Australian boxer Stevie Spark hangs up his gloves early
Australian boxing fan favourite Stevie Spark (16-3, KO) has announced his shock retirement from the sport.
Spark had been teasing a fight announcement on social media and even signed a contract for his debut up at welterweight on Monday, January 8.
However, 24 hours later, he’d arrived at the decision to hang up the gloves, aged just 27.
The popular Toowoomba talent revealed that difficult recovery from hand surgery had taken its toll and, with a second child on the way, it was time to step away from the sport.
“Right now, I just don’t have the desire and the fire in the belly like I used to,” Spark told Sporting News.
“This isn’t the sort of sport you want to do if you’re one foot out the door, it’s a very dangerous sport.
“I want to make sure if I’m doing something in life, I do it 100 per cent and, right now, my mind isn’t 100 per cent on the boxing, so it’s time for me to take a break, I think.”
The Queenslander hasn’t fought since he was robbed of victory by some dubious judging against local product Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in Mexico last May.
While recovering from hand injuries, Spark announced he would be making the jump to welterweight, having previously fought almost exclusively at super lightweight.
Although, with his hand issues continuing to plague him, Spark confirmed the surprise news.
“I had the hand surgery and it’s still giving me grief every single day,” he explained.
“I trained last night and, I don’t know, it’s too much at the moment, mentally and physically, to be pushing through the injuries. I’ve done it for so many years.
“This is my second hand surgery and I’m just over pushing through it right now, I’ve got a baby on the way and I just want to focus on that.
“It’s a bit unfortunate but I just don’t have that same desire to be able to push through the adversity at the moment.”
Spark won admirers for his all-action style as well as his willingness to take on all comers, including jumping up two weight classes on short notice to face Tim Tszyu.
“The Viking” earned himself a contract with international promoter Matchroom and recorded a dramatic disqualification win over Montana Love in late 2022 after he was thrown out of the ring by his opponent.
Despite his current position, Spark didn’t completely close the door on a potential return down the track.
“Who knows, once all the injuries heal and I get a few things out of the way, maybe in a year or two, you never know, but for the time being, it’s time to hang them up and focus on a different point of life,” he added.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, my whole identity is caught up in this and this is all I’ve pretty much done since I was 13 years of age and all I’ve ever wanted.
“It was a hard decision to make and I can’t thank everyone enough for their support over the years, the whole community in Australia, the town of Toowoomba.
“I’ve had a stellar career and achieved more than I ever thought I would in the sport, I’m pretty proud of that and keen for the next adventure.”