Toshiaki Nishioka officially announces retirement from boxing

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."

...

"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.