Inoue open to Rodriguez fight at featherweight: 'It is all about timing'

Naoya Inoue says he would face Jesse Rodriguez at featherweight, though timing will determine when the clash happens.

Inoue retained his undisputed junior featherweight championship with a decision win over Junto Nakatani on Saturday at Tokyo Dome. Asked about a potential Rodriguez bout afterward, Inoue told The Ring's Mike Coppinger that he is open to the match. "Of course [I would fight Rodriguez], but it is all about the timing," he said.

Alalshikh eyes January date in Japan

Promoter Turki Alalshikh indicated Saturday he wants to stage Inoue-Rodriguez as soon as January in Japan, per The Ring. Rodriguez currently holds Ring, WBA, WBC and WBO titles at flyweight and is scheduled to move up to bantamweight next month against Antonio Vargas in Glendale, Arizona.

Rodriguez told The Ring CEO Rick Reeno last month he would take the fight immediately if offered. "I think me against Inoue would definitely be one of the biggest fights in the lower weight divisions," Rodriguez said on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. "I love going to Japan anyways, so if I were to fight out there for the first time, that would be great."

Inoue has gone the distance in his last three outings at 122 pounds after stopping nearly everyone in sight earlier in his junior featherweight run. The 33-0 Japanese star has floated a move to featherweight for two years but has yet to commit. Rodriguez, unbeaten in 23 starts with 16 knockouts, may be the last opponent at the lower weights who presents significant risk.

Rodriguez faces Vargas next month before any Inoue talks can gain real traction.

Source: ringmagazine.com