Former three-weight world title holder ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley has given WBN an explanation of the causes for his retirement following initial reports breaking.
Mosley has brushed off an interview stating his inability to train as the main reason. He had hoped to continue fighting for some time despite being almost 46.
Mosley last fought in May 2016 when losing out via decision to David Avanesyan in a title bout. He later revealed an accident during surgery had contributed to the end of his illustrious 23-year career.
“I had a few more years left and had a few big fights lined up for 2017 and 2018. [Bernard] Hopkins fought up to 50 at a world-class level and has always been a role model and friend,” Mosley explained to World Boxing News.
“However, fate, if you will, stepped in. It took those options away from me earlier this year.
Shane Mosley retirement
“I went in for a ‘minor’ orthoscopic surgery to remove a couple of loose bone fragments from my elbow. The surgery turned into a whole ordeal after the surgeon admittedly and ‘accidentally’ burned me on my forearm, leading to an infection.
“I needed four or five days of IV (intravenous) antibiotics and two weeks of antibiotics at home. It was crazy and surreal to learn that I could never fight again.”
Describing how the mishap has since affected him, Mosley added: “I can’t even straighten my arm or bend my arm to this day. I still have numbness in my fingers.
“It’s really sad for me. I have been dealing with depression over losing something that was this important to me.
“I have been in physical therapy since it happened to try to get my arm ready for a fight against [Magomed] Kurbanov, which was an easy win for me.
“The kid only had nine fights under his belt. He had no idea what he was getting into.
“We just finished a four-city fight tour in Russia. I was amped to get back in the ring and prove myself after the decision against Avanysean.
“I am hearing I have post-surgical trauma causing burn spurs or something like that and need another surgery. So I know this is the time to announce my retirement.
“I was talking to (previous interviewer) and didn’t want to mention all of this, but I know I need to clear up why I am really retiring,” concluded Mosley.
WBN would like to once again wish Shane well in his retirement.
