“The perfect idea would be to get another fight,” Garcia said when discussing Rodriguez’s future. “Now he already felt it for the first time. Plus, Vargas is a little taller, awkward, difficult with his speed. Medina is very strong, so it will be a good test.”
Garcia’s comments came after Rodriguez made his debut at bantamweight. The veteran trainer explained that his fighter gained valuable experience against a naturally bigger opponent and could benefit from another outing before potentially moving up to 122 pounds.
“Three pounds might not sound like a lot to those who just run, but in boxing it’s a big difference,” Garcia said. “So for me, my perfect idea would be to get another fight.”
The comments contrasted with Hearn’s assessment of the situation.
“If we don’t do it soon, we’re probably going to miss the boat,” Hearn said, referring to a possible Rodriguez-Inoue clash.
Inoue, who turned 33 in April, remains one of boxing’s biggest draws and one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters. The Japanese star currently competes at super bantamweight, four pounds above Rodriguez’s new home at 118 pounds.
Rodriguez himself looked ready for whatever direction his team chooses.
“Whatever my team says,” Bam Rodriguez said. “Whatever they throw in front of me, I’m going to say yes.”
A bout between Rodriguez and Inoue has long been considered one of the sport’s most compelling future matchups. However, Garcia’s comments suggest Team Rodriguez may be weighing whether additional seasoning at bantamweight could improve Bam’s chances before he pursues the biggest fight of his career
