Robert Garcia Wants Another Fight For Jesse Rodriguez Before Naoya Inoue Showdown

Rodriguez’s trainer says more experience at bantamweight could be beneficial despite growing calls for an Inoue fight

Robert Garcia believes Jesse Rodriguez may benefit from one more fight before pursuing a showdown with Naoya Inoue. Following Rodriguez’s title-winning bantamweight debut, the veteran trainer said additional rounds against bigger opposition could better prepare Bam for a move to 122 pounds.

“The perfect idea would be to get another another fight,” Garcia said when discussing Rodriguez’s future. “Now he already felt it for the first time. Plus, Vargas is a little bit taller, awkward, difficult with his speed. Medina is very strong, so it would be a great test.”

Garcia’s comments came after Rodriguez made his debut at bantamweight. The veteran trainer explained that his fighter had gained valuable experience against a naturally bigger opponent and could benefit from another outing before potentially moving up to 122 pounds.

“Three pounds might not sound like a lot for the just a run person, but in boxing it’s a big difference,” Garcia said. “So for me, my perfect idea would be to get another fight.”

The remarks stood in contrast to Hearn’s assessment of the situation.

“If we don’t do it soon we’re probably going to miss the boat,” Hearn said, referring to a possible Rodriguez-Inoue clash.

Inoue, who turned 33 in April, remains one of boxing’s biggest attractions and one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters. The Japanese star currently competes at super bantamweight, four pounds above Rodriguez’s new home at 118 pounds.

Rodriguez himself appeared ready for whichever direction his team chooses.

“Whatever my team says,” Bam Rodriguez said. “Whatever they throw in front of me, I’m going to say yes.”

A bout between Rodriguez and Inoue has long been viewed as one of the sport’s most compelling future matchups. However, Garcia’s comments suggest Team Rodriguez may be weighing whether additional seasoning at bantamweight could improve Bam’s chances before pursuing the biggest fight of his career