Former world minimumweight champion Keitaro Hoshino officially called it a career when he turned in his retirement papers to the Japan Boxing Commission on Thursday.
Hoshino, who decisioned Filipino opponent Joma Gamboa in December 2000 to win the World Boxing Association minimumweight title in Yokohama, said he had returned to the ring after calling it quits many times before but it will not be the case this time.
“It’s sad, but I gave up. I fought till I lost my memory in my last world title challenge and I’m satisfied with that,” said Hoshino, adding that he is hoping to make his debut as a TV commentator in the future.
After failing in his first title defense and regaining the vacated title against Gamboa in January last year, Hoshino became the second oldest Japanese world champion at the age of 32 years and five months.
Koichi Wajima holds the record at the age of 32 years and nine months.
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