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Michael Devine announces retirement aged 27

Michael Devine has retired from professional boxing at the age of just 27.

The Luton-Wexford puncher announced his decision this afternoon citing the lack of financial viability of the sport at his level.

‘Chunky’ leaves the sport with a professional record of 15(5)-5(2)-1.

In this time the exciting puncher claimed the BBBoC Southern Area title at both super featherweight and lightweight, defeating Dan Naylor and Ben Day respectively, as well as reaching the final of Prizefighter lightweights where he was defeated by Dunshaughlin’s Jono Carroll.

Last Summer, Devine fulfilled a lifelong dream to box in Ireland when he overcame Vitalijs Usovs at the National Stadium in Dublin. The Yellow Belly had also hoped to fight for the Irish title, but negotiations with Paul Hyland Jr would break down and come to nothing.

michael devine

The Kevin Maree-trained boxer had been set to box Sam Bowen for the English title in June, but instead has made the hardest decision any boxer will ever have to make.

Devine’s explained that “I’m officially hanging up the gloves.”

“The sport I once loved just isn’t giving me enough from it through the amount of hours I train and spend away from my family.”

“Boxing just isn’t giving me or my family any financial gains, it’s a tough world!”

“I have had some brilliant nights and want to thank all my supporters for following my career and raising the roof every time!”

“Thank you to everyone for ever showing your support. Doing it for all my fans was the best part of my career.”

“It’s a sad day for me but now I can spend time with my family and work and receive a regular income.”

Irish-Boxing.com would like to wish Michael all the best in retirement and congratulate him on an exciting and successful career in the ring.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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