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?