Lucian Bute retires from boxing. Thank you, Lucian!

It was expected, with Lucian Bute having lost his previous three matches, and having not fought since January 2017, but it is now official. The Romanian – Canadian former super middleweight champion of the world has announced his retirement from boxing on Wednesday, March 20th, in a press conference held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, which saw a few tears being shed.

lucian bute retire boxing

Bio

Bute was a highly promising amateur boxer in Romania, although there was often controversy about him not being given the same chances as opposed to a few other boxers who had better connections in the system. He won the Bronze medal at the 1999 World Championships.

Bute turned pro in 2003, moving to Canada, and won his first 30 matches as a professional. He won the IBF Super Middleweight title in 2007 by knocking out Alejandro Berrio in his 21st fight, and successfully defended it 9 times, until he was handed a heavy beating by Carl Froch in 2012, in Nottingham.

During 2007-2012, Bute was considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the World, and many saw him as the best Super Middleweight in the world in a stacked division which also featured the likes of Andre Ward, Mikkel Kessler, Carl Froch or Arthur Abraham, among others.

Bute went up in weight to defeat Denis Grachev and lose a big money fight against Jean Pascal at light heavyweight. He went back down to take on the new generation of Super Middleweight champions, but lost to James DeGale and earned a questionable draw against Badou Jack.

It became a widespread opinion that Bute was not the same boxer he was before the brutal loss against Carl Froch. That horrible loss, at the height of his powers, will follow Bute for the rest of his life.

“Yes, we can say that it was the beginning of the end. After this defeat, I was not like before.” Bute, March 20th 2019, about Froch loss

Bute tested positive for ostarine after the Jack fight, and was stripped of the draw, but was only given a 6 month suspension after proving he took the substance accidentally.

The Romanian went back up to light heavyweight to challenge future title holder Eleider Alvarez in February 2017, but lost via KO in the 5th round after dominating the early part of the bout. It would prove to be his last fight.

Thanks for those late nights, Lucian

Bute might have not been quite as great as advertised during 2007-2012, when he was dominating without facing world class fighters. At the same time, he took unwarranted criticism towards the end of his career, when he was still competitive against top opposition. In his golden years he was good. Very good. Defending a title 9 times is no easy feat, and he faced plenty of good opponents during that stretch. Overall, a remarkable career to be proud of.

Lucian Bute is probably the best pro boxer Romania ever had, and for me, back home, it was a pleasure to watch him put on a show on so many late nights or early mornings. Often with my friends coming over for a drink. His left handed uppercut to the body will remain a classic shot in boxing`s history. Best of luck in your future endevaours, Lucian Bute!

“It`s over for me”

“One week after my fight with Eleider Alvarez, my daughter Ema was born. I took the time to think. A few months later, I did not know what to do. I had doubts. Then my second (child) came and it was finished for me. I had no doubt. I knew I was not going to get into the ring one last time. My children are my gift.”

“I have nothing left to prove. Two or three fights for a few dollars wouldn`t have changed anything. Even if I receive offers, I will decline them. For me, when I make a decision, it is forever. I do not go back. I am healthy and I want to take care of my family.”

“My reflexes, my taste for training and my balance were not the same. These are signs that you slowed down. Boxing is a reaction sport and it does not forgive. Why put my health at risk?”

“What is difficult for a boxer is to admit that you have reached your limit.”

“It was not just becoming a champion that was important, but the way I had won my fight. I remember the reaction of the crowd. These are unforgettable moments for me.”

“I also had a very special moment in the second match against Librado Andrade in Quebec City. To me, it’s my best win.”

Lucian Bute, March 20th 2019

lucian bute professional boxing record

photo sources: tvanouvelles.ca and wikipedia

quotes translated from tvanouvelles.ca

About Rostick

Born in '88. Running betting tips websites since 2007. Launched Betdistrict in 2013. Worked as a bookie for a year to spy on the other side. Rugby Union and NBA expert. Editor info & statistics.

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