Inoue vs Rodriguez: Tensions run high at media workout, Inoue’s father shoved

IBF bantamweight titleholder Emmanuel Rodriguez certainly isn’t showing any fear of Naoya Inoue ahead of Saturday’s fight in Glasgow, where the two meet in a World Boxing Super Series tournament semifinal.

Saturday’s fights — including Josh Taylor vs Ivan Baranchyk — will stream live in the US on DAZN.

Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KO) knows Inoue (17-0, 15 KO) is considered a destroyer and is the big favorite, but he’s confident he’s got the skills to pull the upset.

“I am well aware that I am fighting a guy considered the best by reporters and fans, but I have been waiting this moment my entire life,” Rodriguez said. “I always wanted to fight the best. We are going to go in with all the tools and I can tell you that we will get nothing but the victory and shut up some people’s mouths. On May 18 I will still be the world champion and I will go all the way and take home the trophy to Puerto Rico.”

There may be some added heat, too, as Inoue’s father-trainer Shingo Inoue was shoved at the media workout by a member of Rodriguez’s team.

Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

“It was an open workout so naturally I was taking pictures and using the phone. A guy came over, after staring down at us from the ring, and said I couldn’t do it and pushed me aside. That was very ungentlemanlike,” said Shingo. “The two fighters who have actually trained for this — that’s what we are here to see and who is the better fighter. Outside of the ring, nothing needs to be hostile.”

Naoya reportedly didn’t see the incident, but he’s promising a KO on Saturday.

“I am in great shape, I can’t wait for the fight. I am going to knock out Rodriguez on Saturday,” said Naoya. “I can’t predict the round, but I am going for the KO and it will happen sooner or later. I know what everyone is expecting from me.”

Bad Left Hook will have live coverage for Inoue vs Rodriguez and Taylor vs Baranchyk on Saturday at 2:00 pm ET, streaming live on DAZN