British former world champion retires moments after being viciously knocked out in first round of comeback
FORMER British world champion Kal Yafai announced his boxing retirement following a brutal knockout loss.
Yafai was once considered one of the country’s best fighters during his four-year reign as WBA super-flyweight champ.
But in 2020, his 26-0 unbeaten record was snapped by ring icon Roman Gonzalez.
Yafai bounced back with victory over Jerald Paclar and returned in Los Angeles against Jonathan Rodriguez.
But it ended in a disaster as he was dropped and stopped in the very first round.
Yafai, 34, hung up his gloves right after the bout but revealed his mind was made up even before the first bell sounded.
He said: “This was the end before the fight anyway. I had ‘The Last Dance’ on my robe and engraved in my shorts.
“I knew I was coming to the end anyway.”
Yafai, who represented Great Britain at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, leaves the sport with a 27–2 record.
The ex-champ – whose brothers Galal and Gamal are still boxing – was wished well in his retirement and even by his old rival Charlie Edwards.
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Edwards posted: “Just woke up and seen the result. Every dog has its day in this game.
“I actually don’t hate Kal and I have shared some great memories with him throughout the years on the GB boxing team.
“It’s a shame we couldn’t have our big night in the sport or boxing against one another but I wish him nothing but success, health and happiness in what ever comes next in life.
“He did have a great amateur and professional career. Enjoy family time & retirement and well done on a great career.”