John Hutchinson to retire from professional boxing

Former Irish light middleweight title challenger John Hutchinson has announced that he is to retire from professional boxing with immediate effect

The Donegal boxer, who has this year been based in Thailand, has lost the hunger for fighting somewhat, but intends to remain in the sport in a coaching capacity.

Hutchinson returned to his home in Buncrana recently following a traffic accident in Bangkok and had intended on linking up with Glenn McCrory and fighting on a Kieran Farrell Promotions card in Belfast in October, but will now turn his attentions to training the next generation.

The 31 year old explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “from the crash, to my dad taking sick, to comments, and moving countries, I was going one step forward but three steps back the – and leaving people that means the most behind.”

“I spoke to Glenn today and told him I never want to waste a trainer’s time. I wear my heart on my sleeve and when I train I’m not half hearted.”

“I could still go to Thailand and fight on August 23rd, September 27th, October and been so active and live the dream – but it comes to a point in life where you’re sitting in a Bangkok bedsit after training looking into a phone for company, speaking to no-one.”

“It’s a hard game talking blows to the head everyday for nothing, but just the dream has been dreamt and I’ve seen clearer visions in life.”

Never one to shy from a fight, Hutchinson’s career saw him claim wins over Darren Cruise and Gerard Healy, as well as a points loss to Peter McDonagh for the Irish 154lbs belt. He retires with a record of 10 wins including three stoppages, two defeats, and two draws.

Hutchinson has no regrets looking back on his 14-fight five-year career, and described how “I lived a dream most fighters could only imagine. I boxed around the world, made great friends, and friends for life.”

“Boxing made me rich at heart and gave me experiences like nothing in the world could buy.”

“Boxing will always be a part of my life. but my family, friends, and the normal life you forget to live mightn’t!”

“I’d like to thanks all the people in Thailand that help me lately Lorraine and Barry and Brian from Mad Mohally’s bar, Unit 27, and Unit 27 Muscle Bar these people have changed my whole mindset and real ways of training and eating.”

“Then the top coaches around the world from Ireland, England, Wales, Spain. Boston, Thailand. Australia, there have been too many great legends I’ve worked to name and many stand out!”

“I hope to take parts of all and put into my next chapter – building champs.”

In terms of coaching, Hutchinson plans to still link up with McCrory at the Wild Atlantic Gym in Culdaff.

‘The Buncrana Banger’ outlined how “I’ll go have a good talk on Monday with him and we’ll make the new Donegal gym bounce and compete with every gym going.”

“I’ll never really walk away, I’ll be full time coaching in the near future with a few gym options now in Doha, Australia, and Thailand but for the meantime I’ll be spending time at home seeing what the future holds.”

Irish-Boxing.com would like to thank John for his contribution to the sport, for all the entertainment, and wish him all the best in his next chapter.