Yoshihiro Kamegai, a former world title contender at junior middleweight, has officially announced his retirement from the sport of boxing at age 35. Kamegai, who made the announcement on Instagram, ends his career with a 27-5-2 (24 KOs) record. Here’s what he had to say on the decision.
“I’ll be retiring from boxing. My last 2 bouts, I’ve been losing power in my arms in the early rounds. Unlike before when I could throw more power punches throughout the whole fight, now I can’t. Back when I fought [Robert Guerrero] and [Jesus Soto Karass], those were the fights when my performance was at best but the last 2 was far from it.
“I didn’t feel like I was in my body. But still I was more humbled and appreciative than ever to see the fans all around the world crossing different countries to cheer me on! That was my PRIDE and MOTIVATION! To all the fans that supported me through out my boxing career my biggest appreciation goes out to all of you! Thank you very much!!”
Kamegai was known as a game action fighter during his years in this rough and tumble profession, and will probably be best remembered for his war with Guerrero in 2014 and two rousing fights against Soto Karass in 2016. But all those actions fight wind up taking a physical toll, and Kamegai spent his last two fights taking a shellacking from Miguel Cotto and then getting outpointed by Greg Vendetti.
Realizing that he’s been declining, Kamagei has decided it’s time to walk away, and we at BLH wish him all the best in the future.
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