McDonnell announces retirement from boxing

McDonnell was a two-time world champion.

35-year-old British bantamweight Jamie McDonnell has officially announced his retirement from the sport of boxing. McDonnell (30-3-1, 13 KOs) hasn’t fought since outpointing Cristian Narvaez in June 2019 but last night made a post on his social media account formally making his retirement official.

“Well today’s the day that I am officially retiring from the sport of boxing,” McDonnell wrote on Instagram. “I have had a good think over the last few months and I have spoken to a few close people around me. At the age of 35 I feel that it’s too late to make a come back. I have achieved more than I ever thought I would. English champion, British champion, commonwealth champion, European champion, IBF world champion and WBA world champion.

“I won my 1st world title in my home town of Doncaster and have defended every belt across the world. I fought the best to be the best. I fell short against one of the best fighters on the planet and I think if I come back now at this age it would put my life’s hard work to shame.

“I can truly say I have had a blast and lived the life! There are so many people I would like to thank but I would be here all day. So thank you to those people, you know who you are and thank everyone for supporting me on my journey.”

We extend our best wishes to McDonnell in his life after boxing.