Thaxton confirms retirement

Norwich lightweight calls time on 17-year career

Last updated: 10th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Thaxton confirms retirement

Thaxton: retired from the ring

It's been absolutely fantastic, I've met some great people and made some great friends but it's time to walk away and concentrate on my other businesses and other interests outside the boxing ring.

Jon Thaxton
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Jon Thaxton has retired from boxing in the wake of his defeat to John Murray.

The Norwich fighter was stopped by Murray in the fourth round of their British lightweight title fight on October 3, his third straight loss.

And the 35-year-old has now decided to call time on his 17-year professional career, which included spells as European and British lightweight champion.

"I've been a pro now for 17 years and I've had good times and bad times in the business," Thaxton told edp24.co.uk.

"But after the last fight on Saturday, I trained very, very hard for that fight, with the referee calling time as early as he did I just thought after how hard I trained it's time to call it a day.

"I've been speaking to my wife about it for about three or four months, and I said maybe this is my last fight.

"It's been absolutely fantastic, I've met some great people and made some great friends but it's time to walk away and concentrate on my other businesses and other interests outside the boxing ring."

Thaxton, who took Ricky Hatton the distance back in 2000, finishes with a 34-11 record.

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Comments (11)

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Rocket Man says...

Im only a passive boxing fan, but remember watching Jono fight a supposedly up and coming fighter called scrap iron ryan years ago, he was the brash big shot, but was dispatched by Thaxton with one awesomer punch. Great puncher.

Posted 13:18 13th October 2009

Thomas Holt says...

What a fantastic role model and pro boxer. 17 years as a pro, never trash talked, accepted judges/ref decisions with grace even when bitterly disappointed. Always gave the best of himself and came across as someone who absolutley loved his job as a boxer no matter what level of fight. Just trying to imagine the level, intensity and volumne of training undertaken in those 17 years, fantastic. So good luck with what you do now Jon, and thanks for what you have given the sport.

Posted 09:00 13th October 2009

Matty Hughes says...

I am so upset that this great warrior has to retire god bless you and bess wishes for the future jono,its a shame you never got your shot at a world title!

Posted 04:55 12th October 2009

Rich Field says...

I agree Jono has been great for British boxing and he's a good bloke too. He Looks like he has a blossoming career ahead of him in the world of boxing/ the media. He knows the game inside out and would make a great boxing commentator and analyst. If a TV Station like ITV decided to have a weekly boxing show/programme then Jono and Barry Mcguigan would be my choice as joint presenters of the show. Great career, exciting fighter, I can see good things ahead for him for many years to come. All the best Jono.

Posted 02:06 12th October 2009

Andrew B says...

Thanks John watched some of ur fights very entertaining with lots of fire and heart. all the best

Posted 17:51 11th October 2009

Devlyn Freeman says...

You probably won't remember john, I gave you a thwack or two when we were kids in Tony brook's gym. You are a great journeyman to the sport. Taken the early kickboxing years to the world and shown that marshal artists can be great boxers as well. Congratulations on a career we all dreamed about as kids. I'm sure the McCalls will say the same thing. Devlyn

Posted 01:45 11th October 2009

Ken Minto says...

Brave decission Jono, you can now put this early stoppage by the ref to bed and get on with the rest of your life in the knowledge that you achieved big time and are well respected.

Posted 22:42 10th October 2009

Andrew Kerr says...

One of the few British fighters whose fights were compulsive viewing. 100% effort, excitement and honesty guaranteed ¿ but also a fighter who possessed a boxing ability that should not be underestimated or downplayed in any way. I can¿t imagine anyone who¿s fought him having anything other than respect. Thaxton is a rare breed and British boxing as a spectacle will, for now, be worse-off without him. The stoppage by Foster in what was to be his last fight was excellent, not premature. The fight was only ever going to go one way and surely nobody wanted to see a protracted defeat for Thaxton, something he would undoubtedly have stood up to given the chance. The most exciting British fighter since Benn got out at the right time ¿ rest assured that genuine British fight fans respect and appreciate your contribution, today¿s ¿up and comers¿ will hopefully learn a lot from you. Enjoy the retirement, you¿ve earned it!

Posted 20:18 10th October 2009

Kev Gee says...

Thank you Jon, You have been a credit to yourself and to boxing. Ive had the pleasure of seeing many of your fights both live and on tv and win or lose, you always gave everything. You are a great role model for the younger fighters to look up to, and so, from the heart, all the best to you in your future interests, boxing will miss you.

Posted 15:30 10th October 2009

Steven Mc says...

Good ambassador for Boxing, pure pro, Murray is an hype job obsessed with Khan though and the stoppage was early if you ask me, but Jono held the British & European titles

Posted 13:52 10th October 2009

Sean Drainpipe says...

great fighter, big heart and entertaining. all the best

Posted 12:27 10th October 2009
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