“DAZN has asked us to start negotiations for that fight. They’re very interested in that fight worldwide, particularly in Japan. But it depends when that takes place,” Hearn told The Ring.

“If it’s going to happen in January, we might go a little bit earlier [with another fight for Rodriguez]. [Rodriguez’s trainer and manager] Robert Garcia’s preference is to unify titles at 118 pounds, unless the Inoue fight becomes a real possibility.

“Bam is going to fight in November or December. He’ll most likely unify again. [WBO bantamweight champion Christian] ‘Chispa’ Medina is a good option. I think that’s a great fight.

“We haven’t heard anything about the Inoue fight. Everyone keeps talking about that fight. We’ve publicly stated we’re interested in that fight. We want that fight, but we haven’t really heard anything.”

Both Inoue and Rodriguez have also stated that a bout between them is inevitable.

Inoue is ranked No. 1 in The Ring’s pound-for-pound list; Rodriguez is rated fourth.