Anthony Mundine says he has ‘nothing left to prove’ and feels at peace after being knocked out in 96 seconds during his final fight as a professional boxer.
The polarising Australian sporting legend, who was beaten convincingly by Jeff Horn in a brutal masterclass on Friday night, said he was happy to hang up his gloves.
Although his last fight didn’t end the way he expected, the 43-year-old said he had finished his career knowing he’d left behind an incredible legacy.
Following his 96-second defeat in his final fight Anthony Mundine (pictured) is relieved his career is over and feels he has ‘nothing left to prove’
Hours of anticipation culminated into a 96th second left hook at the ‘River City Rumble’
‘I feel like there’s an enormous weight been lifted from my shoulders,’ Mundine told The Sunday Telegraph.
He says the result of the final fight was ‘destiny’ and now vows to dedicate his life to his five children and supporting their sporting dreams.
‘I’ve had a rocky relationship with the Australian sporting public but I’d like to thank everyone who got behind my career, watched all my fights and watched all my footy,’ Mundine said.
‘It’s going to be a big change in my life but I won’t miss anything. No more starving myself, no more training, no more pressure, I’m a relieved man.’
Mundine also took to his official Facebook page to thank his thousands of fans.
‘Just wanna say thanks for all the support I’ve had one hell of a ride but kinda relieved it’s all over,’ the 43-year-old wrote.
He admitted that towards the end of his career he no longer had a passion for fighting and wasn’t ‘doing it for the love’.
Anthony Mundine’s career comes to an end with a stunning knock-out at the hands of Jeff Horn
‘I’d find it hard to go to training most days & when that happens you know it’s time,’ Mundine said.
‘So thank you everybody for joining me somewhere on this journey weather you was (sic) with or against me you all played a role.’
The much-hyped bout at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday let down audiences as they were expecting more than the short one-sided contest.
Horn dominated the fight from start to finish, catching Mundine with body blows before delivering the devastating left hook that sent him sprawling to the canvas.
Mundine also took to his official Facebook page to thank his thousands of fans