Naoya Inoue and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez continue to be linked with what many believe would be the best fight in boxing, and now Eddie Hearn has added more fuel to the growing excitement. 

The Matchroom promoter has spent years helping to deliver some of the sport’s biggest events and is currently involved in efforts to make several blockbuster contests, including the long-discussed Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury showdown. Yet when asked which fight he most wants to see, Hearn pointed in a different direction. 

Speaking on the Fight Your Corner podcast, Hearn named Inoue against Rodriguez as his current “dream fight”, describing it as a meeting between the No.1 and No.2 pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. It is easy to understand why. Inoue has built a reputation as one of boxing’s most devastating champions, collecting world titles across multiple weight classes and leaving a trail of knockouts behind him.  

Rodriguez, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the most complete fighters in the game, combining his elite skills with growing star power. 

The potential clash would pit two of boxing’s most talented operators against each other at a time when both are close to their peak. 

“My dream fight right now is Bam vs Inoue. Number one versus number two,” said Hearn when discussing the matter with Tony Bellew and Charlie Parsons. 

Talk of the fight has gathered momentum in recent months, and Hearn’s comments will only increase anticipation.  

While Joshua versus Fury remains one of the biggest commercial events the sport can make, Hearn believes Inoue versus Rodriguez could be the ultimate contest for boxing purists, a genuine battle for pound-for-pound supremacy.