ONE of the best British boxers of recent years, Stephen Smith, has retired at the ago of 35. The announcement came exactly 13 years after he made his professional debut. His record reads 28-4 (15) and included winning British (feather and super-feather) and Commonwealth titles (feather), and unsuccessful bids for major sanctioning body titles at super-feather. As an amateur he won Commonwealth Games gold and won two ABA titles.
“I have retired,” Smith stated on Monday (June 21). “I had a great career, amateur and pro, and gave all I had to boxing. I literally couldn’t have trained any harder in trying to be the best and making weight was tough – as it is for all of us, I won’t miss that!
“If our paths crossed then I thank you because I met some amazing people through boxing, friends for life. I thank everyone who coached me from the Rotunda ABC, through the England schools, under 17, under 19 and seniors. Georgie Vaughan, Danny Vaughan and Joe Gallagher.
“The time and effort you all put into helping me, I can’t really put into words. You all gave me amazing memories.
“And to my amazing family. For putting up with with me as well as supporting me over the years. Mum, Dad, brothers, sisters and my beautiful wife. How you coped with my moods I’ll never know. I love you all.”
Everyone at BN would like to wish ‘Swifty’ all the very best for retirement.
