Undisputed two-division champion Naoya Inoue is acknowledging the eventual necessity of retiring from competitive boxing.
Known as `The Monster`, he is not contemplating an immediate end to his career; several major fights are still anticipated for the reigning super-bantamweight king.
Although currently at the peak of his abilities, Inoue hinted that his time in the sport might conclude sooner than some might expect.
His most recent bout was an eighth-round stoppage win against Ramon Cardenas earlier this month, a fight where Inoue recovered after being knocked down early before securing a decisive finish.
Fortunately for fans, Inoue, holding an impressive record of 30-0 with 28 KOs, is one of the more active elite fighters. He plans to compete four times this year (2025) to ensure his pound-for-pound status remains strong heading into 2026.
His third fight of 2025 is scheduled against WBA interim champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September. This intriguing matchup will take place in Tokyo, Japan, where Inoue will defend his four major 122lb titles.
Following the September bout, the Japanese superstar is set to headline an event in December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, potentially indicating a move up to the featherweight division.
Nick Ball, the WBA featherweight titlist, has been suggested as a possible opponent. A fight against Ball would present Inoue with the opportunity to become a world champion in a fifth weight class.
Alternatively, an exciting all-Japanese clash with WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani remains an appealing prospect, potentially for sometime next year.
Regardless of his future opponents, Inoue has stated his likely timeframe for stepping away from the sport.
He expressed his desire to conclude his fighting career “when the time is right,” estimating he has “about three years left, including this year.”
Inoue noted that while he currently feels no decline in his physical strength or performance, he is certain that this day will eventually come.
He added that he must plan his training and fights with this future decline in mind, stressing that as a human being, physical capabilities will inevitably diminish.
Therefore, he emphasized the importance of preparing for this eventuality and maintaining strong self-awareness.
