Naoya Inoue drops big retirement update ahead of Saturday's mega Riyadh clash

Naoya Inoue has found himself thinking about retirement as he enters the latter stages of his career.

The Japanese star fights on The Ring V: Night of the Samurai against Alan Picasso in Riyadh this Saturday, December 27, live on DAZN PPV, and is rumoured to take on Junto Nakatani in a blockbuster next year.

However, he is aware that retirement may not be too far away now and he has been considering what he will do after he hangs up his gloves.

In an exclusive interview with DAZN, Inoue said: “Well, I suppose it’s this current position I hold, and course my family, and all sorts of things that are factors.

“I think they’re what’s supporting me now. But within that, now that I’m 32, well, things start to become apparent. I suppose retirement, the fact that I’ll retire someday, is something that’s becoming visible at this stage.

“So, when I consider what comes next, I find myself wanting to succeed Chairman Ohashi [as president of the Japan Pro Boxing Association]. That feels like the best way to repay the debt.”

Inoue went on to talk about the next generation and admits being a good role model to the younger boxers coming through is a large part of his motivation these days.

He continued: “There are various perspectives, you see, as more juniors join, how to guide them forward well, my outlook and way of thinking have shifted considerably in recent times.

“So, I suppose the various things supporting me now form the foundation of that axis.”

Watch Ring V Inoue vs. Picasso on DAZN PPV

Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso headline the Ring V fight night, exclusively on DAZN PPV this Saturday, December 27.

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