An in-demand showdown between Naoya Inoue and Jesse Rodriguez was beginning to look less likely, but there are now reports that a deal will be made for a new targeted date.

Following a career-best triumph over Junto Nakatani, Inoue was immediately mentioned for a clash with another pound-for-pound rival Rodriguez, who has since began his move up to super-bantamweight but has stopped off at bantamweight along the way.

At 118lbs, ‘Bam’ debuted with a knockout win against WBA titleholder Antonio Vargasbut wants one more outing in the division before heading to 122lbs, with a unification against WBO world champion Christian Medina being the most likely option.

In response, Inoue agreed to wait but set a deadline of March 2027 for their meeting, until suggestions of a fight in either April or May then caused Inoue to instead begin preparation for a move up to featherweight last week.

Yet, speaking with Ring MagazineRodriguez’s trainer Robert Garcia maintained confidence that a deal will be struck for Inoue vs Bam to take place in March.

“I think that Inoue is just playing it smart. I don’t think that he is backing out of the fight. We will make a deal for March.”

Rodriguez-Medina has been mentioned as a possible bout for the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard on Friday, December 11, alongside a potential heavyweight match-up involving Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia, as well as a proposed appearance from Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao.

In her ruling, Judge Charlotte Murphy said: “I am satisfied that the defendant believed it was necessary to use force to defend himself.

”I am further satisfied that a single, measured, controlled punch was proportionate in the circumstances.

“It is very easy to consider the defendant’s response by considering the CCTV in slow motion, however the defendant had a split second to consider his response to the shoulder barge.”

David Haye believes Agit Kabayel’s movement and body punching could punish Daniel Dubois for loading up on his shots. The approach that overwhelmed Fabio Wardley could leave Dubois working much harder against the unbeaten German.

Dubois’s second-round stoppage of Wardley showed how destructive he can be against an opponent whose attacks he can anticipate. Kabayel would offer a different test, making him change direction and create fresh openings rather than repeatedly finding the same target.

Haye praised Dubois’s physical qualities but argued that he could benefit from using smaller punches to set up his power shots.

“He’s an absolute machine. Everything is the perfect size heavyweight. He takes a dig. He’s a massive puncher,” Haye said to talkSPORT Boxing.

“I’d like to see him loosen up a little bit. Everything feels very forceful.”

Haye used Lennox Lewis as an example of a heavyweight who could open opponents up before committing to his biggest punches. Against Kabayel, he believes Dubois would need more than force.

“Against Kabayel, that style of just trying to force it won’t work,” Haye said. “He’s slippery, he turns angles, throws to the body.”

Wardley gave Dubois opportunities to land short, powerful counters. Kabayel’s movement could require Dubois to keep adjusting his feet while protecting his body. Loading up and missing would cost energy, particularly if Kabayel made him turn before he could punch again.

That makes the matchup a test of how Dubois creates opportunities when an opponent refuses to remain in front of him. His power could still change the fight, but reaching for a knockout would give Kabayel more chances to work.

Haye called Kabayel “the sleeper,” highlighting his willingness to face dangerous opponents without the promotional attention enjoyed by bigger names.

“He’s the one everyone’s avoided. He’s the one who’s had all these tough fights against unbeaten fighters when nobody else wanted it,” Haye said.

Haye still didn’t pick Kabayel to win. His argument was that Dubois would face a much tougher technical test. The power would remain a threat, but Kabayel could make him work a lot harder to deliver it.