Naoya Inoue is no longer the undisputed champion at 122 lbs as the legendary fighter has relinquished all of his titles as he announced he is now a super bantamweight.
"I would like to inform you that I will return the belts of the four [sanctioning bodies]," Inoue revealed in pre-planned hotel press conference in the Yokohama hotel conference room.“In 2023, I would like to move up one weight class and challenge the super bantamweight division. It's the perfect match, but there's nothing left to do in this bantamweight division, and there's no opponent I want to fight.”
Inoue took two attempts to make the allotted weight of 118 lbs for his bout with Paul Butler, but made it, to make history. Inoue will no look to become a four-division world champion.
“I have decided to compete in the super bantamweight division and challenge fighters who are bigger than me,” furthered Inoue. “From here on out, it’s a real thing. I’m really excited about it—I think it could be the final chapter.”
