An inspiration to many, one-armed fighter Nick Newell emerged victorious against Tom Marcellino last night at WSOF 24, so it was a shock to then see the 29 year-old announce his retirement during his post-fight interview.
Speaking backstage afterwards, an understandably emotional Newell explained that after a string of injuries he’s no longer able to compete at the level that he wants to and so he’s recognized that it’s time to call time on his career.
“I didn’t get to where I am by being a natural…I’m sorry this is pretty emotional for me…I got where I am by hard work and that takes a toll on your body,” Newell explained to NBC Sports.
“These past couple of training camps have been really hard for me and just really hard on my body. You know, it’s just my time. I don’t want to be a guy that just fights for a pay cheque. I want to be a guy that fights because he loves it. I don’t want to cheat myself out of my best performances, and I don’t feel like I’m the fighter I could be because my body is just not reacting the same way it used to, and I just don’t have it in me any more.”
Newell earned everyone’s respect during his time in the sport, overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to produce a 4-1 professional record and we wish him well as he now moves on to the next chapter in his life.
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