[Japanese Side] "Quit Boxing, Now Pizza"… The Recent Life of a Boxing Champion That Surprised Japan

Japanese Boxing Bantamweight Champion Oomori Shohei
Works at a Pizza Shop After Retirement... "You Can Do It" Highlights His Diligence

Many of you have probably thought at least once about what you would do if you quit your job right now. The more experience you gain and the higher position you reach, the harder it seems to give up what you have built and start something new.

However, a Japanese boxing champion who gave up his entire career at once to challenge a new field has become a hot topic. He quit boxing and moved to the countryside to bake pizza. The life chapter chosen by this man in his 30s has attracted public attention. Today, we bring you the story of Shohei Omori, the Japanese bantamweight boxing champion.

Born in 1993, Omori started boxing in the second year of middle school under the influence of his father, who was a professional boxer. He entered a high school famous for boxing and won second place in the bantamweight category at the National Sports Festival in his third year of high school. From the start, he was a promising athlete on a solid path.

After his professional debut, he became the All-Japan bantamweight rookie king in 2012 and ascended to the 69th Japanese bantamweight champion in 2015. In 2017, he fought for the world title against Marlon Tapales, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world bantamweight champion, but lost. His final record stands at 25 fights, 21 wins, and 4 losses. His left straight punch was extremely powerful, earning him the nickname "Devil's Left Hand."

Shohei Omori facing Marlon Tapales at the end of 2017. (Photo by TBS)

However, COVID-19 also affected boxing. Matches were suspended whenever players showed even slight signs of poor condition, and scheduling fights with overseas players became impossible. With no matches, he lost his goals and motivation, and this period continued.

Eventually, he declared his retirement in September two years ago, saying, "Competing with this mindset would be unfair to those who support me."

While looking for a new job outside of boxing, Omori met Ryo Enomoto, who runs a popular pizza shop in Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture, through an acquaintance. Although the shop is popular, Tamba Sasayama is a rural small city that takes an hour and a half by train from Osaka or Kobe. After hearing about Enomoto's gentle personality and management philosophy, Omori said, "If it's you, I think I can follow. I want to work." Enomoto readily accepted.

Of course, he did not immediately become a manager. First, he moved from where he lived to the countryside for work. Currently, Omori is responsible for welcoming customers, washing dishes, preparing drinks, and cooking. After busy hours, he also practices baking pizza at the shop.

Exterior view of the pizza shop where Mr. Oomori works. (Photo by Kuwa monpe SNS)

Having exercised continuously, he sometimes lets emotions get ahead and loses his temper more than others. There have been conflicts of opinion with staff, but at Enomoto's suggestion, he even took a program to learn manners for dealing with people and how to control anger. Omori said, "I have come to accept others' opinions even if they differ from mine. I can also convey my opinions more gently." Enomoto mentioned that Omori still needs to grow more in terms of mindset to become a manager.

People were surprised by the sudden news of a champion dreaming of becoming a pizza artisan. In an interview with a local newspaper, he said, "Until now, I achieved my dreams with the support of fans. Now, I want to support other people's dreams."

He added, "I have no regrets about boxing. Once I decide, I am the type to charge ahead. Right now, I am steadily building my character to become a leader. If I build it up step by step, people will follow."

Omori's story has become a major topic in Japan as well. Above all, his willingness to throw himself into a new path despite uncertainty after retirement inspired many who worry about their own futures. Even though no one could rival him as a champion, his recognition of his personal weaknesses and continuous effort to improve himself earned positive evaluations.

Admitting one's shortcomings and learning is not an easy task. This story will likely be encouraging to those facing similar dilemmas.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.