What as soon as appeared destined just for fantasy combat debates could but develop into a actuality for one involving Naoya Inoue.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez has been one in every of boxing’s standout success tales lately, starting along with his breakout efficiency in simply his fifteenth skilled combat, when he dazzled towards Mexican warrior after which world champion Carlos Cuadras.
Victories over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Juan Francisco Estrada, Sunny Edwards, Phumelela Cafu and Fernando Martinez haven’t solely delivered a number of world titles but in addition secured Rodriguez a spot in pound-for-pound lists throughout the game.
The 25-year-old San Antonio native is now weighing up his subsequent transfer — not solely within the ring however exterior it too. Because it was lately reported Rodriguez is a free agent after his cope with Matchroom expired.
At the moment a three-belt world champion at super-flyweight, Rodriguez might transfer as much as bantamweight later this 12 months, however his ambitions could stretch even additional. His coach, Robert Garcia, has already indicated that one long-term goal is a combat with undisputed super-bantamweight champion Inoue.
Following one other profitable defence of his undisputed crown on December 27, when he beat David Picasso, Inoue was requested whether or not he could be concerned about dealing with Rodriguez. Talking via a translator, the Japanese celebrity stated:
“When he’s prepared and if he can combat at super-bantam class and if timing is ideal, I’d love to attend for him to problem me.”
That prompted a quick however telling response from coach Garcia.
“We’ll see him quickly.”
Regardless of the numerous weight hole, Rodriguez and his staff seem keen to contemplate a soar from 115lbs to 122lbs to tackle the highly effective Inoue. Within the meantime, a transfer to 118lbs to problem Naoya’s brother Takuma Inoue for the WBC bantamweight title might present an intriguing subplot — one that might solely add additional intrigue ought to Bam and the Monster finally meet.
