Two-Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Retires from Boxing

After two consecutive losses and having not competed for nearly two years, popular slugger Marcos Maidana officially announced his retirement from boxing Tuesday afternoon on his official Facebook page.

Maidana, one of Argentina’s greatest boxers, took on some of the greatest of his generation and captured the WBA super lightweight title along the way. After coming up short twice for the belt (via decision to Andriy Kotelnik in 2009 and then to Amir Khan the following year), he finally won his gold by edging Mexican legend Erik Morales over 12 rounds to nab the interim title, which eventually became the regular WBA belt.

Maidana’s reign as champ didn’t last long, though, as he relinquished his crown to move up to welterweight. He lost his divisional debut on points to Devon Alexander before going on a three-fight knockout streak that saw “El Chino” wipe out Jesus Soto Karass, Martin Angel Martinez and Josesito Lopez. In his next outing, he conquered then-unbeaten Adrien Broner in a thrilling war to win the WBA welterweight strap in December 2013.

From there, Maidana cashed in his terrific career by taking on pound-for-pound king and all-time great Floyd Mayweather Jr. the following May. Maidana took it to “Money” for 12 rounds but came up short in losing a majority decision to the future Hall of Famer. With the fight being so close and entertaining, the Argentinian was granted a rematch, though he lost a wide unanimous decision that September.

In total, Maidana retired with an overall record of 35-5 with 31 KOs. His wars with Morales, Broner, Soto Karass and Victor Ortiz were candidates for fight of the year and hangs up his gloves as a two-time world champion.

Maidana posted this message on his official Facebook page Tuesday afternoon (translated to English):

After a long time out of the ring and after giving it a lot of thought since my last fight I've decided to hang up the gloves for good. Probably my decision would not surprise much as I had given hints of it in the last few months. But at this time I am making it official.

"Before anything else, I must say that I leave very proud and deeply thankful to boxing and everything that I have achieved. I've really never imagined getting this far when I put on a pair of gloves for the very first time when I was 15 in my native Margarita City. I think I was able to put the name of my country Argentina very high after winning two world titles, winning and losing against the best fighters of the world.

I've had a very tough career and I've fulfilled several of my dreams. I am a very happy man, next to my family and friends. I know that many people think that I still have things to do and battles to fight. And I respect them. It is something that also has given me around in my head for the last few months. But only one that knows what a real challenge is, like the ones I always had, may understand that you have to be absolutely motivated to approach them.. Only through a huge effort, physical and mental, can one get into a ring with the best in the world if what is intended is to win. And I've always wanted to win. Today I don't have the motivation, the sacred fire that is needed. And that's why I announce my retirement.

... "At this time I start a new stage in which I will remain close to boxing, advising and unconditionally supporting 'Team Maidana,' aiming for new generations to reach the highest levels," Maidana said. "I will be there for our (featherweight titlist) Jesus Cuellar, for new great prospects like Brian Castaño, my brother Fabian Maidana (and) Alan Castaño, who are already making some noise internationally; for Javier Maciel. Also I will be there for the new kids like Neri Romero and Luis Veron. And most likely I will be there for many others who will join us along the road looking for great challenges. My goal is to pass the baton over to them now."