Boxing-Former undisputed world champion Taylor forced to retire over eye issue
Taylor, the only British male boxer to win all four belts in a single division, became the undisputed champion in the 140-pound weight class with a win over Jose Ramirez in 2021.
Undefeated Taylor successfully defended his undisputed title against Jack Catterall the next year, his 19th professional win in a row, before losing three fights by decision, most recently against Ekbow Essuman in May.
"This isn't an easy post for me to write, but on the advice of my doctors, it's sadly a necessary one," Taylor wrote on Instagram.
"As has been publicised before, I've had a recurring issue with my eye that unfortunately means I now have to call time on my career or risk losing my eyesight."
Taylor represented Britain at the 2012 Olympics and won gold at the next year's Commonwealth Games before turning professional in 2015.
"I am just a kid from the Pans who scaled the very top of the sport but I could not have done it without those who have supported me through thick and thin," Taylor added. REUTERS
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Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
In a country mad about football and boxing, Mexico's divers are contending on the world stage
Juan Manuel Celaya Hernandez (left) and Osmar Olvera Ibarra of Mexico in action during the World Aquatics Championship Men's 3m Synchronised Diving final, held at the OCBC Aquatic Centre on July 28, 2025. SINGAPORE – So precious is the men's 3m synchronised silver medal that Juan Manuel Celaya Hernandez won at the 2024 Paris Olympics that it is now kept in a safe deposit box at a bank in Mexico. The Mexican diver decided to take this precaution to keep his prized possession and family safe after hearing a story about another athlete whose house was broken into for their Olympic medal. But this medal represents more than just personal glory, it also signifies something greater for Mexico's diving community. He said: 'It was a dream come true. It's a culmination of all the hard work that we've put in. A lot of people also started looking at us like we're the ones to follow, mostly Osmar (Olvera Ibarra). 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Ma arrived in Mexico in 2003 as part of a Mexico-China sports partnership and was offered the opportunity to coach. She initially faced challenges like the language barrier, but was determined to succeed, although she never expected such success. Since then, Ma has guided some of the country's best divers, including Mexico's first world champion, Paola Espinosa. Ma said: 'I wanted to demonstrate the Chinese techniques, our culture, and the personal charisma of individuals. I imparted my techniques to them and I was able to bring about a significant change.' Mexico's divers also believe their success is down to something more intrinsic – their resilience. Celaya said: 'We want to succeed, want to be better, and want to show the world what we're made of.' This is evident in Ma's observation of her divers, whom she said prefer doing higher-difficulty dives. But to catch up with powerhouses China, Ma feels that more attention needs to be paid to the fundamentals of their dives. 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Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
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Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
China's divers continue to dominate at World Aquatics Championships
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