Hirofumi Mukai announces retirement
On July 31st former world title challenger Hirofumi Mukai (16-6-3, 6) [向井 寛史] quietly announced his retirement, almost 3 years after his last professional contest, a loss to Akira Yaegashi [八重樫 東] in a thrilling 7 round shoot out.
Mukai, who spoke to Boxmob.jp, explain that he had discussed things with the Mutoh Gym multiple times since that bout, before finally deciding that he was hanging them up.
It appears that part of the reason for his retirement has been repeated injuries. He suffered a knee injury after the bout with Yaegashi, then suffered a thumb injury whilst training for a ring return in 2019. With those injuries, the time out of the ring and the birth of his second child he decided that it was time to walk away from in ring action.
Although never a huge name Mukai is a two-time world title challenger, who faced of the most notable Thai world champions in recent years, fighting to a technical draw with Pongsaklek Wonjongkam and losing via TKO to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. He also won the WBO Asia Pacific Super Flyweight title, twice.
Despite retiring from in ring action it seems like Mukai will remain involved in the sport, and is actually training 3 young prospects at the Mutoh Gym, something he will continue to do going forward.
Mukai, who spoke to Boxmob.jp, explain that he had discussed things with the Mutoh Gym multiple times since that bout, before finally deciding that he was hanging them up.
It appears that part of the reason for his retirement has been repeated injuries. He suffered a knee injury after the bout with Yaegashi, then suffered a thumb injury whilst training for a ring return in 2019. With those injuries, the time out of the ring and the birth of his second child he decided that it was time to walk away from in ring action.
Although never a huge name Mukai is a two-time world title challenger, who faced of the most notable Thai world champions in recent years, fighting to a technical draw with Pongsaklek Wonjongkam and losing via TKO to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. He also won the WBO Asia Pacific Super Flyweight title, twice.
Despite retiring from in ring action it seems like Mukai will remain involved in the sport, and is actually training 3 young prospects at the Mutoh Gym, something he will continue to do going forward.