_1619331619.jpg)
Light heavyweight contender Callum Johnson announced on social media that he’s deciding to end his pro career.
The 37-year-old has been out of the ring since October of 2021, when he picked up a ten round majority decision win over Server Emurlaev.
Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) is best known for his four round scrap with world champion Artur Beterbiev. Johnson, who also had a known reputation for punching power, dropped Beterbiev hard with a solid hook at the end of the second round. Beterviev was able to recover and knocked Johnson out in the fourth.
Johnson was scheduled to challenge then WBO champion Joe Smith back in January. He withdrew from the fight after contracting COVID-19 and was later replaced by Steve Geffrard.
Still ranked in the top-ten by the WBC, the once-beaten Brit made a personal announcement to his fans – citing that he’s been dealing with mental health struggles for some time.
“Well the day has come I never thought would and the day I never wanted to come. I don’t think retiring is the right word so I’ll say quitting. But the boxing days are over, not by choice really or on my own terms, but more by lack of self-discipline and struggling to battle and deal with my own mental struggles & demons. I tried and I tried again but kept failing,” Johnson stated.
“I’ve let a lot of people down, especially this year and I’m truly sorry and I never meant for it to end this way and honestly never saw it ending this way. Even up to a couple of days ago I was thinking there got to be a way I can salvage it and right all my wrongs both to myself and others that have helped me, but this time it’s genuinely too little too late. I’m fully to blame for my failures and accept it and now got to start learning to live life without boxing and learn to forgive myself for letting everyone down around me. Especially my manager & trainer Joe Gallagher, my Kids and my Dad. And the biggest one letting myself down.
“Funny cause my dad was always right haha. He did say to me once or twice “the only person that would ever beat me and stop me would be myself” He was right. There’s loads of people to thank that have helped me along the way but I’ll get round to thanking them all personally over the coming days & weeks. As of right now I haven’t a clue what I’m gonna do with my life and need some time to digest the fact it’s the end of this part and only part of life I’ve ever known. I do wish it ended differently but as of a lot of things in life, it is what it is.
“People will say I achieved a lot and I suppose I did in a sense and maybe as a 10 year old boy if I was told I was gonna win what I did and do what I’ve done I would of been a happy 10 year old. Truth is though, I will always remember my career for what I didn’t win and what I didn’t do. Thanks to each and every person that has supported me along the way, wether it be coming to watch me , watching on TV or just sending a comment or message wishing me well. I did and do appreciate you all. Thanks to all my sponsors that have supported especially Acorn Taxis & MooreThompson Accountants. There more like family than friends Also a special thanks to Frank Warren, he really delivered the opportunities for me and I wasn’t able to return the favor.”