Linus Udofia announces retirement; relinquishes English title

[Ruthless-RKO]

ENGLISH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION LINUS UDOFIA RELINQUISHES TITLE, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Thursday's latest Circular update saw Jimmy Sains-Troy Coleman upgraded from a final eliminator to a matchup for the now-vacant English middleweight title and now we know why.

Two-time champion and former British title challenger Linus Udofia (21-2, 10 KOs) was slated to make another championship defence against 9-0 contender PA Gordon on September 13 at York Hall.

Instead, the 32-year-old vacated his belt and 24 hours later, posted a five-minute video on his Instagram officially confirming retirement from professional boxing.

The Luton resident, born in Nigeria, cited a dwindling love for competing in the sport and admitted his motivation levels aren't as high as when he was younger rising up the ranks.

"It's a compilation of reasons but the main one is my love of boxing has waned massively. I haven't got the up-and-go to keep enduring... these camps and fights are hard. We all want the next stage and progression - I understand there are ups and downs - but that's killed my love for it," he said.

Udofia, a nine-year pro, revealed he was training in preparation for the aforementioned Sept. 13 date and didn't want to be there.

"I kept thinking, what am I doing here? I don't like this, I don't want to be here. I can't lie to people who support me, want me to win and can't lie to myself.

"I need to think about my health, you can't box half-heartedly, I've seen loads of people get hurt doing that - better to walk away now that my heart isn't in it."

He confirmed that he'll remain in the sport and plans to take up coaching full-time, having already embraced the discipline at the Pegasus Gym in Aylesbury.

"I've opened up a new premises in Flitwick and don't see myself doing anything else [besides boxing]. Staying busy is important, keep an active lifestyle and do something that challenges you, stay as active as possible, that's what I'll do."

He cited performing under the 'bright big lights' as the thing he'll miss most about the sport, having made York Hall a fortress over the past few years.

A 10-round majority decision victory over Tyler Denny to win the English title in November 2019 has aged well, while he has featured on Sky Sports, Channel 5 and DAZN in the years since then.

After falling narrowly short in a 12-round duel with Denzel Bentley for British honours in 2022, he had to rebuild again without the backing of a promoter as sponsors disappeared in the wake of his career-first defeat. Six months after their thrilling battle, Bentley was challenging Janibek Alimkhanuly for the WBO middleweight world title in Las Vegas.

He spoke about learning resilience and humility through his trials and tribulations from the sport, knowing how much a human being can endure after pushing himself to the limits behind-the-scenes.

Healthy and importantly at peace with the decision he made, the 32-year-old made sure to thank everyone for their backing, including career-long coach Terry Steward and his team, who he regards as family.

[MPW]

Wow, didn't see this coming. But he's spot-on when stating that if you're heart's not in it, you've got no reason to be a boxer. Plus, he's getting out of it in good health and with peace of mind, and not all fighters can make that claim.

[SeanBrennan]

Good on him, you only get one life. Won a good title and left with a very good record. Wishing the chap every success and health for the future.