Jeff Horn has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 35.
The Australian ends his career with a record of 20-3-1 and a world title to boot. The boxer beat Manny Pacquiao to win the WBO welterweight title in 2017 in a highly-controversial unanimous-decision win.
The overwhelming consensus was that Horn had lost the fight in a bout where Pacquiao landed more punches than his opponent.
#OnThisDay in 2017, Jeff Horn upset Manny Pacquiao in a highly controversial decision. pic.twitter.com/B2FUJY5mGo
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 1, 2023
However, following a single title defense, Horn lost to Terence Crawford who would go on to become a pound-for-pound great.
Horn’s attempts at rebuilding his career were never the same, as he lost a mega-domestic fight against Tim Tszyu in 2020. Three years later, Horn never returned to the ring as the retirement announcement arrived.
“I’ve enjoyed my time, that’s for sure as a boxer, but now I’ve got more important work to do,” Horn
As a result, the boxer has decided to dedicate his time to other projects. This will see the former world champion take action to tackle bullying in schools.
This will include being an ambassador for the charity, ‘Bullyproof Australia.’ And as someone who has children and a family, Horn has set his sights on making an impact in a cause closer to home.
“My next fight is definitely my biggest, and it’s personal, and it’s to try and protect every kid. I can just see it in the eyes of the kids, and that they believe in what I’m saying and it’s changing their lives.
“So, it’s a very important message that I’m sharing with them. A lot of kids just don’t know what to do. Or they’ve got a parent that says, ‘Just punch him in the nose, and they’ll be right’.
“I know, that’s what my dad told me back in the day, but it doesn’t always work. I didn’t win fights that I got into at high school. So, it’s going to train them how to manage that situation properly,” Horn said
Social Media Reaction
Champion cause Jeff. 100%. Well done!
Champion boxer Jeff Horn officially retires from the ring to focus on his 'biggest' fight yet https://t.co/y08hk6IhPl via @ABCaustralia
— Joe Napoli (@NLogicMS) July 2, 2023
He has been doing this part time for a while & surprising school admins with his character & important message that he delivers effectively. 👏👏 Jeff Horn: Jeff Horn retires from the ring to focus on his 'biggest' fight yet https://t.co/waWGgAV4Ug
— Anne Roberts (@robertsanne00) July 2, 2023