Figueroa currently holds the WBA featherweight title, and considered one of the available fights in his division involves Rafael Espinoza, the WBO champion at 126 kilos. That fight has been discussed, however it shouldn’t be being treated because the leading option at this stage.
Rodriguez stated that while a bout with Espinoza, often known as “Divino,” stays on the table, it shouldn’t be a priority for Figueroa’s team. The indication is that focus is shifting elsewhere, depending on how events play out in Japan this weekend.
The Inoue vs. Nakatani fight carries implications across multiple weight classes, especially if either fighter looks to maneuver up or reposition after the result. Figueroa’s interest suggests he might be weighing a future opponent tied to that final result somewhat than finalizing a unification at featherweight.
Consequently, Espinoza might have to explore alternate opponents for his next title defense if Figueroa moves in a unique direction.
While Rafael Espinoza is the natural unification goal at 126, Brandon Figueroa’s team is clearly fishing for a much bigger game. The deal with this Saturday’s Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani superfight on the Tokyo Dome suggests Figueroa is positioning himself because the welcome wagon for Inoue’s eventual jump to featherweight.
Inoue has been cleansing out the 122-pound division (most recently beating Alan Picasso in Saudi Arabia). If he beats Nakatani, the move to 126 is the one logical progression. Figueroa, along with his relentless volume and WBA belt, is arguably probably the most fan-friendly style for Inoue’s featherweight debut.
No official announcement has been made regarding Figueroa’s next fight, and no timeline has been confirmed. The immediate focus stays on Saturday’s lead to Japan and the way it could reshape the choices at 126 kilos.