“If we don’t do it soon we’re probably going to miss the boat,” Hearn said when discussing Rodriguez’s options following his latest victory.

The promoter acknowledged that Team Rodriguez faces an important decision in the months ahead.

“Do you do it now or do you run the risk of letting it go forever?” Hearn said. “I don’t think there’s a bad decision because realistically Bam can stay at 118 pounds, fight all the champions, try and be undisputed. The move to 122 is inevitable, but is it in December, January or is it in a year’s time?”

Hearn noted that timing could prove crucial given the stature of the fight and Inoue’s stage of his career.

“You’re really looking at pound-for-pound number one versus pound-for-pound number two, whichever way you want to call it,” Hearn said. “And that’s very rare in the sport. It’s a mega fight in Japan, mega fight worldwide.”

The comments came as Rodriguez’s future became one of the major talking points following his successful move to bantamweight. While Rodriguez has repeatedly expressed a willingness to face anyone his team puts in front of him, trainer Robert Garcia suggested another fight could benefit the 26-year-old before a jump to 122 pounds.

Inoue, meanwhile, turned 33 earlier this year and remains one of boxing’s biggest attractions. The Japanese star has dominated the super bantamweight division and has frequently been mentioned alongside Rodriguez on pound-for-pound lists.

“I think if the offer is right, I think Bam and Robert will do it,” Hearn said. “I don’t think they have any fear of doing it.”

Whether Team Rodriguez decides to pursue another title fight at 118 pounds or move directly into a clash with Inoue, Hearn made it clear that waiting too long could come with consequences.

“If we don’t do it soon,” he said, “we’re probably going to miss the boat.”