Linus Udofia vacates English middleweight title and retires from boxing

Linus Udofia hangs up his gloves aged 32

Two-time English middleweight champion Linus Udofia (21-2, 10 KOs) has retired from professional boxing.

32 from Luton, Udofia was due to defend his English middleweight title to 9-0 challenger PA Gordon on September 13 at Bethnal Green's York Hall.

Instead, the Nigerian-born boxer vacated his belt and posted his decision to retire on Instagram, citing a dwindling love for the sport as his reasons for walking away.

"It's a complication of reasons, but the main one is my love for boxing has waned massively," Udofia explained frankly. "I haven't got the up-and-go to keep enduring... these camps and fights are hard. We all want the next stage and progression, I understand there are ups and downs, but that's killed my love for it."

He added, "I kept thinking, what am I doing here? I don't like this, I don't want to be here. I can't lie to people who support me, want me to win and can't lie to myself.

"I need to think about my health, you can't box half-heartedly, I've seen loads of people get hurt doing that - better to walk away now that my heart isn't in it."

He confirmed that he'll remain in the sport and plans to take up coaching full-time, having already embraced the discipline at the Pegasus Gym in Aylesbury.

"I've opened up a new premises in Flitwick and don't see myself doing anything else [besides boxing]. Staying busy is important, keep an active lifestyle and do something that challenges you, stay as active as possible, that's what I'll do."

Linus became English middleweight champion in 2019 with a win over Tyler Denny. His first loss came in 2022 when challenging for the vacant British middleweight title against Denzel Bentley.

Udofia regained the English strap last September with a knockout win over Dan Catlin at his fortress - the York Hall. He defended his honours in March this year with a unanimous decision over 7-1 contender Constantine
Williams.

He admitted performing under the 'bright big lights' as the thing he'll miss most about the sport, having made York Hall a fortress during his nine-year-plus pro career.

Former British middleweight champion Brad Pauls wished his teammate well, "Want to wish my brother a happy retirement. Side by side for a decade. Learnt a lot from this man. 1000s of rounds sparring. Been through it together over the years more struggles than I can mention. Some great memories in there that I’ll never forget."

BBN would like to wish Linus all the very best in retirement and in his next stage as a coach.