Champion Toowoomba boxer Steve Spark announces retirement

From one of Australian boxing’s most famous gyms to fighting in front of 60,000 Mexican fans Steve Spark has seen it all. Find out which five fights stand out the most for ‘The Viking’ here.

Steve Spark of Australia punches Gabriel Gollaz of Mexico during the fight for their WBA Inter-Continental Super Light title at Akron Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Just days after agreeing to a fight he hoped would reignite his passion for boxing Steve Spark has called time on one of Australian boxing’s most promising careers.

A training session earlier this week confirmed thoughts lingering in the back on Spark’s mind for a few months now.

Less than a year after fighting in front of 60,000 people as part of one of international boxing’s biggest cards, the Canelo Alvarez fight, Spark was no longer fully in love with boxing.

“I know this is a real shock to a lot of people. I know Brendon (Smith) certainly wasn’t expecting this when I signed a deal to fight on a pretty big card in Australia later this year,” Spark said.

“I signed that deal with the right intentions.

“I hoped it would ignite that fire in my belly again but I was in the gym a day after signing and I had a moment of realisation, the passion is just not there right now.

“This has been in the back of mind for a few months.

“We (boxers) accept the risks when we step into the ring.

“I’m not willing to accept those risks if I’m not 100 per cent committed.”

The 27-year-old said a recent injury to his hand and the subsequent recovery following surgery played a part in his decision but he steps away from professional boxing with zero regrets.

Stevie Spark throws a punch during the WBA Oceania WBO Global super welterweight title fight between Tim Tszyu. Picture: Getty Images)

Spark, who was pulling beers at the Toowoomba Hockey Club when he took a fight against Tim Tszyu on a week’s notice, said boxing has bought him great joy.

“I am incredibly proud of what Brendon and I achieved over the last 15 years,” he said.

“With the help of so many people we accomplished amazing things – things beyond my wildest dreams

“Stepping away from boxing is tough but now I can focus my attentions elsewhere.

“I’m engaged to be married later this year and my partner and I are expecting baby boy – my second boy.

“I love being a father, I love my family and that’s where all my focus is now – giving them the best possible life.

“I don’t know what the future looks like for me, hopefully I can still be involved in the sport in some way, but I retire with zero regrets.”