One of the biggest fights boxing can make right now, according to Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn, is a clash between his top U.S. star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and pound-for-pound standout Naoya Inoue. Hearn believes the matchup has all the ingredients to become a defining bout in the lower weight divisions. And he is on the run, pushing the fight to make it happen.
Recently, Hearn shared his thoughts on the potential fight. He believes Rodriguez would defeat Naoya Inoue if the two met, following Inoue’s recent title defense against Junto Nakatani, where, in a close contest, he secured 116-112,115-113 and 116-112 unanimous decision victory at Tokyo Dome in Japan.
The potential matchup has gained traction after Inoue’s latest outing, in which more than 55000 fans showed up, which shows how popular the ’Monster’ is.
According to Hearn, Inoue vs Nakatani appeared more competitive than expected and raised fresh questions about future opponents.
Speaking after the Matchroom Boxing event at Wolverhampton, Hearn admitted he had only watched part of the bout but still formed a strong opinion on a possible clash between Inoue and Rodriguez.
“Only a very small bit of it… But I’ve never been more convinced that Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez beats him,” Hearn said, addressing a press video shared by Seconds Out on the YouTube channel.
He explained that while he previously viewed the fight as a difficult step up for Rodriguez, his opinion has shifted significantly.
“For a long time, I thought it might be a step too far for Jesse, but now he’s at bantamweight and feels big and strong there.”
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez backed for skill and mindset
Hearn emphasized that Rodriguez’s skill set and mentality would give him the edge over Inoue.
“I just think he’s too good for him,” he said. “He’s 26 years old… I don’t see Bam losing to Inoue.”
He also pointed to Rodriguez’s confidence and willingness to fight anywhere as a major factor.
“Bam’s got it in here… he’ll go to Japan tomorrow. There’s absolutely no doubt in his head that he beats Inoue.”
Hearn also stressed that timing will be crucial if the fight is to materialize. With Inoue expected to move up in weight in the near future, the window for the bout may be limited.
“I don’t think he’s going to stay at 122 forever. Once he goes to 126, that fight’s over. It just won’t happen,” Hearn said.
As a result, he urged both sides to act quickly.
“Let’s make it sooner rather than later.”
Before any potential clash with Inoue, Rodriguez still has business to handle. He is set to face a tough opponent in Antonio Vargas, a fight Hearn acknowledged will not be easy. The fight will take place on June 13 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, for the WBA bantamweight title.
However, if Rodriguez comes through successfully, the calls for a showdown with Inoue are likely to grow even louder.
