Rodriguez calls Inoue showdown inevitable after fan demand

Jesse Rodriguez says a fight with Naoya Inoue will eventually happen and believes it will deliver one of boxing's great nights when it does. The flyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light flyweight spoke after sustained fan pressure to match the pair.

“I know when that Naoya Inoue fight does happen, the fans are in for a great night of boxing. People are already talking about that fight so much, it's inevitable at this point. When it does happen, it's going to be one of the great fights in boxing history.”

— Jesse Rodriguez, via Ring Magazine

What Jesse Rodriguez said

Rodriguez holds world honours at flyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light flyweight while Inoue campaigns at bantamweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super bantamweight. The gap in weight classes has not stopped fans calling for the bout. Both men are considered among the sport's elite talents, with Rodriguez unifying belts in multiple divisions and Inoue holding undisputed status.

What it moves

Rodriguez stopped short of announcing a date or terms but framed the fight as a certainty given the clamour around it. Whether Inoue moves down or Rodriguez climbs up remains the sticking point. A catchweight compromise could be the route that brings the pair together.

Source: ringmagazine.com. Full Jesse Rodriguez fight history and recent news at boxingnews.com.