Via Barry Holbrook: Former WBA super-middleweight champion Rocky Fielding announced his retirement today at the age of 35, ending his 13-year professional career.
In his prime, Fielding (30-3, 18 KOs) was a quality fighter and one of the best boxers at 168th, but his inactivity in recent years has affected him. affect his ability to stay relevant.
Fielding lost Dan Azeez by knockout in the eighth round last month on December 17 in a failed attempt to claim the British lightweight belt.
Regardless of Fielding’s chances of victory, he threw it out the window by spending most of the fight leaning against the ropes.
Fielding’s decision to retire shouldn’t come as a huge shock, as he’s barely played against anyone notable since losing his ‘regular’ 168 lb WBA title. Canelo Alvarez by a third round knockout in December 2018.
Some would argue that Fielding, for all intents and purposes, withdrew after the defeat against Canelo because he did not show the same motivation after that defeat.
The defeat to Canelo seemed to put Fielding’s sails in turbulence, as he has done nothing since then, choosing to face lesser-known opponents instead of those he has fought. Fight before you lose. It is not clear if Fielding did money change life in the battle with Canelo.
If so, that would explain the tedious approach Fielding took in his career after the game against Canelo. Assuming that Fielding is set up for a living on Canelo’s money, it makes sense for him to retire now as the money he gets for his next games pales in comparison.
After that bout, Fielding played it safe, defeating the following little-known fighters: Abdallah Paziwapaz, Emmanuel Danso and Timo Laine. When Fielding finally did it again in a match against Azeez (18-0, 12 KOs), he was overwhelmed and easily defeated by the 175 lb opponent.
What a journey. Thanks Boxing for all the memories. Thank you to everyone for the support and to everyone who walked away from it. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/wDD6fAS0Hi
– Rocky Fielding (@Rocky87Fielding) January 12, 2023
If Fielding doesn’t return, as we see in many boxers, he will be remembered for these fights:
- Canelo Alvarez – TKO 3 lost
- John Ryder – SD 12 wins
- Callum Smith – TKO 1 loss
- Tyron Zeuge – Win 5 . TKO
- Luke Blackledge – won KO 1
- Christopher Rebrassé – SD 12 wins
- Charles Adamu – UD 12 wins
- Brian Vera – TKO 2
Too bad Fielding hasn’t been able to get back into position for a rematch with Canelo, as Ryder, the boxer he defeated, is now poised to have a big payday against the Mexican star in May.
