Wayne McCullough says he has not retired

menoscemo

From Eastside boxing:

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=16361&more=1

Wayne McCullough - "Thank You, But I'm NOT Retired!"

by James Slater -- Former world bantamweight champion Wayne McCullough has informed top news site, Fight News.com, that despite what almost everyone seems to think, he has not quit the sport of boxing. Wayne has been reading tribute after tribute to his fine career on many a web site and he felt the need to put the record straight..

Speaking with FightNews, the 37-year-old had the following to say.

"Contrary to press reports, I haven't officially announced my retirement although lately many journalists have felt the need to hang up my gloves for me," McCullough said. "One of my problems is that I wear my heart on my sleeve and tend to say what's on my mind. Sometimes that gets me in trouble. And that's what happened on June 20th following my withdrawal from a fight that I was winning against Juan Ruiz in The Cayman Islands. After the bout I told the crowd in attendance that "This might be my last fight." Unfortunately everyone assumed I was retiring but I never intended to retire that night."

It seems "The Pocket Rocket" has had a change of heart. For although the former champion feels the fans and members of the media in attendance at the Ruiz fight - in which Wayne remained on his stool after six rounds were completed - got the wrong end of the stick with regards to his post-fight comments, it genuinely sounded like a retirement speech. But now McCullough says it wasn't at all. Of course, Wayne has the right to choose to fight on, but is there really any good that can come of it?

Still incredibly tough and durable, "The Pocket Rocket's" other skills are not what they once were. Still, the 37-year-old Irishman is apparently planning another fight already.

Continuing his statement to FightNews, McCullough said he was already back in training.

"For the past week I've been reading career eulogies on every web site and in every newspaper you can imagine. I'm extremely grateful that so many journalists (many of who are dear friends) have felt the need to write such moving tributes but please wait until I make the official announcement. I'm back in training and ready for my next fight. I want you all to know that "The Pocket Rocket" could be back in the ring soon!"

A born fighter, it was never going to be easy for Wayne McCullough to walk away from the sport of boxing, but at age 37 and with three defeats coming in a row now - is there really anything the featherweight can achieve?


I think he is just being really stubborn.
Does he just want to retire on his own terms or is he really contemplating another fight?
If the latter is true, is thre any way to stop him fighting again? I am really afraid he will do himself damage.

nacho libre

It makes for sad reading. I'm reminded of what Frank Bruno's trainer once said:" Your hardest fight will be adjusting to life outside the ring"

T-K-O

I'm a big fan of Wayne's, Ive been ridiculed in boxing forums for wanting him to continue boxing.

BUT after he retired on his stool and announced his retirement it's clear to see that he has come to the end. Now he is back tracking that is worrying


Give it up Wayne you the man - nothing else to prove.

yomchi

He has to call it a day now, there is nothing else he can do.

megadodge

My first thoughts were "oh no".

That's what I'll continue to think as long as Wayne continues to fight.

eagle eye

I think everyone is on the same page. Its sad to see this really. He should have retired long ago. I actually remember when he was starting out that he said in an interview how his plan was to fight for x amount of years and retire at 30 or something like that, and even stating how dangerous it would be to have too many fights. After all that has happened over the last couple of years its not good for him anymore.
Hopefully he will see sense and decide to retire.

cowzerp

Im sure he wants to go out on a win, hopefully they give him an easy fight to go out on! personally i'd prefer if he never boxed again as he's nothing left to offer, he's an irish legend and can only tarnish his name at this stage..

walshb

cowzerp wrote: »

Im sure he wants to go out on a win, hopefully they give him an easy fight to go out on! personally i'd prefer if he never boxed again as he's nothing left to offer, he's an irish legend and can only tarnish his name at this stage..

I wouldn't be worried about his name being tarnished; more the chances of a serious tragedy from this. Wayne is delusional and it is up to those in
authority to ultimately protect a delusional fighter. Ban him and ban him now; Cheryl, if you are listening, put aside the potential cash to be earned and STOP
your husband from dicing with death. Wayne should have retired years ago....

c1979

we is too old and will get hurt. He should get into tranining and promoting, come back to Ireland an give peters a run for his money

cowzerp

http://www.skysports.com/experts/expert_story/0,19793,12533_3769804,00.html

T-K-O

I felt something I never felt before - save my body for another day. Jaysus.

I've have many debate's about wayne on other sites - with me saying he should fight on but after this I think he really needs to retire.