Ex-WBA super flyweight champ Shimizu retires

Former World Boxing Association super flyweight champion Tomonobu Shimizu announced his retirement on Monday, a little more than a year after he won his only title.

"Being champion of the world made me truly happy," said the 31-year-old, who defeated Mexico's Hugo Cezares in August 2011 in his third bid for a world championship.

An eye injury suffered in his victory, however, prevented him from making a mandatory defense. In April, his bid to regain the title ended in a loss to Tepparith Kokietgym of Thailand.

"I didn't feel the slightest bit of anguish," Shimizu said. "I thought that if I could take a brief respite, I would want to return, but I haven't felt that urge to give it one more try."

The native of Fukui Prefecture made his pro debut in March 2004 and finished with a record of 24-4-1 (nine knockouts). He intends to open a fitness gym in Fukui and train amateur athletes.

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United's Scholes retires

London — Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes announced his retirement from soccer on Tuesday, ending the trophy-laden career of a famously low-key player widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted of his generation.

The 36-year-old Scholes made 676 appearances for United after making his debut for the club in 1994 and was the midfield heartbeat of a team that has dominated English soccer for the past two decades.

Spain midfielder Xavi dubbed Scholes "the best central midfielder that I have seen."

"I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honor," said Scholes.

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