‘The perfect storyline’: Bam Rodriguez eyes Inoue brothers double

On June 13, at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Antonio Vargas defends his WBA bantamweight world title against Jesse Bam Rodriguez on a Matchroom Boxing card, live on DAZN. The event will be promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions. Ahead of June 13, Bam spoke to The Ring, teasing potential fights against both Inoue brothers.

Jesse Bam Rodriguez set to challenge Antonio Vargas

Jesse Bam Rodriguez (23-0, 16 KOs) is considered by many to be a pound-for-pound elite fighter, with his career being on a rapid ascent since he defeated Sunny Edwards to unify the flyweight division.

Most recently, Bam dazzled against Fernando Martinez, stopping the Argentine to win the WBA super flyweight title. His team attempted to make an undisputed fight against Willibaldo Garcia, but he lost his IBF title to Andrew Moloney.

Vargas (19-1-1, 11 KOs) has been elevated to the full champion for the second time, having landed the interim title in December 2024 against Winston Guerrero. The 29-year-old Houston native was elevated to the full champion status before defending the title against Daigo Higa in July, with their fight ending in a draw. 

Vargas then became champion in recess after a fight with former champion Seiya Tsutsumi was postponed for a third time. The Japanese fighter has now been placed in the same position after being unable to face Vargas on the fourth attempt. Vargas has once again been elevated to the full champion.

Bam teases Inoue double

Bam Rodriguez has never shown that he overlooks any opponent he faces. A showdown with Naoya Inoue has been rumoured, with Mike Coppinger reporting that Turki Alalshikh is targeting a “super fight” between Inoue and Bam. Should the fight be made, they will meet for Inoue’s undisputed crown at 122 pounds. A special-edition Ring Magazine belt will be designed for the superfight.

Discussing the potential of facing Takuma Inoue before Naoya, Bam said:

“I think that’s almost the perfect storyline to the Inoue fight. Beating his brother and then going and fighting the second brother. 

“So, I feel like I just need to stay focused on this fight (Vargas), man. It’s a tough fight that I have in front of me, and I know I can get the job done. I will get the job done. So, after that, after June 13, then we can talk about the future.”

Jesse Bam Rodriguez vs Naoya Inoue certainly has the boxing world talking, but Bam vs Takuma Inoue is an interesting arc!

Featured Image Credit:

@MatchroomBoxing