By James Slater: Two exciting, give their all pro fighters both announced today that they will box no more. Britain’s heavyweight contender Danny Williams told Boxrec.com that his fighting days have come to an end, while Polish light-middleweight Pawel Wolak announced via his Facebook page that he too is walking away from boxing.
Both men rose to prominence with some amazing fights, and nothing but wishes of the best kind go out to both men. 38-year-old Williams won the British and Commonwealth tiles, he challenged for the WBC crown and is probably most famous for his sensational upset stoppage win over former champ Mike Tyson. Williams’ final record reads 44-11(33). It was his loss this past Saturday, to Leif Larson (TKO by2) that prompted “The Brixton Bomber” to hang ‘em up.
“Look, I have no aspirations. I know I can’t win any titles. I just love fighting. Last weekend basically showed that my punch resistance has totally gone – I have no punch resistance,” Danny said to Boxrec.
Williams had been reported to have announced his retirement a few months back – only for Danny to obtain a Latvian licence and box on abroad. Now, however, the end looks to be for real.
As for 30-year-old Wolak, his retirement announcement has come as quite a shock. Sure, the New Jersey warrior lost a heavy decision to Delvin Rodriguez in their eagerly awaited return this past Saturday, but that was only Wolak’s second defeat. “The Raging Bull” unfortunately never got as far as challenging for a world title, but he made a huge impression on the sport anyway. Wolak’s July rumble with Rodriguez may well go on to win 2011’s FOTY award. Such an award would prove fitting. Wolak’s final record reads 29-2-1(19). He was never stopped as a pro.
“I am at peace with my decision to retire from boxing. I left it all in the ring and I have absolutely no regrets. I will stay active, busy and in boxing shape as I have done since 17-years old but I hope to help other fighters in the N.Y. area in their careers,” Pawel wrote on his Facebook page.
Neither Williams nor Wolak will ever be elected into The Boxing Hall of Fame, but those fans who were lucky enough to have seen them at their best will never forget their momentous contributions to boxing.