A new Sky Sports News documentary titled The Final Round explores why boxers including Lennox Lewis, Johnny Nelson, Dave Allen, Natasha Jonas, and promoter Eddie Hearn struggle to walk away from boxing. The documentary premieres on Sky Sports Main Event at 10.30pm on Friday July 31 and on the Sky Sports YouTube channel from Saturday August 1.
Sky Sports News reporter Chris Reidy reports that current and former fighters describe the adrenaline and atmosphere of fight night as genuinely addictive. Former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson described the experience as "euphoric" in the film, while former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis admitted that "the roar of the crowd, that's what I miss most about boxing."
Former heavyweight contender Dave Allen said "it's hard to replicate the buzz of fight night" and added that "nothing else can match it." Former super middleweight world champion George Groves agreed, stating that "it's the ring walk that you miss" alongside "getting that energy that comes from the crowd."
Ego and the pull of fight night comebacks
Tyson Fury announced his retirement after beating Dillian Whyte in 2022, but returned to the sport within months. Nelson explained that pride and ego keep fighters going even when their bodies send clear warning signs. Nelson said that "ego never leaves a fighter and that is the problem," adding that "the fire and desire might disappear. But ego is always there, telling you to do it again."
Nelson experienced that temptation himself nine years after retiring, when Marco Huck equalled his record of 13 consecutive world title defences. Nelson admitted that "I was seriously considering it," noting that "I knew I wasn't the fighter I was, but ego got the better of me."
Former light welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton returned to the ring against Vyacheslav Senchenko of Ukraine in 2012, three years after his previous fight. Hatton failed to get up after being knocked down in their welterweight bout at the MEN Arena, but said "I don't regret my comeback" because "that confirms it, you're done. We always think we've got one last go in us."
Hatton explained that he loved boxing from his first time in a gym, saying "the first time I got hit, I absolutely loved it" and calling the sport addictive. Hatton added that "when you get there, it's a dream come true and you want it to go on forever. Boxers find it very challenging to walk away."
Lewis resisted the temptation to return despite receiving countless offers after retiring at age 37 following wins against Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko. Asked if he was ever tempted to return, Lewis admitted "I've toyed with it myself" and said "absolutely. All the time."
Financial pressures and life after boxing
Financial considerations also influence retirement decisions. While stars like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are set to make career high paydays near the end of their careers, Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, highlighted the reality for most athletes. Smith stated that "boxing is a relatively poor sport" and noted that "the vast majority of boxers have other jobs. Most don't make enough money."
Former fighter Sam Eggington retired after 46 professional fights. Eggington explained that "I started boxing because I got made redundant" and "I needed to make money to live." Unlike top earners, Eggington balanced boxing with other work and now faces the transition of finding a new identity.
Allen admitted that leaving the sport creates deep uncertainty, saying "I don't know anything else" and calling the thought of life without boxing frightening because "I'm just David the boxer." Trainer Joe Gallagher, who has guided world champions for over two decades, said "everyone wants their own little Rocky story" but warned that "boxing can be cruel. You finish and there's nothing for you."
Promoter Eddie Hearn noted that fighters miss daily training camp routines and companionship as much as fight night. Hearn said "that's why it's important they find interests beyond boxing, because it's a career that ends very early."
Knowing when to stop and fighter support systems
Some boxers manage to exit early, such as Groves retiring at age 30 after a defeat to Callum Smith, and Anthony Crolla retiring at age 32. Crolla said "I could have hung around for a few more paydays," but asked "what good is that when I'm trying to train kids and set an example?" Groves stated "I wanted to go out on a win," but added "I didn't want to be that guy who lingered for the money or chased the highs I once had."
Other fighters struggle to step away. Joe Joyce has lost five of his last six fights after being floored by Derek Chisora, while Josh Warrington laid his gloves down after a defeat before returning to fight Anthony Cacace. Warrington admitted before his comeback that "the more time that's gone on, the more I've thought about why I'm coming back," adding "I know there's going to be a time where I have to mourn eventually."
Unlike football, where the Professional Footballers' Association provides transition programmes, pension guidance, and support networks, boxing leaves fighters without formal support networks. Discussions continue around pensions and a fighters' union, including initiatives through the Global Fighters' Association.
Nelson recalled receiving a letter at age 55 regarding a pension scheme introduced years earlier by promoter Barry Hearn. Nelson said "when I turned 55, I got a letter through the post" for a pension he had forgotten about, adding "from that point on, I thought this needs to be brought back."
