AthleteWiki
Live
FOOTBALLXavi Xavi Embraces Netherlands Challenge With Immediate ContactFOOTBALLSilva Bernardo Silva Explains Why He Chose Real MadridFOOTBALLTorres Ferran Torres fires PSG to first Ligue 1 win with decisiveFOOTBALLHaaland Erling Haaland's Controversial Derby Winner PromptsFOOTBALL (Lawrence Trevor Lawrence's 4-TD Week 1 Performance Sparks JaguarsWRESTLINGMorgan Liv Morgan Loses Women's World Title to Stephanie VaquerFOOTBALLXavi Xavi Embraces Netherlands Challenge With Immediate ContactFOOTBALLSilva Bernardo Silva Explains Why He Chose Real MadridFOOTBALLTorres Ferran Torres fires PSG to first Ligue 1 win with decisiveFOOTBALLHaaland Erling Haaland's Controversial Derby Winner PromptsFOOTBALL (Lawrence Trevor Lawrence's 4-TD Week 1 Performance Sparks JaguarsWRESTLINGMorgan Liv Morgan Loses Women's World Title to Stephanie Vaquer

Naoya Inoue Targets Jesse Rodriguez for Final Super

2026-09-09 · Naoya Inoue · Player Focus

Naoya Inoue has identified the fight he wants before leaving the super bantamweight division.

Why is the Rodriguez fight so important to Inoue?

Inoue, who has been the undisputed super bantamweight champion for nearly three years, sees Rodriguez as the final major challenge in the division. Fans have demanded this fight for some time, pitting two fierce knockout artists against each other. Inoue previously indicated his time at super bantamweight was limited, and he now appears willing to wait for Rodriguez to make his move. This potential super-fight would cap off a dominant reign where Inoue has already defended his undisputed crown seven times.

What did Inoue say about his future retirement?

The Japanese star has already planned for the end of his career. In an interview with The Ring at Korakuen Hall on August 19, Inoue, 32, instructed his father and trainer, Shingo Inoue, and chairman Hideyuki Ohashi to tell him to retire if they see any signs of decline. "I'm the one who told him that," Inoue said. "If I try to decide for myself when it's time to quit, I probably won't be able to do it." He wants to retire undefeated while still performing at an elite level, acknowledging the temptation to continue fighting makes honest self-assessment difficult.

How does Inoue view his latest title defense?

Inoue reflected on his May 2 unanimous decision victory over compatriot Junto Nakatani at a sold-out Tokyo Dome. He told The Ring he fought with a points calculation in mind rather than chasing a knockout, feeling in control throughout. Inoue believed he was winning by a wider margin than the judges scored it. He described Nakatani as a uniquely difficult opponent due to his size and reach, requiring careful navigation. This win cemented Inoue's status as The Ring's No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer, a spot he has held multiple times over the past two years.

Looking ahead, Inoue stated that any future opponent must have both legitimate status and the ability to provide an entertaining fight. At this level, he believes any fighter capable of meeting one standard likely meets the other. His ambition remains to have fights that justify his top ranking for as long as possible.

  • Key Fight Planned: Naoya Inoue wants Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez as his final super bantamweight opponent before moving to featherweight.
  • Retirement Directive: The 32-year-old champion has asked his team to advise him to retire the moment they detect any decline in his abilities.
  • Recent Victory: Inoue successfully defended his undisputed titles with a unanimous decision win over Junto Nakatani on May 2, 2026.
  • Historic Reign: He is an undisputed champion in two weight classes and has made seven defenses of his super bantamweight crowns.

More Naoya Inoue news →