Naoya Inoue already has the biggest fight of his career in front of him. But the next one might be even bigger. As Inoue prepares to defend his undisputed 122-pound championship against Junto Nakatani on May 2 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, another blockbuster showdown is quietly gaining momentum behind the scenes.
According to Eddie Hearn, preliminary talks have already taken place for a potential clash between Inoue and Jesse Rodriguez better known as “Bam.”
The matchup would pit:
- The Ring’s No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter (Inoue)
- vs.
- The Ring’s No. 4 pound-for-pound fighter (Rodriguez)
In short, one of the purest skill matchups boxing can offer.
“I do think that fight is inevitable,” Hearn said.
“It’s probably one of the biggest fights in boxing.”
Timing Is the Only Question
While the interest is real, the timeline isn’t immediate. Rodriguez is set to move up in weight to face Antonio Vargas on June 13 at Desert Diamond Arena, competing for the WBA bantamweight title.
That fight comes first and potentially another after that.
“It’s not necessarily straight after the Vargas fight,” Hearn said.
“But it could be as quick as the next two or three fights.”
Two Paths, One Collision Course
Rodriguez (a two-division champion) has options:
- Stay at bantamweight and chase titles
- Return to 115 pounds to pursue undisputed status
- Or continue moving up toward a mega fight with Inoue
Meanwhile, Inoue remains focused on Nakatani a dangerous, undefeated countryman who represents arguably the toughest test of his career.
Stakes Keep Rising
Both fighters are operating at elite levels:
- Inoue: undisputed champion at 122, global superstar
- Rodriguez: dominant technician, growing pound-for-pound force
Their combination of speed, precision, and knockout power makes the potential matchup a rare blend of technical brilliance and finishing ability.
Of course, boxing rarely follows a straight path. Inoue must first get past Nakatani a fight that carries real danger. Rodriguez must handle Vargas and navigate a new weight class. One misstep and the super fight could disappear.
If Inoue vs. Rodriguez becomes reality, it won’t just be a big fight.
It will be:
- A pound-for-pound showdown
- A cross-division clash of elite skill
- A potential Fight of the Year candidate before the first bell rings
For now, it remains on the horizon.
But in a sport that thrives on anticipation, this is the kind of fight that could define an era.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
