English middleweight champion Linus Udofia has retired from professional boxing at the age of 32, bringing an end to a career that saw him twice claim national honours.
The Luton-born fighter, who leaves the ring with a record of 21 wins, 2 defeats and 10 knockouts, was scheduled to defend his English title on 13 September at York Hall against unbeaten challenger P.A. Gordon. Instead, he vacated the belt and confirmed his retirement in a statement shared on Instagram.
Udofia admitted that his passion for the sport had faded, describing the demands of training camps and competition as a burden he no longer wished to carry.
“The main reason is my love for boxing has waned massively,” he said. “I haven’t got the up-and-go to keep enduring. These camps and fights are hard, and it killed my love for it. I asked myself, what am I doing here? I don’t like this, I don’t want to be here. I can’t lie to the people who support me, and I can’t lie to myself.”
The Nigerian-born champion, who first lifted the English middleweight title in 2019 with victory over Tyler Denny, also stressed the importance of stepping away at the right time.
“You can’t box half-heartedly. I’ve seen people get hurt doing that,” he added. “Better to walk away now that my heart isn’t in it.”
Udofia’s career highlight came at York Hall — a venue where he enjoyed some of his best nights. He reclaimed the English title in September 2023 with a knockout win over Dan Catlin and defended it successfully earlier this year with a unanimous decision against Constantine Williams. His only two defeats came against elite opposition, including a 2022 British title fight with Denzel Bentley.
Although retiring from competition, Udofia confirmed he will remain in the sport, focusing on coaching at Pegasus Gym in Aylesbury, where he has already been passing on his experience to the next generation. He has also opened new facilities in Flitwick and sees coaching as his long-term future.
“I don’t see myself doing anything else besides boxing,” he said. “Staying active is important and coaching gives me that challenge.”
The fighter admitted the bright lights of fight nights will be what he misses most, but tributes from the boxing community have already underlined the respect he earned throughout his career.
Former British middleweight champion and long-time training partner Brad Pauls was among the first to send his regards, saying:
“Want to wish my brother a happy retirement. Side by side for a decade. Thousands of rounds sparring and a lot of struggles we’ve been through together. Some great memories I’ll never forget.”
Linus Udofia steps away with a reputation as a dedicated professional and a two-time English champion, now turning his focus from fighting under the lights to building champions of the future.
