In a recent interview on *The Ariel Helwani Show* podcast, Jesse Bam Rodríguez, the current WBC super flyweight champion, discussed the possibility of facing the undisputed super bantamweight champion, Naoya Inoue. Rodríguez, regarded as one of the most promising young boxers, shared details about when he thinks this fight could realistically take place.
Host Ariel Helwani asked Rodríguez if he agreed with fans who consider a fight against Inoue to be a “dream match.” The super flyweight champion responded affirmatively, noting that interest in this matchup has grown over time due to the impressive performances both have shown in the ring.
However, Bam Rodríguez emphasized that, for now, the fight isn’t feasible, as Naoya Inoue competes at 122 pounds, while he remains at 115 pounds.
“Realistically, it’s not a fight being made anytime soon. He’s already at 122 pounds, and I’m still at 115 pounds. So, I believe, you know, three or four years from now, it’s likely to happen more than now,” Rodríguez commented.
Helwani continued to delve into the topic, asking Rodríguez if he genuinely believes it will take three or four years for the fight to become a serious possibility. The WBC champion reaffirmed his stance, though he left the door open for change in the future.
“Anything can happen. My body can change, and maybe I won’t be able to make 115 pounds as long as I want,” Rodríguez explained.
Rodríguez also mentioned that if moving up in weight becomes inevitable, he might consider the 118-pound division, where multiple fight options exist. However, he stressed that this isn’t his main goal right now. His focus remains on his current division and defending his world title at 115 pounds.
Recently, DAZN commentator Chris Mannix remarked that he believes the end of 2025 would be the ideal timing for the two fighters to face off. Mannix suggested that Bam Rodríguez could become a four-division world champion, and with Inoue as the current undisputed champion at 122 pounds, they could meet at that weight.
Bam Rodríguez concluded by saying that the future of his career will depend on how he develops physically and the opportunities that arise in various weight divisions. The champion stated that, if all goes well, the dream matchup between him and Naoya Inoue could materialize in about three years.
“I believe 3-4 years from now it’s likely to happen more than now.”@210Bam on a potential bout with Naoya Inoue pic.twitter.com/H3rFTkgTw6
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 6, 2024
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