Former Champ Hangs Up Gloves After Brain Scan Reveals Abnormality; Boxing Community Rallies in Support

Chris Jenkins has made the difficult decision to retire from boxing. The 35-year-old Welshman, known for his grit and determination in the ring, is prioritizing his health after an annual brain scan revealed an abnormality. This wasn’t an easy call for Jenkins. He turned pro in his hometown of Swansea back in 2012, embarking on a successful career that saw him climb the ranks and capture coveted titles. But sadly, it is coming to an end now.

His 33 professional fights showcased his talent and resilience. The turning point came with a recent brain scan. Facing the results alongside his trainer, Gary Lockett, Jenkins, made the mature and courageous choice to step away from the sport he loved and had practiced since his childhood. Boxing gave him glory, but his health and well-being had to take precedence. That’s why, he decided to hang up his gloves.

Chris Jenkins makes the hard choice for his family

Jenkins will always be remembered for delivering a classic display of the sweet science in his match against Cyrus Pattinson in March 2023, despite ultimately losing the bout. In an emotional social media post, the former British and Commonwealth welterweight champion revealed the heart-wrenching reason behind his retirement: an abnormality detected in his recent brain scan.

“This is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write,” Jenkins wrote on Instagram, his words heavy with the weight of sacrifice. “I recently had the yearly routine brain scan, it’s shown some abnormality from last year’s scan meaning I’d be putting myself at risk if I was to continue boxing,” he added in a post that carried an image of him with his wife and two children.

At 35, walking away from a sport he’s dedicated himself to since the age of 12 wasn’t easy. But the potential risk of further brain damage, jeopardizing his future and ability to be there for his young family, left him with no choice. “A hard fight or hard spar could result in a greater risk of having early dementia or Parkinson’s. Having a young family, this is a risk I can’t even contemplate taking. I need to be there and provide for my family,” he admitted.

His trainer, Gary Lockett, echoed the sentiment. “There aren’t many around like Chris anymore,” Lockett said, praising Jenkins’ old-school fighting spirit and dedication. He fondly remembers the night Jenkins clinched the British title against Johnny Garton, a night etched in Lockett’s memory as a coach. “He’s a real family man,” Lockett continued, highlighting the true champion within Jenkins. “He’s someone you would always want in your corner,” Lockett affirmed in a testament to Jenkins’ character beyond the ring.

News of his decision sent a wave of emotion through the boxing community, with many offering well wishes for his future endeavors while supporting him for taking the hard call.

Outpouring of Support for Beloved Champion

Many fans, like this one user who wrote, “There should be a fund for boxersputting everything on the line / training like demons throughout the years then these type of things happen winning a British title is a great achievement but it’s not going to set him up for life money wise etc now it’s back to the drawing board and maybe not fit for work,” acknowledged the dangers fighters face inside the ring.

Fans echoed a similar sentiment as one well-wisher who stated, “Good luck with the future Chris, always in entertaining fights,” recognizing Jenkins’ contributions to the sport.

A chorus of support emerged from fans, with one well-wisher expressing hope for Jenkins’ future endeavors: “All the best for the future Chris hope you can get into coaching or helping young boxers as I did when I was forced to retire.”

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Fans recognized the potential physical toll Jenkins’ career may have taken, with one commenting, “Not really a shock he’s been in a few wars.”

A fan praised Chris Jenkins’ career, highlighting his potential to mentor future fighters. They wrote, “What a shame, still achieved alot and can guide others and still do alot in the sport.”

Chris Jenkins’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the immense courage and sacrifice demanded of boxers. As he embarks on this new chapter, the boxing community rallies behind him, with fans offering heartfelt wishes for continued success in his future pursuits. Many have expressed hope for Jenkins to leverage his experience by guiding the next generation of fighters as a coach or mentor.

What are your thoughts on Chris Jenkins’ career and his potential future contributions to the sport? Share your comments below!

Also Read: Who are the Boxers Who Came Back to Fight Again After Retirement?