Wayne McCullough - Sky Sports Expert

An honest mistake

Pocket Rocket blames openness on retirement confusion

Posted: 03rd July 2008 09:01

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McCullough: fighting on

I was upset at myself for wearing my heart on my sleeve, so to speak and saying what I felt at that exact moment in time - when I should have just thanked the fans and come home. But I'm too open. I've been told that numerous times too.

Wayne McCullough
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It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks for me and my family.

As I'm sure most of you are aware, on June 20 I fought in the Cayman Islands against Juan Ruiz. It was a tough 'comeback' fight against a durable opponent but I knew what I'd got myself in to.

A few rounds into the fight I felt as though I couldn't get going. I don't know what happened but it was like nothing I'd never felt before.

As the rounds went on, the feeling didn't seem to go away so I decided to retire on my stool after the sixth round and save my body for another day.

The fantastic fans at the event comprised of flag-waving Irish and English along with many Cayman natives, who I'd met during the lead up the week prior to my fight. I was shocked at how many Cayman Islanders had followed my career but thrilled at the same time.

Unfortunately that night was a 'bad day at the office' but I made the mistake of saying what I felt at that moment in time instead of waiting until I'd come home and had a rational think about everything.

Error

My wife, Cheryl, always tells me only to say what I mean and never say anything that I'm going to regret. Maybe I should start listening to her! (just don't tell her I said that!)

Following the fight the ring announcer handed me the microphone. But the big error in judgment on my part was that I took it and started talking. I thanked the fans for coming out to support me and then said "this might be my last fight". Big oops!

For the next week I read my career eulogy everywhere. While the reports were extremely nice, well-written and honest accounts of my career, I really didn't want to read them.

I was upset at myself for wearing my heart on my sleeve, so to speak and saying what I felt at that exact moment in time - when I should have just thanked the fans and come home. But I'm too open. I've been told that numerous times too.

I don't want to change who I am but I just need to play my cards closer to my chest from now on. Because when I say something that is public knowledge, it can be blown out of proportion without being given a second to think about it.

Upsetting

That has happened to me many times so you'd think I'd have learned my lesson by now. But I guess not!

I was winning the fight which is also upsetting to me. Obviously I didn't know that while I was fighting or I would have definitely continued.

But my mind and body felt as though they were worlds apart and I couldn't make the connection. I thought I was taking stupid punches that I didn't need to - but didn't I always!

My perception was off but I thought the best thing was to step back and fight another day. I just wish I'd said that!

Obviously I'd love a rematch with Ruiz to set things straight but I doubt he'd give me the opportunity I gave him.

I'd also love to fight in Belfast and Dublin again before my career ends officially but again who, at this point, will give me that chance?

Comments

Nigel Mchugh says...

A LEGEND!!!!! Wayne, you are the reason I got to love so much and your country is proud if you and whatever you decide to do, fight on or retire we will be always proud of you and support you in whatever you do. But one small criticism would have to be how you talk very little about another of our country men in Andy Lee. A great and entertaining fighter like yourself. There is alot of critics opinions out there but there is no questioning his ability and potential there.

Posted 17:44 30th July 2008

Brian Stracey says...

Wayne has been one of my favourite fighters. he has always shown derermination and guts. but he must remember there is life after boxing. My Nephew John H Stracey retired in 1976 and is still rememberd now.just like Wayne will be. He has been there and done it .All the best Wane.

Posted 09:32 9th July 2008

Derek Larner says...

I live in the Cayman Islands but am orginally from the UK. Unfortunately I was in the US when Wayne fought and am gutted I missed it. However, what many people do not realise is how much the local climate saps from your body, especially participating in sport such as boxing. I have lived here for four years and am still find it very difficult to jog for long periods of time, never mind box. Wayne will surely know when his body has had enough, and I wish him all the best whatever he decides to do. My only suggestion to Wayne is that you must keep away from this type of climate and stick to what you can handle. I'm sure you realise that it gets harder as you get older. Good luck

Posted 22:18 4th July 2008

Andrew Spence says...

Its time to hang up the gloves. Its been a great career but now its time to find a new love. Boxing is not forgiving as we age and Wayne has nothing left to prove. Leave the memory of a great champion intact, and the body and mind safe.

Posted 22:34 3rd July 2008

Ian Hanvey says...

Wayne has been a great fighter to watch over the years and been great value for money. If he packed that killer punch he would have gone down as one of the all time best. I remember meeting him when i was 10 years old in my home town, his trainer lived round the corner from me. The pocket rocket always gave a wave and was happy to give us his time even though im sure we were very annoying!!!haha!!i hope he retires, he has been champion and im sure he has many options outside the ring. The buzz from being in their is something that every boxer misses, i just hope wayne realises its time to move on and be successful in other ways. You have been a credit to the sport and your skill, heart and determination will be greatly missed. Thanks wayne!

Posted 16:55 3rd July 2008

Simon Hanley says...

When Wayne announced he was going to retire I though it was a good sound decision, with respect his best day's are behind him and he'll be remembered as a game fighter who always gave value for money . Today's news I feel is wrong, will Wayne become a stepping stone for up and coming fighters ? I wish him the best, I hope he win's the Championship and proves me wrong, but I doubt it.

Posted 12:58 3rd July 2008

Daniel Blakemore says...

I can understand where wayne is coming from but at the same time i fear he is going the same way as so many fighters now and going on abit further than he should. He has gone from top of the world to loseing to unknown fighters in venues such as the cayman islands! Boxings biggest problem is that there are to many fighters who just dont know when to quit.

Posted 12:21 3rd July 2008

Darren White says...

Im a fan of Wayne and have been for many years, ever since his homecoming from the Olympics in fact! Ive always admired his courage and determination and it will be hard to find a fighter with as much heart outside of Mexico! Ive may great memories throughout his career, i remember living in England and very proud of his performance against Hamed who was huge at the time, or an in form Morales who was an unbelievably good fighter. I was really looking forward to seeing him in Dublin a while back but unfortunatley that fell through. He has been champion of the world and fair play he fought for it again many times fighting people who were the best around and he never went down. Great guy, great career. But, i hate to think of him having more fights like the Ruiz fight, retiring on his stool. Perhaps its time to move on? He is a great pundit and i enjoy his articles. What can future fights lead to? another world title shot? as he says himself above, who would give him that chance? But hey, the man knows his body better than anyone and f he wants more fights then hopefully they can be in Ireland and I for one will be cheering him all the way

Posted 09:35 3rd July 2008

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