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Naoya Inoue confirms his interest in US super fight after Nakatani: “Yes I’d beat him”

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Naoya Inoue is set for an iconic battle with Junto Nakatani this weekend, in what will be the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history. Following that potentially legacy-defining bout, ‘The Monster’ wants another major match-up.

Inoue has ruled in four weight divisions and had been linked with a featherweight debut if successful in defending his undisputed super-bantamweight crown against Nakatani on Saturday.

However, the 32-year-old has revealed that his clash with Nakatani will be his penultimate one at 122lbs, with plans to stick around for one more fight in the division despite appearing to have cleaned it out.

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As a result, rumours have emerged that Inoue could take on unified super-flyweight champion and fellow pound-for-pound star, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez – who debuts as a bantamweight against Antonio Vargas in June – before moving to featherweight and out of the Texan’s reach.

In a game of ‘yes or no’ with DAZN Boxing, Inoue confirmed his interest in a showdown with Rodriguez and confidently forecasted that he would come out on top against the undefeated 26-year-old southpaw.

“Yes, [I would love to fight Jesse Rodriguez].”

“[Would I beat him?] Yes.”

Rodriguez will become a three-division champion if able to trump Vargas on Saturday, June 13, but he would usurp Inoue as the pound-for-pound king if he were to hand the Japanese sensation a first career defeat – providing Nakatani doesn’t do it this coming Saturday at the Tokyo Dome.

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‘Bam’ Rodriguez has also expressed his interest in the fight, saying he would take it without hesitation should it present itself. With boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh close to both men, it might just.

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5 Things Triple H Got Right on WWE RAW This Week

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The latest episode of Monday Night Raw saw the feuds and storylines shift gears with WWE Backlash a few weeks away. Fresh off the fallout from WrestleMania, the energy was electric in Laredo, Texas, where fans witnessed a night packed with thrilling matches and compelling moments. Stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch were all in the house.

WWE’s creative head, Triple H, has been in the midst of criticisms lately due to his contentious booking decisions. Last night’s show was nowhere near a five-star classic, but Hunter still managed to give fans some noteworthy moments. Whether it was Oba Femi’s big decision about his future or making certain matches official for Backlash, a few things were taken care of.

Here are five things Triple H got right on WWE RAW this week:

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#5. Booking Asuka vs. IYO SKY for WWE Backlash

The Asuka vs. IYO SKY feud has been hanging in the balance for quite some time now. It was “in the works” for far too long, with no actual payoff. But it looks like WWE finally took some initiative this week as the company decided to shift gears. The Empress of Tomorrow cost IYO SKY her match against Becky Lynch last night and right after that, she also wrapped IYO in her submission hold.

This rivalry finally took a serious turn on RAW. Soon after, WWE made SKY vs. Asuka official for Backlash, a match that should have happened at WrestleMania 42. While the wait was long, the good thing is it’s finally happening. Triple H made a good decision by letting the two former Damage CTRL members compete in a singles match at the upcoming premium live event.

#4. Oba Femi declaring his own Open Challenge

Oba Femi has been directionless since defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. This was a problem that started to concern the WWE Universe and it looks like The Ruler was feeling the same. As a result, Femi made a bold proclamation this week on Monday Night Raw, stating that he will officially start his own open challenges from next week for the entire roster.

That was a solid decision that stirred a fresh wave of excitement among fans. Oba Femi is currently the hottest thing on the red brand and he needed something significant to continue his momentum. Hence, it was a good decision to keep Femi’s momentum sailing. Besides, every superstar who steps up to him each week will get the opportunity to be in the spotlight.

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#3. Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins’ validation

Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker have been involved in brawls and fights for the past two weeks. However, things were different this week. The two superstars stood toe-to-toe with each other under the same roof. Breakker and Rollins were involved in an incredible promo segment, where they had a fiery exchange of words. Most importantly, it gave both the chance to say what they had been holding off in their chest.

Honestly, Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker ruled every bit of it, dragging in some personal things. The fact that Triple H gave them a segment to express their thoughts was a fantastic decision. It was very much needed for both superstars to explain why their animosity began in the first place. Therefore, Rollins and Breakker trying to validate their points was just the right move.

#2. The Judgment Day’s dominance on RAW

Liv Morgan has been riding red-hot after capturing the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42. But the other members of The Judgment Day needed to shine as well. And this week’s Monday Night Raw finally gave that. Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez battled Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a tag team match where they secured a huge victory.

Following the bout, Morgan, Perez and Rodriguez were seen standing tall in the ring shoulder-to-shoulder, showcasing their dominance. The Judgment Day finally looked like a strong unit in that very moment. WWE did a commendable job there by putting the faction in the spotlight even in the absence of Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh on Monday Night Raw.

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#1. Jacob Fatu drew first blood on Roman Reigns

The biggest highlight of Monday Night Raw was the segment between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu. The two superstars were involved in a heated exchange of words, igniting personal animosity. But things boiled over when Reigns refused to give Fatu a shot at his title, stating that handing him an opportunity just like that would be nepotism. However, The Samoan Werewolf couldn’t digest it.

He went right after the OTC, choking him with a Tongan Death Grip. Jacob Fatu became completely unhinged as he unleashed his fury on the champ. It eventually led to Roman Reigns accepting his challenge for Backlash. WWE made this match official for the upcoming PLE and what a way to do it. Triple H showcased the segment incredibly on RAW, adding a personal layer to it.