Naoya Inoue open to a fight with big name pound-for-pound rival before The Ring V blockbuster

Naoya Inoue has spoken about his desire to take on Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in the future.

The unbeaten Japanese star fights on Saturday when he defends his undisputed super bantamweight titles against Alan Picasso at The Ring V: Night of the Samurai in Riyadh.

Rodriguez produced another big performance when he knocked out Fernando Martinez in the 10th round of their unification bout at super flyweight last month and he has spoken about wanting to move up in weight.

If he does, then Inoue would be keen on the fight but he admits he isn’t a fan of the unbeaten 25-year-old from Texas.

Whilst watching highlights of Rodriguez, Inoue told Matchroom Boxing: “Yes, this is Bam. A fan? No, I’m not a fan. Yes, it’s interesting to watch.”

When asked if he would be interested in a fight with Rodriguez in the future, Inoue confirmed he would be keen on the contest when further down the line.

“If we’re in the same weight class and the timing is right. I like watching him fight.”

Watch the video here.

Watch Ring V Inoue vs. Picasso on DAZN PPV

Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso headline the Ring V fight night, exclusively on DAZN PPV this Saturday, December 27.

Purchase as a one-off PPV, or get included at no extra cost with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which includes minimum of 12 PPV events per year, plus another 185 fight nights. Monthly and annual options available.

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