When Should a Boxer Retire?
It’s a question that has been asked a thousand times, but answered very little… When should a boxer retire?
A boxer’s retirement is an important decision. Unlike other sports, sticking around when you’re past your best comes with real risks to health – life, even. Getting out with your faculties and reputation in tact is the aim, but some hold on too long.
I remember watching Mike Tyson losing to Danny Williams, and I just felt sorry for him. He was a shadow of his former self, fighting only for money. The speed, the power, the ferocity, the desire had gone. It was a tale we’ve seen too often in boxing – it’s a cruel mistress, and the downsides are far greater than the up.
Mohammed Ali is the most famous example of what can happen when you fight on too long, but it doesn’t seem to put others off. There are several heavyweights I can think of who have suffered several knockout losses, are almost 40 and beyond yet carry on boxing.
Taking such massive head trauma so frequently can’t be good for your brain health.
There’s Reputation to Consider
Putting the obvious health issues to one side, there’s your legacy as a fighter to consider. Right now we’re hearing that Deontay Wilder, once the most feared puncher in the heavyweight division is going to continue boxing.
Wilder won 42 of his first 43 fights, drawing 1. Of his 43 career wins so far, 42 of them have come by knockout. He’s lost 4 of his last 5 fights though. As a fighter, he looks shot. There’s no doubt he can still punch, but he lacks the sharpness and the instinct that once made him a champion.
Evander Holyfield carried on boxing for many years past his sell by date. In 1999 he lost to Lennox Lewis as a 37 year old, yet fought on for 11 more years, losing several times to guys who weren’t fit to lace his gloves at his peak. He retired aged 48, with 10 losses to his name. Who knows what damage that may have done to his brain?
Chris Eubank was unbeaten in his first 44 fights, until losing to Steve Collins. He then fought another 8 times, losing four of them. Another defeat to Collins, a loss to Calzaghe and two losses in a row to Carl Thompson. Whilst none of these losses were embarrassing because they were against great boxers, you saw Eubank was a diminishing fighter and it was sad to see.
Getting Out at the Top is a Skill
There are a few fighters who time it perfectly, with their reputation, their health and their financial situation in a great state. Lennox Lewis is one – he retired as king of the division, health and wealthy. Not once has he come back, or even hinted at it.
Andre Ward is another. He retired without a blot on his copybook, and hasn’t been tempted by the numerous offers that have come his way. He retired and stayed that way.
Joe Calzaghe retired with an unblemished record and money in the bank. Whilst high profile break ups and a reality TV career have kept him in the spotlight, from a sporting perspective at least, Calzaghe remains a legend of the game.
It shows it can be done. The skill is knowing when and how to bow out.
