Luke Campbell has retired from professional boxing — nine years after winning Olympic gold at the London 2012 Games.
Campbell, 33, had a record of 20 professional wins and four losses during his professional career. He twice fell short of becoming a world champion after turning professional.
He wrote in a statement: “After a lot of thought and reflection, I have decided that now is the right time to hang-up my gloves and retire from boxing.
“As soon as I first stepped into St. Paul’s Amateur Boxing Club in Hull, my dream was always to win the Olympics. By winning gold at London 2012, in front of home support and my family, I had in many ways already achieved my hopes and aspirations in the sport before my professional career even started.
“So, while for many turning pro is where it all begins, for me it was more of a bonus. And what a bonus it turned out to be, achieving more than I ever expected and giving me memories I will never forget.
“From making my debut at Craven Park, to fighting at Wembley, beating domestic rivals, competing against pound-for-pound stars in America and here in the UK, headlining pay-per-views and always willing to take on anybody, it’s been an incredible ride.”
He added that he was “excited” to get started with the next chapter of his life.
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What did he achieve as an amateur?
He won gold in the 56kg Bantamweight division at the 2012 Games. He beat Ireland’s John Joe Nevin 14:11 in the final bout.
It was an impressive performance, with Campbell dropping Nevin in the third round.
Campbell was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2013 New Year Honours.
He had a record of 153-24 as an amateur.
How did he perform as a professional?
His time as a professional is probably defined by his two losses in fights to become a world champion.
He lost a split decision to WBA lightweight champion Jorge Linares in 2017. Campbell fought in California and recovered from an early knock-down just days after his father had passed away.
The Hull-born fighter also fought Vasiliy Lomanchenko for the WBA, WBC and WBO lightweight titles. He was knocked down in the 11th round and lost on a unanimous decision during the fight at The O2 Arena in London.
His professional record was 20 wins and four defeats.
(Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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