Boxing Shockwave: Inoue Open to Fighting Bam Rodriguez—Here’s What He Said

In a recent interview with The Ring, Naoya Inoue expressed openness to a potential bout with fellow Ring Magazine champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, stating that such a fight “isn’t impossible.” Despite currently competing two weight classes apart—Inoue at super bantamweight (122 lbs) and Rodriguez at super flyweight (115 lbs)—Inoue believes their physical frames are comparable and that a matchup could materialize depending on timing. 

Rodriguez, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the weight difference and age gap, remains hopeful about the possibility of facing Inoue in the future. He noted, “He’s kind of older, I’m still younger, but the fight can happen any day, so we’ll see.” 

Currently, Rodriguez is focused on unifying the junior bantamweight division, with a scheduled bout against Phumelele Cafu on July 19 in Frisco, Texas.  Inoue, meanwhile, is set to defend his super bantamweight titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September. 

While no official plans are in place, the mutual interest from both fighters keeps the prospect of this high-profile clash alive.