Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez was more than happy to join Sunny Edwards for a post press-conference stare down that lasted more than seven minutes.

The intended message by the 23-year-old two-division titlist was this is exactly where he always wanted to be, despite insistence to the contrary by England’s Edwards.

“I had my jaw broken and I called you out that same night,” Rodriguez stated during Thursday’s final pre-fight press conference of his desire to unify versus Edwards. “We’re ready, you’ll see. Tune in.”

Edwards-Rodriguez airs live on DAZN this Saturday from Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The reference made by San Antonio’s Rodriguez (18-0, 11KOs) was in reference to his last fight, when he outpointed Cristian Gonzalez to win the vacant WBO flyweight title. Rodriguez spent the final six rounds fighting through a fractured jaw to earn the victory and become a two-division titlist after he previously held the WBC junior bantamweight title.

Given their contrasting personalities, many expected Edwards (20-0, 4KOs) to carry the promotion. The unbeaten IBF flyweight titlist didn’t disappoint ahead of his U.S. debut. He provided sound bites during the extended buildup and exploded during Thursday’s media event on site where their IBF and WBO flyweight unification bout.

Rodriguez has taken it all in stride. He grinned and took it all whether Edwards insulted his wardrobe choices, his weight gain in between fights or flat out accused him of cheating through his association with Victor Conte’s SNAC program.

“I’m not even paying attention. In one ear, out the other,” Rodriguez insisted as Edwards claimed the unbeaten 23-year-old was on performance enhancing substances. “I’ve been drug tested. I’m ready. Bam Rodriguez, unified champion on Saturday night.”

Edwards will attempt the fifth defense of the IBF title he claimed in an April 2021 points win over Moruti Mthalane. He has spent the entire time calling out every titlist at the weight while establishing himself as the universally regarded number-one ranked fighter in the division.

Rodriguez has fought at junior flyweight, flyweight and junior bantamweight. The latter of the three housed his first major title when claimed the WBC 115-pound strap. Two defenses followed before he opted to vacate in exchange for a run at flyweight.

There was a delay in his signing to face Edwards, in part due to the recovery period from the injuries sustained in his April 8 win over Gonzalez in his San Antonio hometown. Edwards exploited that scenario, repeatedly insisting he immediately agreed to all terms but had to wait on Rodriguez and team to find a pen.

As he’s done throughout the buildup, Rodriguez simply laughed off and kept it moving.

“This is the biggest fight of my life, the biggest fight of my career, no doubt. I approach it the same way I always do—cool, calm and collected,” stated Rodriguez. “No need for talking. All my talking has been done in the gym and you’ll see that. Camp is done, training is done. It’s time. I’m taking his belt, taking his “0”.

“It’s time. I’ve been waiting since June when this was announced. I’ve been waiting forever and I’m ready.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox