SCOTT’S FAREWELL
QUIGG CALLS TIME ON HIS CAREER
BURY boxer Scott Quigg has confirmed his retirement after losing to Jono Carroll at the Manchester Arena.
The former world champion’s corner threw in the towel after he was dominated by the Irishman.
The 31-year-old former WBA super-bantamweight champion hoped to set up another world title challenge after stepping up to super-featherwight.
However despite being favourite for the fight, Quigg – in his first fight since returning to the UK having left to work with Freddie Roach at the famous Wildcard gym – struggled against the southpaw and was soundly beaten.
Trainer Joe Gallagher threw in the towel as Quigg came under a barrage of punches in the 11th round.
Now, in an emotional post on social media, he has confirmed that would be his last appearance in a professional ring.
In a statement on his Instagram page, he said: “Unfortunately last night wasn’t my night and it showed me it was time to call it a day!
“It’s been a great journey & I couldn’t of given the sport anymore and it’s been a pleasure working alongside @eddiehearn “I’ve achieved everything my desire dedication and ability would take me to and I can walk away with my head held high! “Thank you to everyone for the tremendous support over the years #teamquigg #noregrets #Repost@ eddiehearn.”
Quigg strongly hinted he would retire immediately after Saturday’s defeat.
He said in the ring: “After the fourth round, it didn’t feel like it was there, I was just chasing it. But no excuses, the better man won and fair play to him.
“I’m a realist, I don’t kid anyone. I believe at my peak, I would have won this, no problem, and that’s taking nothing away from Jono.
“In my day I believe he wouldn’t have lived with me.
“On this performance and how I felt, I don’t know if there’s much left, to be honest.”
Quigg defended his version of the WBA title six times, including four times in Manchester, where he lost to Carl Frampton in a huge unification bout four years ago.
After linking up with Roach, Quigg stepped up to featherweight and challenged Oscar Valdez in March 2018 but missed the weight which meant the Mexican’s WBO title was not on the line in the bout.
In a brutal 12 rounds, Quigg lost to a unanimous decision.
A low-key win over the unheralded Mario Briones followed later in the year and that was his last outing until his date with Carroll having returned to former trainer Gallagher.
Quigg added on Saturday: “I couldn’t have achieved any more because I gave it everything.
“I cut no corners, I gave it 150 per cent.
“I’ve been world champion, I’ve had a great career.
“I’ve been here, sold out arenas. There’s no place I would rather have boxed and if this is it then thank you to everyone who has come out to support me throughout my career.”
Unfortunately last night wasn’t my night and it showed me it was time to call it a day Scott Quigg