Did Gvozdyk retire too early?

Didn't think about that.

 

Gvozdyk took a real beating against Beterbiev, he gave it his all and fell short. He can't beat Beterbiev (which is no shame because Beterbiev is a monster who hardly ever gets to show it). A few more fights like that and Gvozdyk could well have health problems, as he well knows by what he did to Stevenson one fight earlier.

Gvozdyk was very smart and talented, but he was never as natural a fighter as e.g. his friend Usyk. You can see it when they fight, when Usyk gets hit by something he immediately wants payback, whereas Gvozdyk's instincts upon getting hit are to cover up and avoid more punishment. You never saw him wanting to stand there and trade.

Some boxers have the battle-urge, others don't - so I wasn't surprised when Gvozdyk had enough. There was no chance to be #1 with Beterbiev around, and he didn't need the money.