Naoya Inoue Talks Retirement as Junto Nakatani’s Rise Draws Near
Naoya Inoue, the undefeated junior featherweight champion, has opened up about retirement as he prepares to face David Picasso on Saturday. The fight will headline "The Ring V: Night of the Samurai" event in Saudi Arabia, broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view.
At 32 years old, Inoue remains one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters, boasting a perfect 31-0 record with 27 knockouts. Though still at his peak, he acknowledges that age is becoming a factor. With a potential showdown against fellow Japanese star Junto Nakatani aiming to take place next May, Inoue admits he cannot afford a loss.
“I absolutely can’t afford to lose,” Inoue said during DAZN’s "On The Ground" series. “The subject of retirement—the fact that I’ll retire someday—is something that’s becoming visible at this stage.”
Inoue’s motivation stems from the status he holds in the division. He’s held titles across four weight classes and remains undefeated at 122 pounds, having defended the undisputed junior featherweight title five times. His last defense came in September against Murodjon Akhmadaliev, marking only the fourth fight in his 13-year career to go the distance. Some recent tough fights, including knockdowns, have raised questions about his durability as he competes at higher weights.
Junto Nakatani, 27, carries a 31-0 record with 24 knockouts and will make his 122-pound debut on the same card, facing Sebastian Hernandez in the co-main event. Many regard Nakatani as Inoue’s likely successor in the division.
Inoue’s father and trainer, Shingo Inoue, also hints that his son’s career may be entering its final phase. “Considering his age, I don’t think he has much time left,” Shingo said. “It would be good if he can perform in those remaining fights with real intensity and conviction, without any regrets.”
In 2025, Inoue will fight four times, maintaining an active schedule after averaging two fights per year from 2021 to 2024. For 2026, he plans to limit fights to twice annually. While a move to featherweight (126 pounds) has been discussed for some time, it seems less of a priority as the threat from Nakatani in the junior featherweight division grows.
Inoue expressed mixed feelings about moving up in weight. “My weight isn’t quite high enough yet, and physically there are still areas of concern,” he said. “I want to challenge myself in those areas. As long as I perform at a top level, I have my pride. Once you stop challenging yourself, it’s over.”
This upcoming bout against Picasso represents an important test for Inoue as he aims to maintain his championship reign and meet fans’ expectations ahead of the anticipated clash with Nakatani. Both fighters and their camp see 2026 as a potential turning point in the junior featherweight division.
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan
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