On the day of his 36th birthday, former cruiserweight world title challenger Ola Afolabi has announced his retirement from boxing.
The LA-based Londoner held the WBO interim belt on two separate occasions, but was unable to win a full title during a career that included four thrilling contests with long-time champion Marco Huck.
Afolabi is one of the few boxers to forge a successful career with no amateur background in the sport, making his professional debut in 2002 in a fight with Gerard Barber. The fight was scored a draw, but Afolabi now admits he thinks he lost.
He retired with a record of 22-5-4 - three of his defeats arriving at the hands of Huck.
3 brutal KOs from 'Kryptonite' Ola Afolabi who announced his retirement today #boxing pic.twitter.com/52haJx5geq
— Against The Ropes (@ATRboxinguk) March 15, 2016
In an incredibly candid post on his personal Facebook account, Afolabi announced his decision to call it a day, recounting his fascinating career like only he could. It's a story that encapsulates what separates boxing from most other sports.
Around 16 years ago, I was hungry and partially homeless when I stumbled into a boxing gym in Hollywood, out of all...
Posted by Ola Afolabi on Tuesday, 15 March 2016
Enjoy that milkshake, Ola. Well deserved.
