Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez could be boxing’s next big star

At only 23 years old, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez has already accumulated quite a track record in boxing.

Stoppage wins over Carlos Cuadras and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Titles in two weight categories. First place among ESPN's Top 25 Fighters Under 25. And on Saturday in Glendale, Arizona, “Bam” delivered his best performance to date with a ninth-round TKO victory over Sunny Edwards.

Edwards is a crafty boxer who is in his prime. He entered the fight ranked No. 2 by ESPN at 112 pounds behind Rodriguez. Either way, Edwards was no match.

Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KO) has proven with every stiff jab, powerful combination and punishing body shot that he is the next great fighter – and most entertaining – to emerge from the lower weight divisions, following in the footsteps of Roman “Chocolatito.” “González and Juan Francisco Estrada.

“Up close, it was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “This kid is super special. … You're talking about great pound-for-pound fighters. Sometimes the lower division doesn't get the credit it deserves.”

And clashes with these two legends could be on the horizon for Rodriguez.

Estrada, the Mexican 115-pound champion, was at ringside watching Rodriguez's performance. The future Hall of Famer hasn't competed since last December, when he closed out his trilogy with “Chocolatito” Gonzalez with another close decision victory.

Rodriguez and Hearn have indicated that Estrada could be next for Rodriguez. And this is exactly the type of match Rodriguez needs to reach the next level.

Gonzalez and Estrada paved the way for Rodriguez with exhilarating action fights that increased pay for fighters weighing 115 pounds and under. And Rodriguez picks up where they left off with his own series of stirring performances that are guaranteed to entertain.

As Rodriguez continues to develop, he could prove to be as good as this part of the all-time greats. And maybe he'll move up in weight enough to one day meet unified junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue.

“The Monster” now weighs 122 pounds after winning his first title at 108 pounds. More realistic for Rodriguez in the immediate future is a clash with another elite Japanese fighter, Junto Nakatani.

Nakatani delivered a brutal knockout of Andrew Moloney in May to win a 115-pound title and moves up to 118 in February for a title shot against Alexandro Santiago.

Whoever Rodriguez faces, he has proven to be a special talent and must-see television in a sport that prioritizes entertainment above all else.