What's with the trend of retirement?

Cannibal · Post by **Cannibal** » 18 May 2007, 10:38

Just noticing that a lot of fighters are throwing about retirement plans lately like it's the hip thing to do. Most of them in their primes.

You have Mayweather who is at his peak, and has many more multi million pay days in is future if he continued. Hatton who apparently only has a couple of fights left in him and Taylor who seems to have set plans to retire next year. I think there are a few more just under the world class radar as well.

Then you have fighters who no longer need to prove themselves fighting on like DLH, Hopkins, Mosley, etc. Is it just me or does this seem to be a bit backwards with the young and prime fighters retiring and the golden oldies holding onto their torches and fighting on into their late 30's or beyond.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 18 May 2007, 10:48

I can totally understand it. Modern fighters are much more savvy, they have advisers, accountants and are well aware of their value as a commodity, they want to get in there, maximize their earnings, and then get out with their marbles and finances intact.

However, once they retire, I predict many of these guys will find the lure of the ring far too strong, it's a hard addiction to crack boxing, and giving up the life that goes along with it even harder.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 18 May 2007, 10:50

Haye wants to be out by the age of 30, after winning the WBC heavy. Doesn't plan to make any defenses.

There is talk of Taylor retiring in '08, also.

dondada · Post by **dondada** » 18 May 2007, 12:05

Good spot, Cannibal. It's the latest 'must have' accessory for fighters in interviews these days. I seem to remember Amir Khan saying he wanted to get out by the time he was 28 or something.

In the great words of Junior Giscombe: "Take your time young man, Mama used to say, don't you rush to get old..."

I mean, most of us wish our working lives away because they are totally unfulfilling. Most boxers, despite what they say, know that you are a long time retired - especially if it's from something that has been your whole life and you've been in love with it.

Big Pussy · Post by **Big Pussy** » 18 May 2007, 12:19

It's managers and boxers thinking they are clever and shrewd!

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 18 May 2007, 12:20

Problem is there is always a younger man to fill the boots of retired champions, then the urge to get back in the ring and take on the young champion is there.

Also retired Boxers don't have the earning power of other retired sports stars , Ex Tennis, Football and cricket players can all earn a good living through coaching , boxers don't have that so much.

Coco · Post by **Coco** » 18 May 2007, 12:21

Fighters should think about fighting and not retiring

Foggy · Post by **Foggy** » 18 May 2007, 17:29

Can't blame them to be honest, they made their money, they are still healthy, most have families, what would you do in their situation