Two-division champion Hiroto Kyoguchi retires at 31

Longtime standout Hiroto Kyoguchi is hanging up the gloves after a pair of controversial losses

Japan has lost its second lower-weight standout in under a month, as former two-division titlist Hiroto Kyoguchi announced his retirement at age 31. He will look to remain part of the sport as a commentator.

Kyoguchi earned his first belt in just his eighth pro fight by beating Jose Argumendo for the minimumweight title in 2017. After two successful defenses, he moved up to 108 and swiftly dispatched Hekkie Budler for the WBA belt. Four more defenses followed, setting up a hotly anticipated unification bout with Kenshiro Teraji.

Kyoguchi wound up falling to the pound-for-pound dynamo in the seventh, prompting another move up to flyweight.

His subsequent five-fight stretch included a hugely controversial decision loss to Vince Paras in their rematch, a majority decision victory in the rubber match, and a highly competitive defeat to Anthony Olascuaga in his bid to win gold in a third weight class. He seemed like he had plenty left in the tank, especially with Teraji reportedly eyeing a trip to 115 to challenge “Bam” Rodriguez, but he seems very much at peace with his decision to hang ‘em up.

He ends his nine-year career 19-3 (12 KO).

As with Tanaka, it was a career to be proud of. Best of luck to Kyoguchi in his future endeavors.