By Billie Sloane

In boxing, the decision to retire is as much about the heart as it is about the head. Fighters are wired differently—unwavering in their belief that there’s always one more fight, one more shot at glory. But as careers stretch into their twilight years, the question becomes: are boxers holding on too long, risking their health and legacy for dreams that might never materialise? And who, if anyone, has the right to tell a fighter when to hang up their gloves?

This debate took centre stage recently when Sunny Edwards, the undefeated IBF flyweight champion, announced his impending retirement at the age of just 28. Edwards declared in a BT Sport interview, “I’ll have my say in how this ends. I won’t be one of those fighters who stays too long. I want to leave boxing on my terms.” His comments raise an age-old question: when should a fighter stop?

The Temptation of One More Fight

Boxing has a long history of champions returning from retirement, unable to resist the allure of the ring. Floyd Mayweather retired multiple times, only to return for lucrative bouts, most recently against YouTuber Logan Paul. Sugar Ray Leonard famously retired after detaching his retina, only to come back three years later for his iconic fight against Marvin Hagler. And who could forget Muhammad Ali’s ill-fated comeback against Larry Holmes—a fight many believe tarnished his legacy.

Why do fighters return? Often, it’s a mix of financial pressures, the love of competition, and the belief that they still have something to prove. But is it worth the cost? As heavyweight legend George Foreman put it in an interview with Sky Sports, “Boxing is the sport where one fight too many can cost you everything—your health, your pride, and your life.”

The Physical and Mental Toll

The brutal truth is that boxing is not a sport where age is kind. Heavyweights like Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury can often compete into their late 30s and beyond, relying on size and power to offset declining reflexes. But in the lighter weight classes, where speed and agility are paramount, fighters rarely remain at the top past their early 30s. As the body slows down, the punishment adds up.

Yet, time and time again, we see fighters pushing their limits. Bernard Hopkins fought until he was 51, achieving feats unheard of in modern boxing. But Hopkins is the exception, not the rule. Fighters like Roy Jones Jr. and Evander Holyfield suffered painful defeats late in their careers, raising questions about who should have stepped in to say, “Enough is enough.”

Who Decides? Fighters, Promoters, or the Fans?

Retirement is deeply personal, but it doesn’t happen in isolation. Promoters, fans, and even fighters’ families often play a role—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Promoters are incentivised to keep stars fighting as long as they draw crowds, regardless of the risks. Fans, too, are guilty of pushing fighters past their primes, demanding rematches and comeback stories.

Anthony Joshua, discussing his own career with The Guardian, admitted the struggle fighters face: “No one wants to be told when their time is up. You always feel like you’ve got more to give.” This mindset fuels comebacks but also risks devastating consequences.

The Financial Trap

For many fighters, financial insecurity keeps them in the ring long after they should retire. Unlike athletes in football or basketball, boxers don’t have guaranteed contracts or pensions. Many burn through their earnings quickly, leaving them reliant on fight purses to sustain their lifestyles. Mike Tyson, who declared bankruptcy in 2003 despite earning over $300 million in his career, has spoken openly about how financial pressures pushed him to fight longer than he wanted.

And it’s not just about money. Boxing provides structure and purpose. For fighters who’ve dedicated their lives to the sport, retirement can feel like losing their identity. As Lennox Lewis once said, “When you leave boxing, it’s not just the punches you miss—it’s the routine, the camaraderie, the purpose.”

The Difference Across Divisions

Retirement trends vary dramatically across weight classes. Heavyweights like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder can extend their careers due to the slower pace and reliance on power. Meanwhile, flyweights and bantamweights often retire younger, as their game depends on speed and precision—attributes that diminish with age.

But even in lighter divisions, the temptation to keep going is strong. Manny Pacquiao fought well into his 40s, and his speed seemed almost untouched by time—until it wasn’t. His loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 was a sobering reminder that even legends have limits.

The Legacy Question

The saddest sight in boxing is watching once-great fighters become shadows of their former selves. Joe Louis’ late-career losses and Muhammad Ali’s decline stand as stark warnings. Yet, for every tragic story, there’s a glorious comeback—think George Foreman reclaiming the heavyweight title at 45.

So, what drives fighters to keep going? Is it ego, financial necessity, or the undying belief that they can still win? And who decides when the risks outweigh the rewards? As fans, do we bear some responsibility for encouraging fighters to push beyond their limits?

What’s Next for Boxing?

As the sport evolves, retirement will remain one of boxing’s most contentious topics. Fighters like Sunny Edwards are challenging the norm, choosing to leave while still at their peak. But will others follow suit, or will the lure of one last shot keep legends fighting long after their time has passed?

Ultimately, the question isn’t just about the fighter—it’s about the sport. Boxing needs to protect its athletes while celebrating their achievements, ensuring that their legacies remain untarnished.

What do you think? Should fighters be allowed to decide their own futures, or does the sport need stricter safeguards to protect them from themselves? Share your thoughts below.

Billie Sloane takes a ‘no holes barred’ approach as he has his say on some of the major talking points in the crazy world that is boxing.