Naoya Inoue, the undisputed champion across two weight classes, is acknowledging that his boxing career won`t last forever and his body will eventually dictate his retirement.
Despite this awareness, the 32-year-old isn`t planning to retire immediately; the dominant super-bantamweight still has significant fights ahead.
While currently at his peak, the hard-hitting fighter suggests his time in the sport might end sooner than anticipated.
Recently, `The Monster` secured an eighth-round knockout win over Ramon Cardenas, recovering from an early knockdown to deliver his trademark powerful finish.
Known for being active among elite boxers, the undefeated Inoue (30-0, 28 KOs) intends to fight four times in 2025, aiming to maintain his status as a top pound-for-pound fighter into 2026.
His third bout of 2025, following a quick win against Ye Joon Kim in January, will be against WBA interim champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
This highly anticipated fight is scheduled for September in Tokyo, Japan, where Inoue will defend all four of his 122lb titles.
Following the September bout, the Japanese sensation is expected to headline an event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December, possibly indicating a move up to the featherweight division.
Nick Ball, the WBA titlist at featherweight, is mentioned as a potential opponent, which would give Inoue a chance to win a world title in a fifth division.
Alternatively, a compelling all-Japanese clash against WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani remains a possibility, potentially happening next year.
However, Inoue has stated his intention to retire by the end of 2027.
He mentioned wanting to retire at the appropriate time, estimating he has about three years left, including the current one.
He added that he doesn`t feel his physical condition or performance declining yet, but understands that day will inevitably come.
Therefore, he feels it`s crucial to plan his training and fights with this in mind and to understand his own physical limits as he knows decline is unavoidable.
