super-flyweight champion Shoji "Celes" Kobayashi held a press conference on Monday officially announcing his retirement from boxing.
Kobayashi, who is member of Tokyo's Kokusai boxing gym, expressed his appreciation for a successful 10-year career in professional boxing.
"I'm happy that I am able to hold this press conference and I'm satisfied with my career in boxing," said Kobayashi, who decided last week to hang up his gloves.
Kobayashi, 29, lost the WBA crown by TKO in the eighth round of a fight with Venezuela's Alexander Munoz on March 9, leaving him with a career record of 24 wins, including 14 knockouts, against five losses and three draws.