Wayne McCullough is fighting on, but first tells us just why the boxing world thought he was retiring.
Pocket Rocket blames openness on retirement confusion
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?
