, Philippines
20 Win 18–2 Katsunari Takayama UD 12 9 Aug 2014 Monterrey Arena, Monterrey, Mexico Retained WBO mini flyweight title;
Won IBF mini flyweight title
19 Win 17–2 Merlito Sabillo TKO 10 (12), 1:00 22 Mar 2014 Monterrey Arena, Monterrey, Mexico Won WBO mini flyweight title
18 Win 16–2 Ernesto Guerrero TD 5 (8), 2:11 18 Jan 2014 Gimnasio del Estado, Hermosillo, Mexico Unanimous TD after Guerrero cut
17 Win 15–2 Moises Calleros UD 12 15 Nov 2013 Monterrey, Mexico
16 Loss 14–2 Román González TKO 7 (10), 1:10 21 Sep 2013 Crowne Plaza, Managua, Nicaragua
15 Win 14–1 Victor Ruiz TKO 5 (8), 2:08 13 Jul 2013 Forum Tecate, Tijuana, Mexico
14 Win 13–1 Ivan Rodriguez TKO 5 (12), 2:16 19 Apr 2013 Arena Solidaridad, Monterrey, Mexico Won vacant NABF light flyweight title
13 Win 12–1 Manuel Vargas TKO 3 (6), 0:44 26 Jan 2013 Auditorio del Bicentenario, Morelia, Mexico
12 Win 11–1 Eduardo Hernandez TKO 5 (6), 1:00 14 Dec 2012 Arena Solidaridad, Monterrey, Mexico
11 Win 10–1 Francisco Perez SD 8 8 Sep 2012 Deportivo del Sindicato del Metro, Mexico City, Mexico
10 Win 9–1 Jorge Guerrero TKO 4 (6), 2:27 21 Jul 2012 Auditorio Fausto Gutierrez Moreno, Tijuana, Mexico
9 Loss 8–1 Salvador Arias UD 6 18 May 2012 Arena TKT Box Tour, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
8 Win 8–0 Sergio Nunez MD 4 3 Mar 2012 Auditorio Fausto Gutierrez Moreno, Tijuana, Mexico
7 Win 7–0 Luis Gonzalez TKO 1 (6), 2:24 17 Dec 2011 Palenque de la Feria, Ciudad Obregón, Mexico
6 Win 6–0 Artemio Garcia TKO 1 (4), 1:48 15 Sep 2011 Auditorio Ernesto Rufo, Rosarito, Mexico
5 Win 5–0 Arturo Castro TKO 2 (6), 3:00 6 Aug 2011 Cortijo San Felipe, Monterrey, Mexico
4 Win 4–0 Gerardo Garay KO 2 (4), 2:59 18 Mar 2011 Arena Solidaridad, Monterrey, Mexico
3 Win 3–0 Mike Gueska KO 1 (4), 0:24 4 Mar 2011 Music Hall, Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
2 Win 2–0 Reynaldo Avila KO 2 (4), 1:21 7 Oct 2010 Estadio de Béisbol, Monterrey, Mexico
1 Win 1–0 Erick Ventura TKO 1 (4), 0:01 2 Oct 2010 Estadio de Béisbol, Monterrey, Mexico

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Songalia, Ryan (2 March 2014). "Nietes, Sabillo to face Mexican foes in title defenses". rappler.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  2. ^ Fischer, Doug (23 March 2014). "Francisco Rodriguez Stops Merlito Sabillo In 10, Wins Strawweight Belt". ringtv.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  3. ^ Contreras, Robert Aaron (6 August 2014). "Katsunari Takayama vs. Francisco Rodriguez Jr.: The Biggest Fight of the Weekend". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  4. ^ The Ring (10 August 2014). "Francisco Rodriguez Tops Katsunari Takayama To Unify 105-pound Belts". ringtv.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  5. ^ Contreras, Robert Aaron (11 August 2014). "2014 Fight of the Year: Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Decisions Katsunari Takayama". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  6. ^ Rold, Cliff (4 January 2015). "BoxingScene.com's 2014 Fight of The Year". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  7. ^ Rafael, Dan (29 December 2014). "Fight of year: Rodriguez-Takayama". espn.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  8. ^ Satterfield, Lem (9 October 2014). "Francisco Rodriguez Jr. To Vacate IBF Strawweight Belt, Rise In Weight". ringtv.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  9. ^ "November 15th-Pinoy Pride 28 headlines a great day of action!". asianboxing.info. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  10. ^ Nathanielsz, Ronnie (16 November 2014). "Francisco Rodriguez Gets Major Scare in Fajardo Draw". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  11. ^ Contreras, Robert Aaron (28 January 2015). "Titanium: Boxing's Toughest Little Man Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Fights Saturday". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  12. ^ "Francisco Rodriguez Jr v Jomar Fajardo". boxrec.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  13. ^ Rafael, Dan (3 June 2015). "Francisco Rodriguez Jr. to face junior flyweight champ Donnie Nietes". espn.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  14. ^ Loop, Nate (9 July 2015). "Donnie Nietes vs. Francisco Rodriguez: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  15. ^ Songalia, Ryan (11 July 2015). "Donnie Nietes Retains Championship With Ud Over Francisco Rodriguez". ringtv.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  16. ^ Fischer, Doug (21 February 2016). "Former Beltholder Francisco Rodriguez Dominates Ramon Garcia". ringtv.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  17. ^ "Francisco Rodríguez Jr. vs Johnny Michel García en Vivo – Sábado 23 de Julio del 2016". sitiostotal.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  18. ^ "Francisco Rodriguez Jr v Johnny Michel Garcia". boxrec.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  19. ^ "Crison Omayao Vs Francisco Rodriguez Jr". asianboxing.info. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  20. ^ Salazar, Francisco (3 June 2017). "Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Continues His Jr. Bantamweight Campaign". ringtv.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  21. ^ Salazar, Francisco (13 August 2017). "Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Stops Elias Joaquino in Seven Rounds". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  22. ^ "Francisco Rodríguez y Ronald Ramos cumplen con el peso". esto.com.mx. 16 December 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  23. ^ "Francisco Rodriguez Jr v Ronald Ramos". boxrec.com. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  24. ^ "戸部洋平がベルトと世界ランクを奪いにいく". boxmob.jp. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  25. ^ "戸部洋平がメキシコで元世界王者に挑戦". boxmob.jp. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  26. ^ Salazar, Francisco (20 October 2018). "Francisco Rodriguez vs. Tyson Marquez in Crossroads Fight". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  27. ^ Salazar, Francisco (24 October 2018). "Francisco Rodriguez Blasts Out Tyson Marquez in Three". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  28. ^ Rivera, Miguel (7 April 2019). "Omar Chavez Wins Big By Knockout, Stops Villaman in Seven". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  29. ^ "Victorias de Omar Chávez y "Chihuas" Rodríguez en Cancún". soloboxeo.com. 7 April 2019. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  30. ^ Salazar, Francisco (31 May 2019). "Francisco Rodriguez Must Stay Focused Against David Barreto, World Title Shot Looms". ringtv.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  31. ^ Salazar, Francisco (3 June 2019). "Francisco Rodriguez Drops David Barreto Four Times, TKO in Two". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  32. ^ "Francisco Rodriguez Jr v Jose Maria Cardenas". boxrec.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  33. ^ "Julio Cesar Martinez to defend belt vs. Francisco Rodriguez Jr. on Canelo Alvarez undercard". espn.com. 2 December 2020. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  34. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (10 December 2020). "Julio Cesar Martinez out of Canelo-Smith co-feature with "non-COVID" illness". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  35. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (1 June 2021). "WBO orders Kazuto Ioka to face Francisco Rodriguez Jr". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  36. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (22 June 2021). "Kazuto Ioka vs Francisco Rodriguez Jr set for September 1st in Japan". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  37. ^ "井岡一翔に挑戦ロドリゲス「最後のチャンスを絶対逃さない」王座奪取に自信". nikkansports.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  38. ^ Ring TV (1 September 2021). "Kazuto Ioka Outpoints Francisco Rodriguez Jr In Entertaining Clash, Retains WBO 115-Pound Title". ringtv.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  39. ^ "Prepara "Chihuas" Rodríguez regreso al cuadrilátero; buscará pelear por el campeonato mundial". grupometropoli.net. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  40. ^ "Regresó con victoria "Chihuas" Rodríguez; noqueó fácil a Arnulfo Salvador". boxenestaesquina.com. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  41. ^ "Francisco Rodriguez Jr UD round 10 Erick Omar Lopez". boxrec.com. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  42. ^ "Japanese super show set for November 1st!". asianboxing.info. Retrieved 3 September 2022.
  43. ^ Fischer, Doug (1 November 2022). "Junto Nakatani Outpoints Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Over 10 Tough Rounds". ringtv.com. Retrieved 2 November 2022.

External links edit

Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Pedro Guevara
NABF light flyweight champion
19 April 2013 – December 2013
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Javier Jose Torres
Vacant
Title last held by
Ricardo Blandon
WBC Latino super flyweight champion
30 November 2019 – August 2020
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Geraldo Valdez
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBO mini flyweight champion
23 March 2014 – 15 December 2014
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Katsunari Takayama
Preceded by
Katsunari Takayama
IBF mini flyweight champion
9 August 2014 – December 2014
Vacated