Hearn says a victory over Antonio Vargas could send Rodriguez directly into one of boxing’s biggest pound-for-pound matchups
Eddie Hearn believes Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is one win away from a fight with Naoya Inoue. The Matchroom promoter said Rodriguez could move directly into a showdown with the Japanese superstar if he defeats Antonio Vargas on June 13.
“If Bam wins, he’ll fight Inoue, in my opinion,” said Hearn to the media.
The fight has been discussed for months as one of the sport’s most attractive pound-for-pound matchups. Rodriguez is moving up to bantamweight to challenge Vargas for the WBA title, while Inoue continues his run at super bantamweight as one of boxing’s most dominant champions.
Hearn made it clear that Vargas remains the immediate focus and does not view the champion as an easy assignment.
“The move to bantamweight sets that fight up perfectly. We keep talking about what’s next. He’s got to come through Antonio Vargas, the champion, on June 13,” said Hearn.
Rodriguez has established himself as one of boxing’s elite lower-weight fighters through victories over Juan Francisco Estrada, Sunny Edwards, and Pedro Guevara. A win over Vargas would add another world title and potentially set up the biggest fight of his career.
Hearn believes the reward waiting on the other side is enormous.
“I’ve got the two biggest fights in boxing. Joshua against Fury, Bam against Inoue. They’re the two biggest fights in boxing,” Hearn said.
Rodriguez must first get past Vargas. If Hearn’s prediction proves accurate, however, the road could lead directly to a showdown with Inoue that fans have been calling for since Bam emerged as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound talents.
