Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez missed Wednesday night’s open workout to witness the birth of his second child via FaceTime.
The super-flyweight was scheduled to train at 10:30 p.m. in Riyadh ahead of his WBC and WBO title defense.
Fans, including international travelers, gathered ringside expecting to see Rodriguez in peak form before fight week intensified.
Rodriguez learned his girlfriend, Rebecca, had gone into labor, prompting him to prioritize family over the press event.
Emotional Build-Up Intensifies
Rodriguez’s title defense coincided with his girlfriend’s due date, creating a potential emotional and logistical clash.
Fans and media expressed confusion when Rodriguez did not appear, but his team remained calm and supportive.
The timely birth fueled Rodriguez’s motivation ahead of Saturday’s clash with unbeaten Fernando Martinez, known for relentless pressure.
Family support has always boosted Rodriguez’s performance, giving him stability and focus during intense training camps.
Family Inspires Performance
Rodriguez regularly brings Rebecca and daughter Mila to camp, avoiding isolation and maintaining emotional balance.
He recalled Mila taking her first steps during a previous camp, a moment he would have missed otherwise.
He said having his family nearby makes him a better person and improves his fight preparation.
Rebecca and Mila will return home on Sunday, just before camp enters its most demanding phase.
