Jesse Rodriguez says he needs to be remembered as a legend of the game – and that begins by taking Sunny Edwards’ belt and unbeaten report as they conflict in a Flyweight unification blockbuster on the Desert Diamond Area in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday night time, stay worldwide on DAZN.

WBO king Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs) returns to the state the place he landed his first World title again in February 2022 when he defeated Carlos Cuadras to land the WBC Tremendous-Flyweight strap. The San Antonio star defended that title twice with wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez earlier than changing into a two-weight champion on dwelling turf in April by seeing off Christian Hernandez.

Edwards (20-0 4 KOs) lastly will get the blockbuster showdown that he’s been craving after changing into the IBF champion in April 2021 with a trademark stylish win over Moruti Mthalane in London. A pair of profitable defenses in Dubai adopted in December towards Jayson Mama and in March over Muhammad Waseem earlier than victory in protection quantity three adopted in his adopted Sheffield hometown over Felix Alvarado.

It’s a primary ever unification bout for each males and the victor can be topped the primary within the division, and is strictly the kind of bout that the 25 12 months outdated American feels he can get his enamel into. ‘Bam’ is aware of that Edwards has the products to make it an thrilling combat however having already seen off a modern-great in Rungvisai, Rodriguez feels that he’s a step too far for the Briton.

“This combat goes to be thrilling,” stated Rodriguez. “The sky is the restrict for me; anyone, anyplace. He’s an excellent fighter, very technical, very skillful, quick, good. I knew sooner or later down the road we’d meet up and right here it’s. He hasn’t been in with somebody with the abilities I’ve, and with the ability on prime of that.

“I don’t care what it takes, I’m going to win, I’m taking his belt, and I’m taking his ‘0’. I’m going to knock him out.

“I need to be remembered as a legend, as a fighter that by no means dodged a combat. I’m right here for an excellent time, not a very long time. I really feel like I’ve what it takes to not solely drop him however to complete the combat early.

“I made a decision to get an AirBnB for this combat and separate myself from the camp home. There’s quite a bit on the road, so I wished to be as snug as potential, so little issues like that play a giant half in coaching camp.

“I do that to myself as a result of I need to have a greater life. I’ve a daughter on the best way, I need to present every thing she ever wants. I’m much more motivated, on daily basis i take into consideration my daughter. I need to present every thing for her, so I’m going additional exhausting, tougher than I ever have earlier than. What does it take to be the very best? It’s exhausting work, dedication, sacrifice, coronary heart and a variety of will.

“My jaw feels good. It’s somewhat numb however the physician stated it could be like that for some time. I’m felt somewhat crack after which my ear began ringing so I knew one thing was up.

“I used to be capable of bear it and end the combat. I didn’t benefit from the win. I went straight to the hospital and obtained surgical procedure on the Monday.

“Then I used to be on the six-week eating regimen, strictly pudding, smoothies, milkshakes, no matter I might eat with out chewing was what I used to be on, however so long as I’ve obtained my espresso, I’m good.

“Numerous issues have modified since changing into World champion. In San Antonio, they deal with me like a king. I am going into eating places and get free meals and free coffees within the espresso outlets.

“I used to be dwelling at dwelling earlier than the World title combat, however after successful the title I obtained my very own residence and began dwelling by myself.

“Life has been superb since then. I recognize what I did that day, but it surely’s up to now now.

“I’ve the largest combat of my life arising and I take advantage of that feeling as motivation as a result of I do know successful this one can be ten instances what I felt again then.”