Naoya Inoue May Retire by 2027, Eyes Historic Unification with Nakatani

Four-division world champion Naoya Inoue has revealed that he plans to retire from professional boxing by 2027, aiming to leave the sport at the height of his career. The Japanese superstar made the statement in an interview with domestic media, emphasizing his desire to step away while still at his peak.

Inoue’s immediate focus is his upcoming WBA title defense against Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev, scheduled for September 2025. If victorious, he could face WBC titleholder Junto Nakatani in what would be a historic all-Japanese unification bout — the first of its kind between two reigning Japanese champions on such a global stage.

Nicknamed “The Monster,” Inoue remains undefeated in his professional career and is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.