Back in June, four-weight world champion Kosei Tanaka retired from boxing.

The Japanese standout had several eye operations throughout his career and had hoped surgery after his last fight against Phumelela Cafu (SD 12) in October 2024 would allow him to return to action but his vision is still affected. So, with a heavy heart he decided to retire rather than risk losing his eyesight altogether.

The 30-year-old is very motivated in retirement, has been busier than ever and he doesn't envisage slowing down.

"I've been planning monthly boxing events in collaboration with the apparel brand RSC Products," Tanaka told The Ring through an interpreter. "I also do fight commentary, lectures, and radio personality work.

"I'm planning to open my first boxing gym sometime between late December/January. I intend to focus on running the boxing gym. [I want to] open 100 boxing gyms."

While most would be more than happy to win world titles at strawweight, junior flyweight, flyweight and junior bantamweight, Tanaka believes he could have achieved more inside the ring and intends to be successful with what he does next.

"I feel frustrated, there are many things I couldn't achieve, including my minimum goal of winning five weight divisions and becoming a unified champion," he said. "My challenges aren't over yet. I've decided to work hard in the business world from now on."

Tanaka wants his legacy to be one for others to follow.

"To those who watch my fights, to inspire them and to make them happy," he said. "I want to be called by a new title, not just a former world champion.

"The way of living my life won't change [in retirement], even if the stage changes."