Is it okay for a champion to retire with his belt?

[Xyei]

I don't really think he's staying retired either but if he does, I understand his decision and I would be OK with it but it would leave a few things to be desired.

Honestly, if he just comes out of retirement and fights Cotto, I will be happy. Assuming of course that Cotto keeps winning. That's really the only fight I think he needs to secure his legacy. He will be in the HOF regardless, but that would be the icing on the cake IMO.

[BattlingNelson]

Or do you think the only way a champion should give up the title is in the ring, by losing? I bring this up because I always see people ****ting on Lennox Lewis for not giving Vitali a rematch and retiring. While I respect the mentality of coming back from battle with your shield or lying on it, I think retiring with a win and a belt is admirable also.

What do you guys think...?

It's ok. Of course I like Marciano's way better than Lewis. Marciano got a scare in the Archie Moore fight, with Archie connecting with perhaps the best right hand he ever threw. Rocky came back and KO'ed him a few rounds later.

So Rocky felt his challengers were inching closer on him and retired. But no controversy since Moore was defeated decisively.

Lennox beat Vitali via cuts stoppage after a spiritid brawl. Lots of controversy there. I would have liked to see a rematch but it's ok for Lennox to retire in the way he did instead of risking defeat. I guess he earned the right in his previous reign.

[*Lucky13*]

It's OK as long as you're not in your prime and don't retire because you're bored of boxing...

[Silencers]

Honestly, if he just comes out of retirement and fights Cotto, I will be happy. Assuming of course that Cotto keeps winning. That's really the only fight I think he needs to secure his legacy. He will be in the HOF regardless, but that would be the icing on the cake IMO.

No doubt, it would be the icing on the cake in a very good career and it would make a lot of people happy.

I agree. A boxer that loses interest in fighting but still gets into the ring is begging for trouble. But yeah, as a fan I would like to see the torch passed but I don’t hold a grudge against those few who don’t.

Boxing has definitely seen way too many fighters go on too long.

[ElGranLuchador]

depens if hes shot and managed to luckily win a belt then yes if hes on his prime he should at least make 7 or 8 title fights