Monshipour (left) congratulates the new champion
|
France's Mahyar Monshipour announced his retirement after losing his WBA super bantamweight title to Thailand's Somsak Sithchatchawal on Saturday.
The Iranian-born fighter lost his belt in the 10th round when the referee stopped the fight in Paris.
"I've always said I would quit after my first deserved defeat," said the 30-year-old. "There will be no return."
Monshipour was floored in the first round but dominated the bout until Sithchatchawal's flurry in the 10th.
"I am so proud tonight," said the 28-year-old Thai. "I never thought I would make it to the end of the fight."
Monshipour had been making his sixth defence of a title won in July 2003 and saw his record move to 28-3, with 19 knockouts and two draws.
Sitchchatchawal, fighting outside Thailand for the first time, moved to 46-1, with 37 wins inside the distance and one draw.
~RS~a~RS~International~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~30~RS~){kind=small}
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version