Dean Byrne announces Retirement
Dean Byrne [18(6)-6(2)-2] is to retire from professional boxing.
The Crumlin welterweight contacted Irish-Boxing.com to announce his decision.
Irish Lighting explained that “there’s a fine line between love and hate, and as much as I love the sport, and it’s been a great journey, it’s now on to my next one – my kids and my future wife, the things that mean the most to me.”
“There could have been more, but, at this point in my life, if I don’t get out now I never will.”
“It’s a tough decision, and I’m not looking forward to the grieving process, but it had to happen while my brain is still in tact. Family first.”
Byrne had agreed to fight Scottish prospect Lewis Benson [6(2)-0] on October 1st in a short-notice bout in Glasgow, but has had a change of heart, instead wanting to finish up following his rolling back the years win over Jamie Robinson in March live on Sky Sports.
The 32 year old described how “I was due to fight again on October 1st. It was another short-notice fight, and as much as I like beating the odds when they’re stacked against me, I’m going out with my W, you’re only as good as your last fight.”
Byrne had a colourful 26-fight career, winning the New South Wales and Australian titles, challenging for the Irish title, and spending time as a Manny Pacquiao sparring partner at the Wild Card Gym.
The hugely talented Dubliner recalled how “I’ve had a great career, globe-trotting and being trained and managed by the likes of Steve Fader, Johnny Lewis, Freddie Roach, Paul Dogboe, Peter Sims, and the number one of all, who I started with, Phillip Sutcliffe.
“Big thank you to everyone along the way who has helped and got behind me. Fans, friends, family, you know who you are.”
While he is hanging up his gloves, Byrne promises to remain in the sport, and revealed that “my fighting days are over, now it’s time to step onto the other side and build a champion, or even management, who knows.”
“The bug will always be there and I’m a big fan so I’ll always be part of the sport I love.”
“I’ll be a success, this is a new beginning, I just won’t be taking the shots!”
Irish-Boxing.com would like to congratulate Dean Byrne on his career and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)
