The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has issued a notice to its respective flyweight world champion, Jesse Rodriguez (18-0, 11KOs), to provide the world governing body with a medical certificate regarding the injuries to his jaw which he sustained in his fight this past weekend (April 8) against Cristian Gonzalez (15-2, 5KOs). Rodriguez would claim the then-vacant WBO world flyweight title with a comprehensive unanimous decision points win against his Mexican opponent, but sustained a broken jaw in round six, Jesse would reveal immediately post-fight.
A social media post from Rodriguez stated he had surgery on Monday after scans revealed that he sustained two fractures in his jaw. At the time of publication, it is unclear how long Rodriguez will be out of the ring due to the injuries he has sustained.
The WBO have reached out to Rodriguez to seek clarity over his injuries before deciding if to introduce an interim title to the weight class within their respective rankings. The interim title holder, per WBO rules, will then become the mandatory challenger for Rodriguez when he is fit and able to obligate his obligatory duties. A medical certificate must be given to the WBO, or Rodriguez risks being stripped of his title, the second of his career and the first title he has won in another weight division following his previous spell as the WBC world super-flyweight champion.
The statement reads as follows, which is addressed to Rodriguez’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing.
On April 8, 2023, the above-referenced fighter won the vacant WBO Flyweight Championship via unanimous decision against Cristian Gonzalez. The foregoing bout was held at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. During the post-fight interview, Rodriguez stated that he suffered a broken jaw and was unable to barely speak. Therefore, the latter injury requires immediate surgery procedures.
Furthermore, this Committee became aware that surgery was performed via Rodriguez himself through posts from his social media account. Wherefore, this Committee grants Mr. Rodriguez five (5) days upon issuance of this notice to submit his physician’s certification, which should include an explanation of his condition as well as the recovery prognosis in conjunction with the physician’s opinion as to when can he return to active training and competition.
Please be advised that if Mr. Rodriguez does not comply with this order, the Committee will proceed in accordance with the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
