Donaire: Bam Rodriguez has skills to beat Inoue, Nakatani

Nonito Donaire believes Jesse Rodriguez has the technical toolkit to beat Naoya Inoue but worries size will become the deciding factor.

Donaire, who faced Inoue twice and lost both times, told The Ring that Rodriguez's skills put him on par with the undisputed junior featherweight champion. "When it comes down to technical skills and the way Bam fights, he's definitely up there and can beat Inoue," Donaire said. "But being the smaller guy is going to be a big disadvantage to his style."

Can Rodriguez overcome the weight gap against Inoue?

Rodriguez currently holds all four major titles at 115 pounds and will make his bantamweight debut against Antonio Vargas on June 13 in Glendale. Inoue operates two divisions higher at 122 pounds, where he recently outpointed Junto Nakatani. Donaire argued that Rodriguez has the ability to beat both fighters if size is neutralised. "In terms of skills and capability, I think he beats both Inoue and Nakatani if they mix it up," he said.

Donaire ruled out fighting Rodriguez himself despite still competing at 118 pounds. The 43-year-old four-division champion cited his loyalty to Robert Garcia, Rodriguez's trainer and Donaire's former coach. "They're like family to me, and I would never cross that path for anything," Donaire said. "It's not worth it to lose family over money and ruin a relationship that I've built for decades."

Rodriguez is 23-0 with 16 knockouts. Inoue improved to 33-0 with his decision over Nakatani earlier this month.

Source: ringmagazine.com