High-level boxing is coming in 2027.
Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue is fresh off another massive moment, defeating Junto Nakatani via unanimous decision this past weekend (Sat., May 2, 2026) inside the Tokyo Dome in what was billed as the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history. With the win, “The Monster” retained his WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super Bantamweight titles (watch highlights).
Now, attention immediately shifts to what’s next — and it could be a mega fight.According to Yahoo! Japan and confirmed by The Ring, a showdown between Inoue (33-0) and rising
Mexican-American star Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (23-0) is being targeted for January 2027 in Japan as part of Riyadh Season, spearheaded by boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
If finalized, the bout would take place in a massive stadium setting, with plans to break Japan’s all-time attendance record. A special commemorative Ring belt is also reportedly in the works for the occasion.
The matchup would see Inoue defend his super Bantamweight title(s) against Rodriguez, who will move up in weight for the opportunity.
“Of course I’ll fight, but it’s all about the timing,” Inoue told The Ring.
Rodriguez echoed the interest: “I think me against Inoue would definitely be one of the biggest fights in the lower weight divisions.”
Before any super fight materializes, Rodriguez is set to move up to 118 pounds next month to face Antonio Vargas for the WBA World Bantamweight title — a key step toward making the Inoue clash a reality.
If all goes according to plan, one of boxing’s biggest fights is already on the horizon.
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