Luke Wilton confirms retirement following Commonwealth title loss

Luke Wilton has officially hung them up and retired from boxing at the age of 30.

After seeing his Commonwealth super flyweight title challenge end in crushing disappointment in Shefield on Friday night ‘Winky’ proceeded to announce his retirement over the weekend.

The Belfast little man has indicated in the build-up to the fight it was last chance saloon in terms of securing a domestic strap most felt his career deserved and, after the being stopped by home favourite Tommy Frank, it didn’t take him long to make the decision.

Speaking on social media, Wilton said that “I’d like to thank all my support over the years I love you all!

“Tonight I announce I retire from boxing – and I won’t be back.”

“I’ve boxed for the British, the WBC International and the Commonwealth title twice. I’ve never been overpowered or beat by such an opponent before!”

“Good luck to Tommy Frank I hope he goes far but that’s the end for me!”

“I thought I had a domestic title in me but wasn’t good enough. Thanks all.”

Wilton debuted as far back as 2012 and fought 27 times over the last seven years. He topped a number of small hall cards in Belfast and had some great nights in the beyond intimate Holiday Inn and Shorts Sports and Social Centre.

His first big chance came back in 2013 when he would challenge Kevin Satchell for the British and Commonwealth titles, but after traveling, to the Liverpool native’s backyard, was outpointed before being stopped by future world champion Lee Haskins on extreme short notice.

In 2016 the Belfast fighter had the chance to enter the WBC rankings as he took on Charlie Edwards for a ranking title on the undercard of Carl Frampton versus Scott Quigg only to be again outpointed.

In hindsight Wilton was somewhat unlucky with his domestic chances. Satchell went on to prove he was European level while Edwards is now a WBC world champion.

Following the Edwards reverse the older of two pro boxing brothers flirted with retirement, but still had domestic title dreams. He finally got active at the turn of the year and took a chance against the relatively unknown Frank, but unfortunately found himself up against another fighter that looks to have the ability to go onto the next level.

Wilton becomes the second Belfast fighter to call it a day in March and follows Gerrard Healy out of the ring.

He also follows his younger brother Matt who retired discretly last year.

Wilton leaves with a record of 20(7)-6(2)-1.