Naoya Inoue says he has started preparing for featherweight, the 126 lb division, rather than waiting indefinitely for Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. Boxing News reported his 13 October 2026 social-media statement.
The attraction of Inoue–Rodriguez is obvious. The problem in the reporting is timing: Inoue wants to return in spring 2027, while Rodriguez’s trainer Robert Garcia has discussed another appearance at 118 lb before a move to Inoue’s 122 lb division.
Inoue’s comments keep another route open. They do not establish a featherweight opponent, a signed contract or a fight date. Nor does interest from the Rodriguez side make their meeting official.
Status in our 14 October briefing: a public statement about preparation, with no confirmed date for Inoue–Rodriguez. The website version was added on 17 October.
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For the record
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