Two-time English middleweight champion Linus Udofia (21-2, 10 KOs) has announced his retirement from professional boxing.
32 from Luton, Udofia was due to defend his English middleweight title to 9-0 challenger PA Gordon on September 13 at Bethnal Green's iconic York Hall.
Instead, the Nigerian-born boxer vacated his national honours and posted his decision to retire in a video on Instagram, citing a dwindling love for the sport as his reasons for walking away.
"It's a complication of reasons, but the main one is my love for boxing has waned massively," Udofia explained honestly. "I haven't got the up-and-go to keep enduring... these camps and fights are hard. We all want the next stage and progression, I understand there are ups and downs, but that's killed my love for it."
He continued to speak frankly, "I kept thinking, what am I doing here? I don't like this, I don't want to be here. I can't lie to people who support me, want me to win and can't lie to myself.
"I need to think about my health, you can't box half-heartedly, I've seen loads of people get hurt doing that - better to walk away now that my heart isn't in it."
Udofia confirmed that he plans to remain in the sport with plans to take up coaching full-time, having already embraced worked at the Pegasus Gym in Aylesbury.
"I've opened up a new premises in Flitwick and don't see myself doing anything else. Staying busy is important, keep an active lifestyle and do something that challenges you, stay as active as possible, that's what I'll do."
Linus became English middleweight champion in 2019 with a win over Tyler Denny. His first loss came in 2022 when challenging for the vacant British middleweight title against world title contender Denzel Bentley.
Udofia regained the English strap last September with a 10th round knockout win over Dan Catlin at his favourite venue, the York Hall. He defended his honours in March this year with a unanimous decision over 7-1 contender Constantine
Williams.
He admitted performing under the 'bright big lights' as the main thing he'll miss the most about the sport, having made York Hall a fortress during his nine-year pro career.
Former British middleweight champion Brad Pauls wished his teammate and friend well on X, "Want to wish my brother a happy retirement. Side by side for a decade. Learnt a lot from this man. 1000s of rounds sparring. Been through it together over the years more struggles than I can mention. Some great memories in there that I’ll never forget."