Most people wouldn't want to box after almost killing an opponent and then enduring an awful beatdown for a pay level that would never be attained again.
Being on the receiving end of one of the most painful accumulation beatdowns in recent times would make a lot of men want to retire. He’s also a smart, educated guy and was said to have career opportunities outside of boxing.
He had a rough fight with Beterbiev. That took a lot out of him mentally and physically. Surprised he is back but its hard for fighters to stop. Hope he stays healthy and gets good matchups.
I honestly think that's the reason. And also on paper you'd have to fancy Gvozdyk to win. It sucks losing when you are the favourite in your mind. Gvozdyk's got the footwork, the speed, the angles and the punch array to really trouble a guy that looks (superficially) as basic as Beterbiev. I think the fact that Artur basically walked him down and beat him to a pulp no matter what he did may have messed with his head. Part of the reason is Gvozdyk himself: he gave Beterbiev a lot of chances to exchange because he has a good punch himself. Maybe if he'd fought like a rabbit he'd have won on points.
I had Beterbiev up easily in this fight before the stoppage. He dropped him 2 or 3 times which the referee didn't count. As for why he retired he suffered a serious bleeding on the brain in this fight and spent a long time in hospital. After what he did to Stevenson in the previous fight I'm not surprised he walked away.
I have mixed feelings about his return. He was one of my all time LH favorites and I hate to see fighters get hurt or suffer long term damage. The Beterbiev fight was close for several rounds and it was brutal. Beterbiev definitely hit him behind the head. Not sure if it was intentional but it happened. I’d like to see a fight with Gvoz and Bivol. Both are excellent technical boxers and I think it would potentially be an entertaining fight. Two Eastern fighters doesn’t usually equal a good payday for anyone so this might never happen. Also, it’s rare that fighters take time off and come back stronger or better. It’s usually out of necessity (they need $$$). I hope that’s not the case with Gvoz.
Good work, total control against a solid journeyman who had nothing on him for the distance One, maybe two more like that in quick succession, Fury style, and he's ready for a shot at a high ranked guy
