Naoya Inoue vs Bam Rodriguez faces decision this week over tune-up fight

Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez wants a bantamweight bout on the Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua undercard before facing Naoya Inoue, and Matchroom's Frank Smith said the plan is now 50-50, with a decision due this week.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 19:44 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Post by @ringmagazine on X

Matchroom Boxing's Frank Smith said it is now 50-50 whether Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez takes an interim fight before facing Naoya Inoue, and that a decision will be made this week.

Rodriguez, the WBA bantamweight champion, is in talks to face WBO champion Christian Medeina on the undercard of Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua on 11 December. Under that plan he would then move up to 122lbs to meet Inoue in March 2027. Inoue told media on Thursday that he believes the only way the fight happens is if Rodriguez goes straight into the undisputed contest.

Smith said: “Talks are ongoing right now. I get Inoue’s point. He doesn't want to take the risk, obviously. So I completely get it.” He added that the timing would become clearer over the coming week, and said: “But things need to fall in place quite quickly if we're going to make it all work.” Smith understands that Inoue is growing impatient, and that once the Japanese star moves up to featherweight, a fight with Rodriguez will be out of reach. Inoue kept his undisputed super-bantamweight titles with a unanimous decision over Junto Nakatani in May. A step up to 126lbs had looked his likely next move, but he agreed to stay at 122lbs for a lucrative fight with Rodriguez.

Smith suggested Rodriguez is focused on the biggest fights available in the short term. He said: “I also don't think ‘Bam’ is the kind of fighter who wants to be around for five, 10 years.” Smith said he expects Rodriguez to want the best fights over the next two or three years.

Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn said he is waiting on an offer from Inoue's side and that Rodriguez's team are willing to go straight into the fight in March.

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