Luke Campbell, who won a gold medal for Great Britain at the London Olympics in 2012 and fought for a world lightweight title as a pro, has decided to retire from the sport at age 33, releasing a statement this morning via social media.
“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,” Campbell wrote, speaking about his entrance into boxing at St. Paul’s Amateur Boxing Club in his hometown of Hull, England, with a “dream to win the Olympics,” which of course he did.
“The past year in boxing has been tough. An extremely long training camp away from family meant I was only able to spend a few days with my newborn child and also resulted in me having Christmas apart from them on the other side of the world.
“It’s in these moments that you realize what is truly important in life. I’ve lived my dreams and accomplished more than I ever imagined I would. In the same way that my dad was able to witness my greatest achievements, I want to be able to do that for my children and make sure I’m always there to see their biggest triumphs.
“Boxing has been a part of who I am since the age of 13 and I would not have been able to reach half the heights I have without the incredible support of my wife Lyndsey, who has been with me every step and every punch of the way. I cannot wait to spend more time with you and our three beautiful boys.”
Campbell also thanked his parents, coaches, promoters, and others, and said, “Probably my proudest victory as a professional has been winning the backing of the fans.”
Campbell retires with a record of 20-4 (16 KO). He was upset in his 13th pro fight back in 2015, losing a decision to Yvan Mendy, but instead of letting that get to him, he buckled down, came back stronger, and won the Commonwealth lightweight title in his next fight. He lost a split decision to Jorge Linares in 2017, beat Mendy in a 2018 rematch, and ended his career with losses to Vasiliy Lomachenko — at the time the clear top 135 lb fighter in the world — and Ryan Garcia, whom he dropped in the second round of their Jan. 2 fight before being stopped in round seven.
Bad Left Hook sends our best wishes for a happy retirement to Luke Campbell.