Former IBF super bantamweight champion TJ Doheny has officially announced his retirement from boxing following a devastating 7th-round loss to Japanese pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue. Doheny, who was visibly in pain during the bout, later revealed that a chronic back injury played a significant role in his decision to hang up the gloves.
The Irish fighter, known for his relentless fighting spirit and technical skill, took to social media after the fight to make the announcement. “I’m done,” Doheny wrote. “The back injury has been an ongoing issue, and after tonight, it’s clear that my body just can’t handle the wear and tear anymore.”
The fight, which took place at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, saw Doheny battle valiantly against Inoue, known as “The Monster.” Despite showing flashes of his former self, Doheny struggled to keep up with Inoue’s speed, power, and precision. By the 7th round, Inoue landed a series of crushing blows, forcing the referee to stop the contest. It was a brutal end to a fight that had already taken a toll on Doheny, who appeared to be in physical distress throughout the bout.
After the fight, Doheny opened up about the back injury that has plagued him for years. “I’ve been dealing with this back issue for a long time, and it’s been getting worse with every fight,” Doheny said. “I thought I could push through, but after tonight, it’s clear that my body has had enough. I don’t want to risk my health any further.”
Doheny had previously hinted at retirement, but the loss to Inoue solidified his decision. The injury, which has been a recurring problem throughout his career, affected his training and performance, ultimately forcing him to make the difficult choice to retire.
TJ Doheny’s career has been marked by his determination and resilience. He made history in 2018 by defeating Ryosuke Iwasa in Japan to capture the IBF super bantamweight title, becoming one of the few Irish fighters to win a world title. Doheny went on to defend his title once before losing a unification bout against Daniel Roman in 2019. Despite setbacks, Doheny remained a fan favorite due to his aggressive style and heart in the ring.
With a professional record of 23 wins (17 by knockout) and 4 losses, Doheny retires as one of Ireland’s most accomplished boxers, respected for his grit and willingness to take on the toughest opponents in the division.
As Doheny steps away from the sport, he leaves behind a legacy of courage and hard work. While his career may have been cut short by injury, his impact on boxing, particularly in Ireland, will be remembered for years to come. Fans and fellow fighters have already taken to social media to express their admiration for Doheny’s career and to wish him well in his retirement.
Naoya Inoue, who handed Doheny his final defeat, also offered words of respect after the bout, praising Doheny for his heart and skill in the ring.
With his gloves now hung up, Doheny can focus on his health and spend time with his family, knowing he gave everything to the sport he loved.
