Tyrone McCullagh has announced his retirement from boxing in an emotional social media post.
The 31-year-old's last fight was one year ago today, the Derry man suffering a knockout defeat to Brett Fidoe at the Bolton Whites Hotel. McCullagh says he knew his career was over after that loss, but admits it took him a year to "come to terms with it".
The former Celtic and WBO European super-bantamweight champion said a protracted spell of inactivity, coupled with being diagnosed with a retinal micro-aneurysm in 2020, contributed to him making the difficult decision to hang up the gloves.
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He said in a statement: "A year ago today was my last professional fight. As soon as I stepped out of that ring a part of me knew that was it. But it’s took up until very recently to fully come to terms with it, and admit it to myself and others.
"Any time I stepped in the ring, my main goal was to do my city and my country proud. This day last year, I couldn’t have been further from that goal. So that coupled with a brain aneurysm and major inactivity, I’ve made the very tough decision to call it a day.
"When I first started boxing at the age of nine in the Ring club in Derry, all I ever wanted to do was win an Irish title. Here I am 22 years later and I’ve nine Irish titles, represented Ireland at every level, captained my country at senior level,
"Won a Celtic title as a professional, won a WBO European title, headlined my own shows and I’ve fought live on BT Sports and SkySports. I’ve achieved more that I ever could of dreamt of all them years ago.
"Boxing has give me the best moments of my life, I’ve travelled the world and met some friends for life through it. But it’s time to look at the bigger picture.
"There are far too many people in the boxing community to thank individually but to every club and coach that has put time and effort into me throughout the years, I am very grateful for everything. A massive thanks to every company and business who has sponsored me since I turned professional, especially The Bentley Derry and Your Physio , who have looked after me from the start of my career.
"Tony O Connor and Stephen McKendry literally kept me going through my first couple of fights when It was actually costing me money to box and stayed with me until the end. They are two of the best people you could meet.
"Lastly, the biggest thanks goes to my family, friends and everyone else who has supported me from the start of my career until now. Spending your hard earned money on tickets, flights and accommodation to watch me fight.
"There are no words to describe how much I’ve appreciated it. My biggest regret is that we were never allowed to have a professional show in Derry.
"I wanted this so badly to repay you all for your support."
He added: "I hope you all enjoyed the journey as much as me. White Chocolate."
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