Naoya Inoue Builds Toward Bam Rodriguez Fight

“Starting today, I began sparring with the Mexican fighter who came as Takuma’s partner. I’ll continue building myself up so that I’m ready either to remain at super bantamweight for the fight being rumored or to challenge at featherweight. Either way, next year will be a year of challenges. I want to continue showing what it means to take on challenges until the end of my boxing career,” Inoue said on X.

Currently competing at bantamweight, Rodriguez would need to move up four pounds to challenge Inoue at 122. Staying at super bantamweight is the more favorable option for Inoue, who would be facing a naturally smaller opponent entering his fourth weight class.

Considerable attention has followed the matchup because both men rank among boxing’s leading pound-for-pound fighters. Rodriguez brings speed, body punching and southpaw skills, but he would be giving away size against a champion already established at 122.

There is still no agreement. Trainer Robert Garcia recently said their team has not received an offer or held formal talks with Inoue’s representatives. Another bout may come first for Rodriguez before he attempts the climb. Inoue’s message places a time limit on the possibility. He is adding weight and does not intend to wait indefinitely for negotiations to begin. If the Bam fight cannot be completed during the early part of 2027, featherweight becomes the logical next destination.

A decision now rests with Bam’s side. The opportunity is enormous, but Inoue is ready to move on if the proposed meeting remains nothing more than talk.