Andriy Kotelnik Ready To Retire, Plans Final Career Fight

Former WBA junior welterweight world champion Andriy Kotelnik (31-4-1, 13 KOs), announces the imminent end of his boxing career. The Ukrainian fighter recently celebrated his 34th birthday. His decision was partially made due to health problems, but he also felt a lack of support to obtain championship fights. Kotelnik was the first man to beat Gavin Rees and Marco Maidana. He lost a decision to Amir Khan in 2009 and then a controversial decision to Devon Alexander in 2010.

Kotelnik wants to stage one farewell figh, either in the United States or Kiev, Ukraine.

"This year I determined the fact that my career is coming to an end. I do not lack the desire to train, but my old injuries manifest themselves [when I train]. As soon as I start training, [the old injuries] immediately return in my back, leg, and so on. I want to have at least one fight, either in America or in Kiev. If I do not get offers in the United States, then my fight in Kiev will be my last. This will be a ten round fight, a typical fight at the end of my career. I know my capabilities and I know what I could do to prove who the real champion of the world really is. But I do not have a manager who could help me [get those fights], I'm not able to do anything. I do not want to waste what I've worked for, for 25 years. I do not want to be someone's sparring partner or a [name] used [for] records." - declared Kotelnik.