The result kept Inoue in control of the division, but the nature of the fight has led to fresh debate about how he matches up with elite opponents at 122 pounds.
Hearn believes the opening is there for Jesse Rodriguez if the fight is made.
“I watched Inoue up close, in Saudi Arabia, and I’ve never been more convinced that Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez beats him.
“For a long period of time, I thought it might be a step too far for Jesse. But now Jesse’s up at bantamweight, and feels big and strong, I just think he’s too good for [Inoue].
He’s 26 years old. And what’s Inoue, 33 now? I don’t see ‘Bam’ losing to Inoue. I thought Inoue would go through Nakatani and do a right job on him, and it was a very competitive fight,” said Eddie Hearn, via Boxing News.
Rodriguez is currently set to challenge Antonio Vargas at bantamweight, with plans to move higher if successful. A meeting with Inoue has been discussed as a potential undisputed fight, depending on how both sides progress over the coming months.
There is also interest from Saudi backers in staging Inoue vs Rodriguez in Japan early next year, which would place one of boxing’s leading names against a younger champion moving through the divisions.
Inoue has previously spoken about moving up again, but for now remains at 122 pounds, where a fight with Rodriguez is being explored as one of the biggest options available.