Boxing champion Naoya Inoue expresses his anticipated retirement: 'I'll inevitably see a dip in performance'

Spilling the Tea on Naoya Inoue: Boxing's Marvel Eyeing His Final Swing in 2027

Naoya Inoue, a bonafide boxing sensation hailing from Japan, has etched his name in the annals of the sport, with a prestigious career that spans four weight classes. The four-division world champ has held undisputed thrones at the bantamweight and super bantamweight categories—a feat that secures his spot in the Hall of Fame.

But all good things must come to an end, and at 32, Inoue is level-headed about his future at the top, a domain where reflexes and speed reign supreme.

"I want to call it a day when it's time," Inoue candidly shared with Ring Magazine.

"I reckon I've still got about three years left, including this year...

"I ain't sensing a drop in my strength and performance yet, but I know one day that day will come.

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I've Jabbed with Joshua and Jabbed with Fury, but none of 'em hit harder than War!"I gotta plan my training and matches with that in mind.

"As a human, I'm certain I'll have my downfalls.

"So, I think it's vital to prepare and be self-aware."

Inoue hasn't showed any signs of slowing down, yet—not even after being floored by Ramon Cardenas in his latest encounter earlier this month. He dusted himself off to score a knockout against the Texan in round eight.

The triumph secured him a WBA mandatory title defense against former unified WBA and IBF super bantamweight titlist Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September.

If he emerges victorious from that clash, the hyped-up all-Japanese showdown with WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani might be next on the calendar.

That high-stakes duel hinges on Nakatani successfully defending his titles against Ryosuke Nishida on June 8. Both combatants have verbalized a willingness to face each other for what would be a record-breaking event in Japanese boxing history.

Inoue hinted that the showdown might happen in May 2026.

Rumors have it that the influential Tokyo Dome will host this hotly anticipated event.

There's also speculation about Inoue scaling up to featherweight to take on Liverpool's Nick Ball before he bids farewell to the sport.

Inoue's career has been a rollercoaster ride of titles, accolades, and ferocious fights. Despite retirement whispers, his future in boxing appears to be brimming with potential matchups against notable opponents, exciting moves to higher weight classes, and a possible swansong duel with Nakatani. Whether he chooses to hang up the gloves or continue his extraordinary journey, Inoue's legacy as one of the finest boxers of his generation is securely written in the stars.

In the midst of his promising boxing career, four-division world champ Naoya Inoue has hinted a potential future showdown against WBC bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani, which may take place in May 2026. If sports fans love a good crossover, they might get a kick out of the rumors that Inoue could challenge Liverpool's Nick Ball in the featherweight class before his eventual retirement. On the other hand, Formula 1 enthusiasts might be intrigued to know that, when discussing his training and matches, Inoue once admitted, "I ain't sensing a drop in my strength and performance yet, but I know one day that day will come."

Boxing champion Naoya Inoue expresses his anticipated retirement: 'I'll inevitably see a dip in performance'