Kosei Tanaka, the celebrated Japanese boxing champion known for his action-packed bouts, has officially announced his retirement due to persistent eye injuries. Tanaka, widely regarded as one of the fastest fighters in history, made his decision public on Instagram, revealing the ongoing challenges his vision had caused in his career.
Tanaka’s impressive career included becoming the fastest fighter ever to win world titles in four weight divisions, a record achieved after just 21 professional fights. His championship titles spanned across the WBO belts in strawweight, light-flyweight, flyweight, and super-flyweight.
The 29-year-old fighter opened up about the toll his eye injuries had taken on him, particularly after his fight against Phumelele Cafu in October. “Both eyes were in bad condition before the match,” Tanaka explained. “Just after the start, I lost vision in my right eye, and in the third round, all the light completely disappeared. The vision in my right eye is distorted, and I can’t focus with both eyes.”
Despite undergoing surgery on both eyes after the Cafu match, Tanaka’s vision did not improve enough to allow him to continue his fighting career. While his decision to retire is a heartbreaking one for boxing fans, safety comes first, and it was clear that it was the only viable choice for his health.
Tanaka leaves the sport with a professional record of 20 wins and 2 losses (11 KOs). His two career defeats include a tough loss to fellow Japanese fighter Kazuto Ioka. Throughout his career, Tanaka was involved in some of the sport’s most thrilling bouts, with memorable wars against Sho Kimura, Ryoichi Taguchi, and Cafu, which earned him a loyal fanbase.
Though his boxing days are behind him, Tanaka has expressed his desire to stay involved in the sport. “There were goals I couldn’t achieve, but I have no regrets over what I have done. I love boxing, so I’d like to stay involved,” Tanaka shared. Whether he transitions into training or commentary, boxing fans are sure to see more of him in the future.
We wish Kosei Tanaka all the best as he moves forward with his career in a new capacity.
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