Simon refuses to retire

Simon refuses to retire Harry still believes Former WBO middleweight world champion Harry Simon is hoping for a better 2017. STAFF REPORTER



Namibian boxing legend Harry Simon feels that he still has fights in him before he can consider hanging up his gloves.

The 45-year-old says the thought of leaving the ring has not crossed his mind yet and he hopes to make the most of 2017.

At the age of 45, Simon has often faced criticism that he is no longer the boxer people used to know because of his lack of speed in recent comeback fights.

“I have not thought of retirement yet because I was born to fight and will continue boxing until my body tells me it is time to give up.

“I have been in talks with various people who are willing to secure me something big and therefore I am hopeful that 2017 could be a good year for me.

“People will always judge and talk bad about me, but the most important thing is that I remain focused on to what I love.

“I am still a champion and will remain a champion because my record still stands that I have not been defeated in my last 30 fights,” Simon says.

He says he will not be deterred by criticism from some people in the boxing fraternity or by his past.

The former WBO world champion says his biggest wish is to set an example to upcoming boxers and other athletes, proving that incredible comebacks do exist in sport.

The Walvis Bay-born boxer has a record of 30 undefeated fights, with 22 of the victories coming by knockout.

He has been a role model to many young boxers who dream of achieving what he accomplished in his prime.

Since he turned professional back in 1994, Simon has won the WBO light middleweight and WBO middleweight world titles.

He was stripped of his titles after he was involved in a series of car crashes which saw him serving jail sentences for culpable homicide from 2007 to 2009.

Since then he has had some comeback fights, including an IBF light heavyweight international fight which he won against Geard Ajetovic in 2013.