Eddie Hearn announces new deal with pound-for-pound superstar and next fight confirmed

Eddie Hearn has signed charge Jesse Bam Rodriguez to a new contract, as he prepares for a new world title shot.

Hearn has helped promote the current No.4 ranked pound-for-pound superstar Rodriguez through his stellar career in the paid ranks.

Amanda Westcott/Matchroom

The hard-hitting two-weight champion has made a remarkable rise which has made him one of the most frighteningly gifted champions in the sport.

Rodriguez’s contract with Matchroom Boxing was coming to a close and there was fears that Hearn could lose one of his biggest natural talents.

But it has been confirmed that Rodriguez has now signed a new long-term deal with the promoter.

He said: “Matchroom has been my home for the last four years and I can’t wait to keep making history with them by my side.

“We have many more world titles to win and new divisions to take over.”

A delighted Hearn added: “I’m delighted to extend our deal with Bam.

“Jesse is immovable in the top five of the pound-for-pound fighters in the world right now, and he could well be number one when it comes to delivering must-watch fights at the very elite level.”

Rodriguez’s next fight – a new chapter

As for the undefeated 23-fight champion, it will be a new era as he looks to conquer another weight class.

Rodriguez will now move to bantamweight where he will look to become a three-weight title holder at the first time of asking.

His next fight was immediately confirmed in a WBA title shot against Antonio Vargas in Arizona on June 13.

Melina Pizano/Matchroom

It will be a big opportunity for the ferocious operator to cement his name at the top once again.

For Rodriguez, it brings him another division closer to fellow pound-for-pound superstar Naoya Inoue.

But he has the sole focus on cementing his name as a modern era great already by the age of 26.

He explained: “New weight class, same goals – dominate and pick up all the belts.

“On June 13, I look forward to becoming a three-division World Champion.”

It is a big boost for Hearn, who has responded in style in the wake of former star Conor Benn announcing a new deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.