Negotiations for the contest seem to have hit a stumbling block in recent weeks with Rodriguez wanting another contest at bantamweight before moving up to face Inoue. Rodriguez, the WBA 118lbs titleholder, is in talks to face WBO champion Christian Medeina on the undercard of Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua on December 11 before taking on Inoue in March 2027.

Inoue is not a fan of this, telling media on Thursday that he believes the only way the contest happens is if Rodriguez agrees to go straight into an undisputed fight. Frank Smith of Matchroom Boxing was asked for clarification on if Rodriguez would be taking an interim bout ahead of facing Inoue, stating it is now “50-50” and a decision will be made this week.

“Talks are ongoing right now. I get Inoue’s point. He doesn't want to take the risk, obviously. So I completely get it,” Smith told BoxingScene. “That's something we're working through now. ‘Bam’ did want to have that one more fight. Timing-wise, we'll see how things play out over the coming week, I'd say. But things need to fall in place quite quickly if we're going to make it all work.”

Smith understands that Inoue is growing impatient and once the pound-for-pound star moves up to 126lbs, a contest with Rodriguez will be out of reach.

“I also don't think ‘Bam’ is the kind of fighter who wants to be around for five, 10 years,” said Smith. “I think he's the kind of guy who wants the best fights over the next two, three years, and then be happy and prepared in his young years and what he's already done in the sport.

"We’re waiting on an offer from Team Inoue and happy to go straight into a fight in March," added Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn.

Naoya Inoue-Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez showdown faces make-or-break week