Eamonn O’Kane retires from boxing

Derry favourite Eamonn O’Kane has elected to hang up his gloves.

The all action middleweight will fight no more after ‘listening to his ‘family’ and ‘body’ and officially called it a day on Sunday.

O’Kane was an amateur of note and fought with a vest against the likes of Jean Pascal, Andre Dirrell, James Degale, George Groves and Andy Lee and won Commonweath Games gold in 2010. 

As a pro the well supported middleweight won the Irish title, an all Irish Prizefighter tournament and IBF inter-continental titles.

Fittingly ‘King Kane’s’ last bout was a display of pure guts that played out in Madison Square Garden. Despite a brave effort, the 34 year old was beaten on points by Tureano Johnson in a final eliminator in Madison Square Garden.

In a statement released to the press O’Kane confirmed that will be the last time he will enter the ring as a pro boxers:

“I am retiring from the sport I have loved and taken part in since being a teenager.

“After a much-needed rest from that fight I picked up an injury to my neck while getting ready to do it all again.

“After listening to my family and also my body, I have decided it’s time I hang them up.

“It has been a very hard decision to make and one I have fought with as hard as any competitor but one that ultimately I feel is the best one to make for not just me but my beautiful wife who has always supported me, and the rest of my family.

“I have spent long periods of time away from them and now with another child on the way It’s the right time to acknowledge my blessings and be here with all of them.”

O’Kane also took time to thank those who helped him throughout his career.

“I want to thank everyone that has ever supported and guided me, from my first Amateur coaches the whole way through.

“I would like to give a big thank you to Oliver Cummings for opening my eyes to the conditioning world and nutrition.

“To Paul McCloskey for being an inspirational friend and showing me that what was thought to be impossible was actually possible.

“A big thank you to Francie McNicholl for smartly guiding my professional career and getting me opportunities that people only dream about.

“I really want to give a big thank you to Paddy Fitzpatrick for taking me under his wing in Swindon, being not just a brilliant coach and teacher but a great friend.

“My supporters have been amazing and it gave extra fuel for every time I fought, which I’m very grateful!

“Mostly I want to thank my family as a whole for putting up with me. My brother who has always been there and had my back from teaching me to duck and weave and to being my best friend. My sisters who have been the best supporters and cheer leaders.

“My mum for washing my gear, minding the kids and helping me in anyway possible. My dad for pushing, guiding me and making all my achievements possible.

“Saving the best to last of course my fantastic kids and beautiful wife who without them I would never have made it this far.

“In closing, I thank you all and I hope in some way to stay in touch with you by being involved in a different way with this great sport we call Boxing. Eamonn ‘King Kane’ O Kane.”