Michael Sweeney to retire from fighting

Mayo cruiserweight Michael Sweeney is to retire from boxing at the age of 33.

‘The Storm’ compiled a 12(6)-4(2)-1 during an injury-filled eight-year career.

In that time Sweeney challenged for both the Irish and the Celtic titles, as well as spending time in Manny Stewart’s famous Kronk Gym in Detroit, sparring the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Andy Lee – whom he defeated in the amateur game. A hugely popular sparring partner, the skillful Connacht boxer has also shared the ring with Arthur Abraham, Mikkael Kessler, and Chad Dawson.

The Galway-based fighter was one half of one of the most intense rivalries in recent boxing history, sharing a two-fight series with Ian Tims, losing close exciting contests both times.

Sweeney told Irish-Boxing.com that “after a long hard thought, I will hang up the gloves.”

It is now Sweeney’s intention to take out a trainer’s licence and he will announce the name of his first fighter, a “top boxer,” in the near future.

“Boxing will always be part of my life.”

“I’ve a son coming up, Rocky, aged 9, and he loves it.”

“So all looks good.”