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One of the best fighters of his generation has made his decision to hang up the gloves official as Toshiaki Nishioka announced his retirement at a press conference today. Nishioka's last fight was a loss to Nonito Donaire, his first defeat in over eight years.
Asia One has some quotes from the press conference:
"I have done what I should do. I am fully satisfied with my boxing career," the 36-year-old left-hander told a press conference in Tokyo. "I have experienced excitement many times through 18 years as a pro boxer."
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"I am confident of becoming champion again if I fight boxers other than Donaire," said Nishioka, who is set to open a gym and train young boxers.
"But I cannot think of any better fight than the one I had with him."
At 36 years old, with a record of 39-5-3, there's certainly no shame in Nishioka's decision to step away from the sport. He gave a gutsy and capable performance against Donaire but it was still a one-sided loss that did show that he was a step behind a young superstar like Nonito.
Hopefully he is able to help continue to build the sadly underrated and often very exciting boxing scene in Japan, just as a trainer now, rather than a boxer.