Former super bantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka has confirmed his retirement following a knockout loss to Nonito Donaire on October 13.
Nishioka made the announcement at a Tokyo press conference earlier today, citing the Donaire fight as the final test against an elite fighter he desired to cap his career.
“I have done what I should do,” said Nishioka. “I am fully satisfied with my boxing career. 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, but I cannot think of any better fight than the one I had with him.”
Turning pro in 1994, Nishioka failed to win the WBC bantamweight title in four bouts against Veeraphol Sahaprom from 2000-2004, receiving two unanimous decision losses and two majority draws. He would finally win his first world title in 2009, knocking out Genaro Garcia in the 12th round to win the WBC super bantamweight title. He would make six defenses, his final being a notable decision win over Rafael Marquez in 2011 that lead to last October’s showdown with Nonito Donaire.
The tactical bout was dominated by Donaire, who knocked Nishioka down twice in route to a ninth round stoppage.
The 36-year-old Nishioka finishes with a final career record of 39-5-3 (24 KOs).
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