Former world champion Nina Hughes has announced her retirement from boxing. The 42-year-old bantamweight from Billericay, Essex, said she realised her desire to fight had gone during her winning bout with Nicholine Achieng on Sunday. She wascrowned world championin 2022 in only her fifth professional bout aged 40, having first taken up the sport when she was 25. "I had a good career, it happened really quickly and I've enjoyed every part of it," Hughes told BBC Essex. Despite winning against Achieng, Hughes said her "bad performance" confirmed she was ready to hang up her gloves. Hughes was dropped by a punch in the sixth and final round, but climbed off the canvas to claim a points win. "Halfway through the fight the desire had gone," she said. "I started thinking, 'this is going to be my last one.' "It was a shock to me because the plan was to get this one out the way and get another big fight, but obviously things didn't go as planned." Hughes retires with seven wins in nine bouts and made her amateur debut 15 years ago. Hughes was touted to represent Team GB at London 2012 - the first Olympics in which women's boxing was included - but missed out to Nicola Adams. She quit the sport and had two children, only plotting her return during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. Her first professional fight was in December 2021, before taking three bouts in six months through 2022. Hughes was a massive underdog going into her world title fight against American Jamie Mitchell, but produced a big upset in Dubai. The Englishwoman successfully defended her belt in London in 2023, butlost the WBA titleto Cherneka Johnson in controversial fashion last year. Hughes was handed an immediate rematch as a result, but suffered the firststoppage loss of her careerin Johnson last March. Hughes said retirement had not "sunk in yet" but "deep down I know it's the right decision". She added: "I always said I wouldn't be one of these boxers that carried on for too long, so the time's right. "I've gone out on my terms and when I thought the time was right, so I think it's the right decision." Hughes said it was supported by her coach after it became harder for her to secure fights. "The pro career was short, it was sweet, it was quick and it was good," she added. Follow Essex news onBBC Sounds,Facebook,InstagramandX.
Former world champion Hughes retires from the ring
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"Nina Hughes Announces Retirement from Professional Boxing"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Nina Hughes, the former world champion bantamweight boxer from Billericay, Essex, has announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 42. Hughes made this decision following her recent fight against Nicholine Achieng, where she experienced a moment of clarity regarding her desire to continue competing. Despite winning the bout by points, Hughes described her performance as disappointing, stating that she felt her passion for the sport had diminished during the fight. This revelation was unexpected, as her initial plan was to continue fighting and pursue additional opportunities after this match. Hughes reflected on her career, which began at the age of 25, and expressed gratitude for the rapid success she experienced, culminating in her world championship title in 2022, which she won in only her fifth professional fight.
Throughout her boxing journey, Hughes faced significant challenges, including a hiatus from the sport after missing the chance to represent Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. After taking time off to raise her two children, she returned to the ring during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly made an impact in professional boxing. Over her career, she achieved seven wins in nine fights, including a notable upset against American Jamie Mitchell for the world title. However, her later fights included a controversial loss of the WBA title and a stoppage defeat in a rematch. While she acknowledged that retirement had not fully sunk in, Hughes conveyed a sense of peace with her decision, emphasizing that she did not want to be one of those athletes who overstays their welcome in the sport. Supported by her coach, she concluded that the time was right to retire, leaving the sport on her own terms and with fond memories of her brief but impactful career in boxing.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The retirement announcement of former world champion Nina Hughes from boxing provides a glimpse into the personal and professional considerations of athletes as they transition out of competitive sports. Hughes reflects on her career and the immediate factors that influenced her decision to retire.
Reflections on Career and Performance
Hughes acknowledges that her performance in her recent bout against Nicholine Achieng did not meet her expectations, leading her to realize that her passion for the sport had diminished. Despite winning the fight, Hughes felt a lack of desire, which she articulated as a key factor in her decision to retire. This highlights the psychological aspect of sports, where an athlete’s mindset can significantly influence their performance and career trajectory.
Context of Retirement in Sports
Retirement in sports is often a complex decision influenced by various factors, including physical condition, mental readiness, and personal life. Hughes' statement about not wanting to be a boxer who continues beyond their prime suggests a thoughtful approach to her career. It indicates an awareness of the risks of overextending in a physically demanding sport and the importance of leaving on one's own terms.
The Impact of Hughes' Career
Hughes' journey from amateur boxing to becoming a world champion at 40 is noteworthy, especially considering her hiatus from the sport to raise her children. Her return during the Covid-19 lockdown illustrates the resilience and determination many athletes possess. However, her retirement also draws attention to the challenges faced by female boxers, particularly those balancing family life and professional ambitions.
Public and Media Perception
The media coverage surrounding Hughes' retirement may evoke sentiments of nostalgia and respect for her achievements. It also serves to inspire other athletes, particularly women, who may see Hughes as a role model for pursuing their passions despite personal challenges. The narrative created around her retirement can foster a supportive community among fans and aspiring boxers.
Potential Influence on the Boxing Community
Hughes’ retirement may resonate within the boxing community as a reminder of the importance of mental readiness and personal fulfillment in sports. As conversations around athlete well-being gain traction, her story adds to the discourse about the pressures athletes face and the significance of recognizing when to step away.
Market and Economic Implications
While Hughes' retirement may not have immediate implications for the stock market or broader economic indicators, it could affect the boxing promotions and organizations that rely on active fighters for revenue. Her departure might influence sponsorship deals, event attendance, and fan engagement, particularly within women's boxing.
Connection to Broader Themes
This retirement announcement intersects with ongoing discussions about women in sports, the evolution of boxing as a more inclusive sport, and the shifting dynamics of athlete representation. It reflects a larger societal trend towards recognizing and celebrating female athletes' contributions and achievements.
In conclusion, the announcement of Nina Hughes' retirement from boxing carries multiple layers of significance, from personal reflections on her career to broader implications for the boxing community and societal perceptions of female athletes. The narrative crafted around her departure serves to honor her legacy while also prompting important conversations about the future of women's boxing.