Marcos Maidana hangs up his Gloves

Yesterday, the hard-hitting Marcos Maidana announced his retirement from professional boxing. The Argentinian who has not been competing since his second points defeat to Floyd Mayweather in September 2014, now officially resigned from professional boxing. In the statement on his official Facebook page, Maidana explains: “Only through a huge effort, physical and mental, can one get into a ring with the best in the world if what is intended is to win. And I’ve always wanted to win. Today I don’t have the motivation, the sacred fire that is needed. And that’s why I announce my retirement.” ‘El Chino’ hangs up his gloves with an overall record of 35-5, of which an unbelievable number of 31 were knock-out wins. Additionally, the two-time world champion’s bouts with Morales, Broner, Soto Karass and Victor Ortiz were candidates for fight of the year. Marcos Maidana entered the world scene 2009 with an outstanding stoppage win over Victor Ortiz. The Argentinian failed twice to get hold of the super lightweight belt - first when he lost via decision against Andriy Kotelnik in 2009 and second when he gave Amir Khan a hard time in a mesmerising bout one year later. But as all good things come in three, he succeeded and won the title in 12 rounds by decision against edging Mexican legend Erik Morales. After losing his welterweight debut to Devon Alexander, Maidana knocked out three contenders in a row – Jesus Soto Karass, Martin Angel Martinez and Josesito Lopez. Finally, ‘El Chino’ defeated Adrien Broner by points in December 2013. This win against then-unbeaten Broner earned Maidana the WBA welterweight strap and is also handled the best performance of his entire career. But that was not enough, following May, Maidana faced pound-to-pound king ant future Hall of Famer Floyed Mayweather Jr. in the ring. ‘Money’ defeated ‘El Chino’ by majority decision but as the bout was so close and entertaining the Argentinian was granted a rematch. However, Maidana’s rugged fighting style was not as effective in the second fight and Mayweather won more easily. Today, two years later, Marcos Maidana “decided to hang up the gloves for good.” But the Argentinian leaves proudly and deeply thankful: “I think I was able to put the name of my country Argentinia very high after winning two world titles, winning and losing against the best fighters of the world.” And after all, Marcos Maidana will not turn away from boxing completely: “At this time I start a new stage in which I will remain close to boxing, advising and unconditionally supporting ‘Team Maidana,’ aiming for new generations to reach the highest levels.”