\n<\/p>\n
After conquering the bantamweight division, Inoue moved up to super-bantamweight in July 2023 and became the undisputed champion later that year.<\/p>\n
He has made seven successful defences of that status but has fast run out of serious challengers, leading to speculation that another divisional change could be on the cards.<\/p>\n
Moving up to featherweight is an option, but the division lacks household names and a jump to super-featherweight is likely a step too far.<\/p>\n
Dropping back down to the lower divisions appears to be the most likely route for Inoue, and preliminary talks are under way, external<\/span><\/a> for a fight with pound-for-pound star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.<\/p>\n American Rodriguez, 26, makes his bantamweight debut when he fights for the WBA title against Antonio Vargas on 13 June.<\/p>\n Rodriguez has reigned as unified champion at flyweight and super-flyweight, and boasts an undefeated 23-fight record – 16 inside the distance.<\/p>\n Inoue, who has fought five times in the past 15 months, said: “I have been so busy and had so many intensive days, so please give me a rest.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n