[REVISION HISTORY]

Naoya Inoue and Jesse Rodriguez fight negotiations

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What changed

2026-10-25 01:33 UTC → 2026-10-30 10:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Negotiations ~~are progressing toward~~ continue regarding a potential bout between unified super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue and WBA bantamweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. ~~Inoue’s representative, John Lewis, is reportedly working with~~ While Matchroom Boxing ~~to finalize a contract, with both fighters expressing eagerness for the matchup. Matchroom CEO Frank Smith~~ previously confirmed ~~that~~ positive ~~dialogues are underway, though he noted a decision may be required within~~ dialogues, the ~~coming week~~ timeline remains uncertain due to ~~time constraints. This follows previous uncertainty regarding Inoue’s move toward the 126-pound division;~~ disagreements over weight classes and scheduling. Inoue has ~~indicated that if a fight with Rodriguez does~~ signaled he will not ~~materialize,~~ wait indefinitely for the matchup, announcing he ~~may consider moving up~~ is beginning preparations for a move to ~~featherweight.~~ the featherweight division. Expressing frustration on social media, Inoue stated, “I’m not gonna sit around waiting for Bam, so I’m starting prep for featherweight too.” This move could lead to matchups against featherweight champions such as Rafael Espinoza, who has publicly challenged Inoue to fight at 126 pounds. Trainer Robert Garcia has ~~since urged Inoue’s team to issue a formal contract for~~ adjusted the ~~superfight. To align with Inoue’s~~ proposed timeline, suggesting a March fight may be possible, a shift from previous suggestions of April or May. To facilitate this, Garcia has advocated for Rodriguez to move immediately to the junior featherweight division. ~~Inoue has indicated he is unwilling to wait for Rodriguez and suggested that~~ Although Rodriguez previously expressed a willingness to skip a ~~potential~~ December bout against Christian Medina to ~~prepare for a direct clash in early 2027. Rodriguez has expressed his willingness to accept these terms, stating he is prepared to skip his next scheduled fight to~~ pursue the ~~high-stakes matchup. No~~ superfight, no official contract ~~or finalized date~~ has been ~~announced.~~ signed. As Inoue considers the transition to featherweight, boxing experts have voiced mixed views. While some believe he can capture titles in the new class, others have raised concerns regarding his durability against larger opponents and the need for stylistic adjustments.

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