Olympian Luke Campbell retires from boxing aged 33 after a stellar career, including taking gold at the London Games in 2012 and challenging the likes of Jorge Linares and Vasyl Lomachenko in epic title fights
- Luke Campbell has announced his retirement from boxing, aged 33-years-old
- Campbell ends his career with a record of 20 professional wins and four losses
- The Brit’s standout achievement is undoubtedly his Olympic gold in 2012
- Campbell fell to a disappointing defeat to Ryan Garcia earlier this year
Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell has announced his retirement from boxing, aged 33.
The always-game British star finishes his career with a record of 20 professional wins and four defeats, having also challenged – and fallen marginally short – for world titles on two occasions.
Campbell’s finest achievement was undoubtedly claiming Olympics gold at the London Games in 2012, having been part of a prolific team that also included Anthony Joshua and Natasha Jonas.
In what turned out to be his final outing, Campbell put in an impressive performance against Ryan Garcia, inflicting the first knockdown of the youngster’s career, before being stopped by a brutal body shot.
Campbell announced his decision in a lengthy and emotional post, reflecting on his time within the sport and the next chapter that will follow.
Olympian Luke Campbell has announced his retirement from boxing, aged 33-years-old
‘After a lot of thought and reflection, I have decided that now is the right time to hang-up my gloves and retire from boxing,’ Campbell wrote.
‘As soon as I first stepped into St. Paul’s Amateur Boxing Club in Hull, my dream was always to win the Olympics.
‘By winning gold at London 2012, in front of home support and my family, I had in many ways already achieved my hopes and aspirations in the sport before my professional career even started.
‘So, while for many turning pro is where it all begins, for me it was more of a bonus and what a bonus it turned out to be, achieving more than I ever expected and giving me memories I will never forget.
‘From making my debut at Craven Park, to fighting at Wembley, beating domestic rivals, competing against pound-for-pound stars in America and here in the UK, headlining pay-per-views and always willing to take on anybody, it’s been an incredible ride.
Campbell (left) put in a brave performance in his most recent defeat to Ryan Garcia
‘The past year in boxing though has been tough.
‘An extremely long training camp away from family meant I was only able to spend a few days with my newborn child and also resulted in me having Christmas apart from them on the other side of the world.
‘It’s in these moments that you realise what is truly important in life. I’ve lived my dreams and accomplished more than I ever imagined I would.
‘In the same way that my dad was able to witness my greatest achievements, I want to be able to do that for my children and make sure I’m always there to see their biggest triumphs.
‘Boxing has been a part of who I am since the age of 13 and I would not have been able to reach half the heights I have without the incredible support of my wife Lyndsey, who has been with me every step and every punch of the way.
‘I cannot wait to spend more time with you and our three beautiful boys. And now for the next chapter, I’m excited to get started.’
More to follow…
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