Former undisputed lightweight king Nate Campbell has announced his retirement following his surprise loss to Walter Estrada.
Galaxxy Warrior bows out after losing to Estrada
Nate Campbell has announced his retirement from boxing.
The former undisputed lightweight world champion will hang up the gloves after 10 years as a pro following his shock points loss to Walter Estrada at the weekend.
Campbell, who shot to prominence by taking the WBA, IBF and WBO titles off then-undefeated Juan Diaz back in 2008, says he is no longer able to compete at the highest level.
"I've reached the point where I can still see the openings, but I just can't get my shots there in time," he said in a lengthy statement.
"In this business, a tenth of a second delay is too much. And in no way do I mean any disrespect to Estrada. He came to fight and won the fight fair and square, but I'm not supposed to struggle in fights like this.
"And if I do struggle in fights like this, then what would that mean for me against a top-tier fighter?"
Campell's career never took off as many expected following the fine win over Diaz.
He followed it up with a straightforward defence of his titles against Ali Funeka but, having been touted as a possible Amir Khan foe, moved up to light-welterweight in 2009.
He was given a shot at WBO boss Timothy Bradley only for their fight to end in controversy after three rounds after he was cut badly above the left eye. Believing it was caused by a headbutt he pulled out, unable to see, only to find that referee David Mendoza saw it differently.
Bradley was awarded the win and the decision was only overturned when the Californian State Athletic Commission stepped in.
Fortunate
But Campbell then went on to lose to Victor Ortiz and lastly against Estrada, who was even docked a point for holding and hitting.
"I didn't enter this sport to be anyone's opponent," the statement continued. "I entered this sport to become a world champion. I am fortunate that I was able to accomplish that goal.
"I would have liked to continue on to win titles in other divisions, however when your body tells you that it's time to go, then it's time to go."
Campbell also placed on record his thanks to his last promoters Golden Boy and said his door would always be open to young fighters who needed advice. He retires with a 42-fight record, 33 wins (25KOs), seven defeats and a draw.
