Though Wladimir Klitschko’s retirement made all the news with his retirement, he was not the only one to announce that he is hanging up the gloves this week. In fact, it has been a non-stop onslaught of retirement announcements. From their own mouths, Takashi Miura, Takashi Uchiyama, Timothy Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez, and, following the end of year, Miguel Cotto have all concluded their careers.
This is boxing, however, so it remains to be seen how many of these retirements stick. If I am suspicious about any of them in particular, it would be Cotto’s. The other day he claimed that “December 31st, 2017” would be his last day in the sport. First, this implies he plans on another fight following Kamegai but prior to the end of the year which is important news. Second, there are too many big money fights for him out there, particularly a rematch with Canelo Alvarez should he win or lose against GGG.
I firmly believe we have definitely seen the last of Juan Manuel Marquez. He tried to come back this year and his body failed him, so that won’t change. I also don’t think Uchiyama has any desire to continue in his diminished form. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Timothy Bradley or Takashi Miura back in a ring at some point based on their warrior spirits though, but of course I am only speculating.
As for Doctor Steelhammer, it could go either way. I could see him coming back for a massive money fight with Joshua in a year or so if his competitive juices get flowing again, especially if Joshua were to have successfully further built his brand with a super fight against either Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder. Klitschko appears to have managed his money well though so he won’t ever need to return for that.
