Rocky Fielding announces his retirement from boxing at the age of 35

Michael “Rocky” Fielding, former WBA super middleweight champion and Commonwealth super middleweight champion, is hanging up the gloves at 35.

The British boxer announced his retirement with a statement on social media, writing:

“Today I am announcing my retirement from the sport. 26 years in boxing, from going to the Stocky ABC gym at the age of nine just to keep fit for football to winning national titles.”

Fielding (30-3) turned pro in October 2010 and won the Commonwealth super middleweight title against Mohammed Akrong three years after turning pro. After a loss to senior Liverpudlian Callum Smith, ‘Rocky’ bounced back for the British Super Middleweight title with a split decision win over John Ryder.

The Liverpool native challenged Tyron Zegue for the WBA super middleweight title in June 2018, which he won by KO.

After winning the championship, the Briton met Mexican boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez for his newly acquired WBA title. Alvarez won the fight via TKO.

‘Rocky’ then went on a three-fight win streak, defeating Abdallah Paziwapazi, Emmanuel Danso and Timo Laine. He then faced undefeated fighter Dan Azeez for the Commonwealth and British titles in his final fight, losing by TKO.

The 35-year-old fighter opened up about making his dream come true, fighting at the famous Madison Square Garden and having his name called by popular boxing announcer Michael Buffer. He further wrote in his statement:

“I dreamed of becoming world champion and fighting at Madison Square Garden while Michael Buffer called my name which came true.”

Rocky Fielding’s best moments

Eighteen of Rocky’s 30 wins were by KO/TKO, making for an extensive highlight reel full of entertaining fights.

With big moments like his thundering uppercut knockdown of Brian Vera and incredibly powerful body hooks that earned him the WBA world title against Tyron Zegue, “Rocky” had natural power squared.

Check out some of Fielding’s best moments in the ring below: