Naoya Inoue plans Feb fight with Jesse Rodriguez or featherweight move

Four‑division unified super‑bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue said at a youth event in Zama, Kanagawa, that he will fight WBA super‑bantamweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in February if the bout can be arranged. He added that if the February fight does not materialise he will move up to featherweight to pursue a title in a fifth division.

Inoue also confirmed he will not compete again later in 2023, opting to wait for the February decision. Rodriguez’s team is reportedly planning a unification bout with WBO bantamweight champion Christian Medina in October, which could affect the timing of the February clash. The Japanese champion’s future path now hinges on Rodriguez’s willingness to fight.

Both Inoue brothers—Naoya and his younger sibling, WBC bantamweight champion Takuya—participated in the event, which featured around 150 children. Inoue’s remarks underscore his flexibility: “If we can make the Bam fight happen in February, I’ll do it; otherwise I’ll look at a featherweight challenge.”