BELFAST boxer Damien Sullivan has announced his retirement from the sport after being forced to withdraw from the Northern Ireland team bound for the Commonwealth Games.
The 29-year-old was due to be part of the 13-strong team departing for Birmingham tomorrow, with the Games getting under way on Friday. However, in a social media statement yesterday, Sullivan announced that he had been “medically ruled out” of the competition.
It would have been a second Commonwealth Games for Sullivan, who fought at heavyweight in Australia four years ago. Indeed, he hasn’t boxed in a vest since, stepping between the ropes three times as a professional between 2019 and 2020 before deciding on a return to the amateur game.
However, despite taking part in the recent multi-nations training camp at Jordanstown and looking forward to the Games, it wasn’t to be for Sullivan this time around.
“Regrettably I have been medically ruled out from competing at my second Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“This is absolutely devastating for me as I have been away from my family for the last four months and committed so much time to this camp. On top of this I will be retiring from boxing, the last few years the injuries have been progressively getting worse, doctors and my family have both spoke with me and the right decision is to step away from the sport.
“This sport has given me some of the best memories of my life, I have over-achieved massively, seen the world, met some of my best friends and I wouldn't change a thing. I gave everything I could and more, and always wore my heart on my sleeve.
“Unfortunately my style has an expiry date and my time is up - my family and health will be put first. I have struggled the last week and half and have been in a bad place with everything, but I am slowly coming to terms with it all and no doubt will be feeling better soon.”
