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DAZN has directed Matchroom Boxing to pursue a potential showdown between Naoya Inoue and Jesse Rodriguez, promoter Eddie Hearn told The Ring this week.
Hearn said the streaming platform wants the fight for worldwide distribution, with particular interest in a Japan staging. "DAZN has asked us to start negotiations for that fight. They're very interested in that fight worldwide, particularly in Japan," Hearn told The Ring. "But it depends when that takes place."
Rodriguez camp eyes 118-pound unification unless Inoue deal materializes
Rodriguez's trainer Robert Garcia reportedly favors a bantamweight title unification unless the Inoue bout becomes realistic. Hearn said Rodriguez will likely fight in November or December, with WBO champion Christian Medina mentioned as a strong possibility. Hearn acknowledged everyone in boxing continues discussing the Inoue matchup, but Matchroom has not received concrete feedback despite publicly stating interest.
Both fighters have said the bout will happen eventually. Inoue defended his undisputed super bantamweight crown in May with a decision over Junto Nakatani, lifting his record to 33-0 with 27 knockouts. Rodriguez moved up to 118 pounds in June and stopped Antonio Vargas in six rounds to claim the WBA belt, improving to 24-0 with 17 finishes.
Inoue holds the top spot on The Ring's pound-for-pound list, with Rodriguez ranked fourth. Netflix surfaced as another potential broadcast partner for the fight in late March, though no formal talks have advanced. Rodriguez is expected to announce his next opponent within the next month.
Source: ringmagazine.com
