Australian boxer Jeff Horn has decided to hang his gloves after 24 professional fights due to being worn down by health issues.
Speaking in front of reporters at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Horn shared that health concerns with his memory are hounding him.
"I've had some issues with my memory. I've had some tests done on my brain and I was told if I kept going there was a high potential risk of things getting worse and my brain suffering more," the 35-year-old said.
"I need to protect myself because I want to be able to remember my children's names and the big moments in their lives."
As boxing pundits call him, the Hornet explained that he is now having trouble remembering what people his age could easily retain. His wife even told him he could be useless with his dysfunctional memory, and he is afraid that once his brain gets damaged, "there is no going back" for him.
Horn will walk away from the sport with 20 wins, three losses, and one draw.
His claim to worldwide fame was when he beat legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao in 2017. However, he went 3-3 in his next six matches, ending with a loss to Tim Tszyu in his hometown.
$1 million fight rejected
Horn also shared during the press conference that a fight that could earn him over $1 million has to be turned down due to this development.
He said he has a bigger enemy to slay, and that offer has to be turned down.
"I've enjoyed my time, that's for sure as a boxer, but now I've got more important work to do," said Horn.
"My next flight is definitely my biggest, and it's personal, and it's to try and protect every kid."
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