Dariusz Michalczewski retires!

01.06.05 - Hamburg - Former WBO light heavyweight champion Dariusz Michalczewski just retired from professional boxing. The 37-year-old Michalczewski announced this significant step today on a press conference in Hamburg. "I will begin a new career in a new profession. My time as a professional boxer is over," Michalczewski said..

“I fought 50 times, won 48 fights and lost twice. I had the feeling that I can't bring 100% anymore of the performance needed. It took me long to get to this decision. But I leave boxing with no tears."

Dariusz Michalczewski turned pro on September 16, 1991. Three years later, on September 10, 1994, he captured the WBO light heavyweight world crown, a title that he held more than nine years and that he defended 23 times successfully. Michalczewski also won the WBO cruiserweight belt and the WBA and IBF titles at light heavyweight.

On October 18, 2003, Michalczewski eventually lost his WBO crown to Mexican Julio Gonzalez with a split decision at Color Line Arena in Hamburg. 14 months later he failed in an attempt to lift the WBA light heavyweight crown from Fabrice Tiozzo and was knocked out for the first time in his career when the Frenchman stopped him in round 6 on February 26, 2005.

Michalczewski just founded a new boxing management company called "Young Tiger."

"I want to use my experience in this business to find new talents and to promote them. What I want to find is a new Tiger. He should be like me: With lots physical and mental powers."

Michalczewski's former coach Fritz Sdunek will participate in this project. Universum Box-Promotion CEO Klaus-Peter Kohl attended the press conference and promised Michalczewski future support.

Dariusz Michalczewski is leaving boxing with a record of 48-2 with 39 knockouts. He fought under the banner of Universum Box-Promotion throughout his career.