On Friday, April 10, WBA/IBF bantamweight world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue (19-0, 16KOs) celebrated his 27th birthday.

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Japan, Inoue issued several written statements without holding a press conference for the media.

Inoue was scheduled to do battle with WBO world champion John Riel Casimero on April 25, but the contest was postponed due to the ongoing pandemic.

Inoue, who made his first professional fight when he was 19, confesses that he wants to retire from boxing at the age of 35.

“I was going to have my 27-year-old birthday in Las Vegas doing physical preparations for my fight against John Riel Casimero," Inoue said.

"But, because of what is happening today with the danger in this world, due to a coronavirus pandemic, I am now in Japan and thanks to which I can spend my life surrounded by my family in peace and tranquility. My fight in Las Vegas was suspended because of coronavirus. I am still training at 60% intensity so I don't to lose my physical form for whatever comes.

“Presumably my fight with John Riel Casimero would be possible to take place in Japan, provided that Japan is the safest location and a more reliable country than the US, as long as COVID19 ends in Japan faster than the US. Eight calendar years have passed since my professional boxing debut. I was able to consummate greater and more glorious achievements than I imagined by making the leap to being a professional, but, I can tell you, my holy ambition as a boxer is still half-finished.

"Now, my project is to continue my triumphant march, but it is momentarily interrupted by COVID19. In spite of which, I harbor an immense feeling of desire and improvement so that I am capable of throwing myself strongly into an important fight to fulfill my great goal in boxing. I understand that I cannot waste time and I want continue my professional boxing career as long as possible."