Although currently dominating the 115-pound super flyweight division, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is looking ahead to a future at 122 pounds. The undefeated WBC super flyweight champion from San Antonio predicts that his biggest challenge could be two divisions up, where he expects a major showdown against the victor of a potential clash between Japan’s top fighters, Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani.
Inoue vs. Nakatani: Japan’s Historic Clash
Top Rank’s Bob Arum recently described a prospective Inoue-Nakatani fight as one of the biggest matchups in Japanese boxing history. If all goes as planned, Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs), who currently holds multiple belts across the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO, may face Nakatani (29-0, 22 KOs), the WBO 118-pound champion, in the second half of 2025. Both fighters are undefeated, with Inoue scheduled to defend his titles against Australia’s Sam Goodman on December 24, while Nakatani could soon rise from bantamweight to the 122-pound division.
Rodriguez’s Prediction: Experience Gives Inoue the Edge
Rodriguez, during a recent interview, picked Inoue as the likely victor over Nakatani, citing his edge in experience. “Inoue is a great fighter… but I feel he has a slight edge in experience,” Rodriguez said, acknowledging that while Nakatani is a taller southpaw with serious power, Inoue’s strategic and technical background gives him an advantage. Rodriguez’s admiration for Inoue aligns with the hype around this potential clash, one that promises an intense battle between the two Japanese champions.
Current Goals: Unification at 115, Rise to 118 Pounds
For now, Rodriguez’s primary focus is unifying the 115-pound division. He hopes to secure a title unification fight early next year. However, if the opportunity doesn’t arise, he plans to move up to 118 pounds by mid-2025 to begin his journey in the bantamweight division. With his skill set and undefeated record (21-0, 14 KOs), Rodriguez is eager to test himself against elite opponents while solidifying his career path.
A Promising Future Awaits Rodriguez
At just 24 years old, Rodriguez is strategically mapping his ascent through weight classes, knowing he has time on his side. While fans are eager to see him clash with boxing icons like Inoue, Rodriguez himself isn’t rushing; he’s determined to establish himself as a force in the 122-pound division in the coming years. If Inoue secures victory over Nakatani, a showdown with Rodriguez could be on the horizon, delivering a thrilling matchup for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
