Naoya Inoue faces potential matchups with Rafael Espinoza and Jesse Rodriguez

Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue is linked to several high-profile potential bouts. WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza has publicly challenged Inoue to a fight at 126 pounds, seeking to secure a spot in pound-for-pound rankings before Inoue potentially moves up in weight. Espinoza, the tallest featherweight champion in history, has expressed willingness to travel to Tokyo to facilitate the match.

Separately, negotiations regarding a clash between Inoue and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez appear to be progressing. While Inoue had previously set a deadline for a meeting, Rodriguez’s trainer, Robert Garcia, stated to Ring Magazine that a deal will likely be struck for a March bout. Rodriguez is currently navigating weight class transitions, having recently secured a knockout win at 118 pounds.