Headline News

Shortty Carroll announces retirement from professional boxing


Stephen Carroll has announced his retirement from boxing aged 25.

The Ballyfermot light welterweight has called time on his career due to the lack of financial stability in boxing and a need to provide for his young family.

Carroll fought seven times in just over two years, winning every fight and claiming two big eight-round wins. Last November he outpointed an up-for-it Jamesy Gorman in Belfast to win the Celtic Nations welterweight title and then defended the belt on short notice with a dominant win over Scottish champion Eddie Doyle in Motherwell in March.

A good amateur, Carroll was due to renew acquaintances with old opponent Noely Murphy earlier this month, but withdrew due to health reasons and it is now the case that his six-round points win over Ferenc Jarko in May will be his last.

‘Shortty’ announced his decision on Facebook.

“Okay so time to put it out there that I’ve hung the gloves up and called it a day.”

“I’ve had some great memories in the boxing game, it’s made me who I am and gives a person a huge amount of respect for everything in life.”

“I’ve met the most amazing people along the way who would give you what they can, I’ve been on great trips away, and always had a good story to tell.”

“It kills me that I’ve to walk away as I always saw myself with a world title around my waist and give my fans back what they gave me.”

“Unfortunately my career wasn’t moving fast enough and I wasn’t making a living from it, so family and work has to come first.”

“I’ve been through a hard path the last while suffering from depression, but I’ve overcome it thanks to my beautiful wife and kids.

“I have a amazing wife and kids who supported me all the way, my mam dad and sisters who are always there for a helping hand.”

“Boxing is a cruel sport and will drag you down if you let it, but also turns people into real gentleman and makes a man of you. Respect to anyone in the sport.”

“I want to thank the people who were involved, Jim O’Connell in Kylemore College where I started, everyone in Matthews Boxing Club at the time I was there, everyone in Crumlin Boxing Club and everyone in Drimnagh Boxing Club, my sponsors who helped me along the way, friends, sparring partners, and of course family. Big thank you to Tony Davitt, Lorcan McGann, Martin Doran you have been a great part of my career.”

“Thank you all, I’ll never forget you for everything”

Irish-Boxing.com would like to thank Stephen for all the entertainment he has provided and we wish him the best in retirement.

dpg

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

x