Jesse Rodriguez faces Cristian Gonzalez on April 8 to decide the future of the flyweight division. The fight will take place at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, and the vacant WBO flyweight title will be at stake. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will be broadcast by DAZN.
The undefeated Rodriguez has eleven wins via knockout in just seventeen fights. “Bam” beat Carlos Cuadras in February 2022 for the WBC super flyweight title and has dropped down in weight with the goal of conquering another division. It was Junto Nakatani that relinquished the WBO belt before moving up.
“I’m more than excited to be returning home for another world title fight,” said Rodriguez. “My last fight here (Srisaket Sor Rungvisai) was a very special night, and I can promise this one will be even better.
“I’m ready to make history in San Antonio when I become a two-division champion. I’m here to start 2023 with a bang and nothing less.”
MORE: Join DAZN to watch Rodriguez vs. Gonzalez
Gonzalez has five knockout wins in 16 bouts and is on a nine-fight win streak. Despite being an underdog, the Mexican contender is not letting detractors get in the way of his goal of becoming champion.
"We are working hard for this next great challenge of fighting for the WBO world title,” said Gonzalez. “Our clash of styles will turn this fight into a Mexican war that won’t make it to the scorecards.”
Outside of this fight, another title bout will be on the undercard. There's also young talent looking to impress and continue their marc toward glory. Here is a look into the entire main card of Rodriguez vs. Gonzalez.
Jesse Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez undercard
Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs. Marlon Tapales
- Division: Super Bantamweight
- Akhmadaliev record: 11-0
- Tapales record: 36-3
- Belts at stake: IBF and WBA super bantamweight titles
Murodjon Akhmadaliev defends the IBF and WBA super bantamweight titles against Marlon Tapales in the co-main event. Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8 KOs) won bronze in the 2016 Olympics and silver at the world championships.
Making his pro debut in 2018, Akhmadaliev won local gold before besting Daniel Roman in 2020 for the IBF and WBA super bantamweight titles. The 28-year-old has defended the belts three times, winning his most recent outing over Ronny Rios (TKO 12) in June 2022.
“I'm happy to be back in the ring,” said Akhmadaliev. “It's been a while, but finally, we're here for an exciting match against a great fighter in Tapales. He's a former champion; we have similar styles, so I am preparing for a tough action-packed fight on April 8. Thanks to Matchroom, World of Boxing, my team, and all the support from boxing fans.”
Tapales (36-3) turned pro in 2008. Losing the ninth fight of this career, the "Nightmare" won 13 in a row thereafter. David Sanchez beat him in 2013, but the 31-year-old bounced back with a dozen more wins, picking up the WBO bantamweight title in the process. Since losing to Ryosuke Iwasa in 2019, he's gone on a three-fight knockout streak. In his most recent appearance, Tapales defeated Jose Estrella in May 2022.
“I am very excited again for this opportunity to fight for not one but two world titles,” said Tapales. “This is my dream to become world champion again. I would like to thank my Team at Sanman Boxing, Knucklehead Boxing, Shapiro Sports, Viva Promotions, and TGB Promotions for getting me this opportunity. I will bring pride and glory to the Philippines when I win both the IBF and WBA belts.”
Raymond Ford vs. Jessie Magdaleno
- Division: Featherweight
- Ford record: 13-0-1
- Magdaleno record: 29-1
- Belts at Stake: N/A
In featherweight action, Raymond Ford faces Jessie Magdaleno. Ford (13-0-1 7 KOs) was a 2018 Golden Gloves gold medalist and turned pro in 2019. Winning local gold, "Savage" beat Richard Medina in June 2022 for North American gold. His last bout was a knockout win over Sakuria Lukas in November.
A victory over a former world champion in Magdaleno could result in a world title fight.
“People are talking about this being a step up for me, but I’m the step up for Magdaleno,” said Ford. “He's never fought anyone with a skill set like mine and never been hit by a sharpshooter like me. I’m ready for anyone at 126, and once I get past Magdaleno, then it's time for me to get my shot at a world title.”
The 31-year-old Magdaleno (29-1, 18 KOs) turned pro in 2010. In 2016, he beat Nonito Donaire for the WBO super bantamweight title and defended it once. Isaac Dogboe knocked him out in 2018, but since then, he has won four in a row. In his most recent outing, Magdaleno defeated Edy Valencia Mercado in May.
“Everyone loves a comeback story, and everyone loves the underdog as well,” said Magdaleno. “I kind of feel like I've been the underdog before, and I’ve come out on top. Here we are again. This is my time to shine. A win in this fight puts me right back to where I need to be. I can’t let Ray Ford take that from me. Hopefully, that inspires people to not give up on their dreams.”
Thomas Mattice vs. Ramiro Cesena
- Division: Super Featherweight
- Mattice record: 20-3-1
- Cesena record: 16-0-1
- Belts at stake: N/A
Starting things off will be Thomas Mattice vs. Ramiro Cesena in super featherweight action. Mattice (20-3-1, 15 KOs) turned pro in 2014 and has gone 7-3-1 in his last eleven fights. On a three-fight win streak, his last bout was a unanimous decision win against Christian Tapia. That earned him a contract with Matchroom Boxing.
“April 8, we are back,” said Mattice. “Another undefeated fighter and another big step for my career. This is my first fight since signing with Matchroom, and I plan on putting on another spectacular performance to show the world why they signed me.
Cesena (16-0-1) turned pro in 2018 and fought to a draw in his second pro fight. Since then, the "Demon" has won 15 in a row with 13 victories coming via knockout. Cesena last fought in August, beating Sergio Puente via fifth-round TKO.
“I am very excited to make my United States debut live on DAZN on April 8 against a very strong opponent in Mattice,” said Cesena. “I am going to be well prepared to bring a war to my Mexican people in San Antonio come fight night."
When is Jesse Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez?
- Date: Saturday, April 8 | Sunday, April 9
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET | 12 a.m. BST | 11 a.m. AEDT
- Main event: 11 p.m. ET | 3 a.m. BST | 2 p.m. AEDT (approx.)
Rodriguez vs. Gonzalez takes place on April 8. The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET | 12 a.m. BST | 11 a.m. AEDT. Both fighters should make their way to the ring around 11 p.m. ET | 3 a.m. BST | 2 p.m. AEDT, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch Jesse Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez
| Country | Date | Channel + Live Stream |
| United States | Sat. April 8 | DAZN |
| United Kingdom | Sun. April 9 | DAZN |
| Australia | Sun. April 9 | DAZN |
The main card of Jesse Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez will be available via DAZN.
MORE: Join DAZN to watch Rodriguez vs. Gonzalez
Jesse Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez price: How much does the card cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month in U.S./ $24.99 per month in Canada/ £9.99 in the U.K. on a 12-month contract or £19.99 month-to-month/13.99 AUD
- DAZN annual subscription: $224.99 in the U.S., $199.99 in Canada, and £99.99 in the U.K.