When is it time to retire from boxing?

When should a boxer call it quits? When he can't talk without stuttering 3 times on every word that comes out of his mouth, or when he is so punch drunk that regardless of what he says you can't understand him anyways? I had the opportunity to meet Ken Norton Sr. and do a little security for him while he did an autograph session here in Vegas and when ever he talked you had to put your ear practically in his mouth to hear or understand him. One of the best fighters that can still talk good is George Foreman, you would think not but amazingly he speaks just as good as any of us. So when should a fighter retire???? Until next time its KO2you :boxing:

Comments (20)

KO2you

It's sad when it comes to that point. Boxing is brutal and way too many boxers keep on fighting when they really shouldn't be do it anymore. Another thing is you have pro boxers who retire and their health is fine, but still continue to go to the gym and sparring and being in all kinds of gym wars. That's not the smartest thing to do. When you retire STAY out of the gym so you don't take unnecessary punishment. Its ok to be in the gym but Stop sparing and continuing to fight, just work out.

17y ago

KO2you

when you can't pass a physical or get paid to fight. Well obviously if you can't pass a physical they won't let you fight. If no one will pay you why would you fight anyways, makes no sense these answers!!!!!:pat:

17y ago

glidesmack

when you can't pass a physical or get paid to fight.

17y ago

KO2you

Look at Roberto Duran. He still does a ton of promotional fights and he is like a gajillion years old. Obviously they aren't "real" matches but he does them because he loves boxing, he loves the sport. Maybe you should retire from the top levels of boxing once you can't compete, but you dont have to retire from boxing until the day you die. No you can retire from fighting but, don't don't have to retire from being around boxing. Commontate boxing for HBO or somebody.

17y ago

KittenFlaps

Yea you could but do u wanna be punch drunk and talk F-ed up and no one understand you or be able to still use the head u have and people to be able to understand WTF is coming out your mouth? Look at Roberto Duran. He still does a ton of promotional fights and he is like a gajillion years old. Obviously they aren't "real" matches but he does them because he loves boxing, he loves the sport. Maybe you should retire from the top levels of boxing once you can't compete, but you dont have to retire from boxing until the day you die.

17y ago

KO2you

I agree with a coupld posters on this one, but ultimately it seems like you should retire when you just don't feel like fighting anymore. You can box professionally until the day you die, the paychecks just get smaller. Yea you could but do u wanna be punch drunk and talk F-ed up and no one understand you or be able to still use the head u have and people to be able to understand WTF is coming out your mouth?

17y ago

KittenFlaps

17y ago

TheBoychine

That probably has a lot to do with it. He seemed well in interviews before the car accident. There is no certain age that a fighter should retire but generally boxers begin to decline in their 30's. Co Sign :)

17y ago

KO2you

When Manny Pacquiao KOs you in two rounds. Yea possibly if you have your head still on after the KO!!!!

17y ago

KO2you

Guess its time to ask this question again, when is it time to retire?????

17y ago

KO2you

if all you do is clinch and back up No need ever to be in the ring if thats all you gonna do!!!

17y ago

KO2you

If you're Floyd Mayweather, every few months or so. If you're anyone else, once you start feeling like Freddie Roach. LOL that is Funny!!!

17y ago

KO2you

Is this when its time for retirement?? Until next time its KO2you :boxing:

17y ago

KO2you

When you have more money then brain cells, if boxers saved their money we wouldn't have so many tragic icons. Good point, Ray Mancini managed his money well and has a good brain. Love that guy. Until next time its KO2you :boxing:

17y ago

KO2you

Until when? Relax its just a saying I put at the end of everything I write. People need to lighten up. Until next time its KO2you :boxing:

17y ago

mrpain81

Most guys don't make enough money to retire gracefully. The ones that do, don't get enough cheers retiring gracefully so they crave that excitement. I can't deny a man doing something he loves. It's his right, and he knows the consequences of fighting on. That's true not all can live a wealthy life like DLH or Lewis but even most that do make huge paydays end up broke. I find it that boxers who don't make the big paydays find it easier to walk away most the time, the ones that are chasing the money and were very good or great have the hardest time letting go.

17y ago

mrpain81

When you have more money then brain cells, if boxers saved their money we wouldn't have so many tragic icons.

17y ago

KO2you

If your smart. You will play it like Calzaghe or Mayweather. Retire on top with some big wins and undefeated. Instead of fighting well into your 30's and maybe 40's suffering horrible losses to people you should have beat. (hopkins, rjj, odlh etc.) Yea that is good also but u still could suffer Punch drunk even then. Until next time its KO2you :boxing:

17y ago

F_l_i_c_k_e_r

17y ago

KO2you

If it gets to the point that your speech is slurred you should have retired years ago. Thats a good sign. Until next time its KO2you :boxing:

17y ago