Ian Tims to enter coaching following regret-filled pro career

The time has come for Ian Tims [13(4)-6(4)].

Early this week the Clondalkin cruiserweight confirmed his retirement from professional boxing in the aftermath of his second round stoppage loss to Jack Massey in Manchester on Saturday.

38-year-old Tims admits that retirement had been in the offing for a long while and, following yet another injury versus Massey, he knows it is finally time to go.

“I’ve had it in my head to go for a while and then I got caught badly on Saturday night and twisted my knee. That’s life,” mused the Dublin hardman following the loss.

A ten-year career typified by frustration, Tims leaves the sport with mixed feelings

“I’ve loads of regrets, if I’m honest,” he said.

“I wouldn’t like to pick a highlight from my career. I don’t think I really had any! I had two great fights with Michael Sweeney and another cracker with Juho Haapoja for the European. Apart from that there were so many frustrations with injuries.”

“I suppose I could’ve done better but the time went so fast. I’ve been boxing 25 years and it’s like I clicked my fingers and it’s just flown by. Still, I’m happy I found the sport. It’s all I’ve done and I don’t know what to do now.”

“I won’t miss the messing about before fights, like being told you’re on at 11pm and then suddenly being told you’re on in 10 minutes at about 8pm. It made me lose interest in boxing for a while.”

Tims, a three-time Irish amateur heavyweight champion who boxed as a pro under both Phil Sutcliffe and Packie Collins, will look to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.

‘The Tank’ said that “I want to thank everyone who’s helped me and put time and effort into my career. I fought on some big cards and I’m grateful for that.”

“I’ll look to do some coaching now – I’ve already had a couple of people ask me.”