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Super fight between Naoya Inoue and Bam Rodriguez ‘being planned’ for Jan. 2027
TL;DR
Naoya Inoue is planning a super fight against Bam Rodriguez for January 2027. Inoue recently retained his titles after defeating Junto Nakatani in May 2026.
Key points
- Naoya Inoue is the unified WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO champion.
- He recently defeated Junto Nakatani on May 2, 2026.
- A super fight with Bam Rodriguez is planned for January 2027.
Naoya InoueBam RodriguezJunto Nakatani
Japanese boxer Naoya Inoue, the current unified WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO world superbantamweight champion, attends a press conference ahead of his May 2 boxing match with Junto Nakatani, in Tokyo on April 30, 2026. (Photo by Yuichi YAMAZAKI / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
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.
Q&A
When is the super fight between Naoya Inoue and Bam Rodriguez scheduled?
The super fight is being planned for January 2027.
What titles does Naoya Inoue currently hold?
Naoya Inoue holds the WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring super Bantamweight titles.
Who did Naoya Inoue defeat to retain his titles?
Naoya Inoue defeated Junto Nakatani via unanimous decision to retain his titles.