Callum Johnson has quit boxing at the age of 37, he has revealed in a personal statement which revealed his struggles with self-discipline and mental health.
Before taking up a professional career, Johnson won gold for Scotland at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in the Light heavyweight category.
Shortly after that, he picked up his pro gloves, but despite almost 12 years on the circuit, he has fought just twice in the last three and a half years.
His final ring appearance was against Server Emurlaev in October 2021 in Birmingham. He finished his career with a 20-1 record, 14 of those wins coming by knockout.
In a statement on his personal Facebook page, Johnson wrote: 'The boxing days are over, not by choice really or on my own terms, but more by lack of self discipline and struggling to battle and deal with my own mental struggles & demons. I tried and I tried again but kept failing.
'I’ve let a lot of people down, especially this year and I’m truly sorry and I never meant for it to end this way and honestly never saw it ending this way.'
He considered staying in the sport up until recent days, but ultimately decided it was too late for him to make amends for the issues he has faced.
Johnson added: 'I’m fully to blame for my failures and accept it and now got to start learning to live life with out boxing and learn to forgive my self for letting everyone down around me. Especially my manager & trainer Joe Gallagher, my Kids N Gemma and my Dad. And the biggest one letting my self down.'
Johnson joined forces with Frank Warren early last year, but only fought twice in 2021.
Johnson wrote a specific tribute to the promoter, stating: 'Also a special thanks to Frank Warren, he really delivered the opportunities for me and I wasn’t able to return the favour.'
There were plans for him to fight Joe Smith Jr in January of this year, but it was cancelled after Johnson contracted Covid-19.
He revealed that he doesn't know what he will do with his life after boxing, and jokingly finished off his post by saying 'AND IF ANYONE KNOWS OF ANY JOBS GOING'.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...3b0bf3ab71a695
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