Highly educated boxer and former world champion Lovemore "Black Panther" Ndou has hung up his gloves, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career which began in 1993.
The former IBF junior welterweight and IBO welterweight champion - who boasts seven university degrees - was the first ever active boxer who doubled as a practicing lawyer.
Ndou, who turned 45 yesterday, told Sowetan from New South Wales in Australia, where he has lived since 1995: " I am officially retired from boxing. It has been a long and successful career for me. My legacy in that regard is already solidified. In the last few months, I was contemplating having one more fight in South Africa. However, after giving it some serious thought, I have now decided against it.
"I think I have achieved more than what I expected as a boxer. I remember the first time I laced up boxing gloves, my dream was just to win the National Amateur title. I have won two world titles in two weight classes as a professional. This exceeded my modest goals and I can truly reflect upon these titles as my greatest achievements."
Ndou runs a law firm in Australia. He was once the chief sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather Junior, and the boxer from Musina in Limpopo has 49 wins (31 KOs), 13 losses and two draws. Ndou beat the then revered Phillip Ndou in 2009 and Bongani Mwelase in 2010.
Ndou said he used his earnings to pay for his studies to prepare for life after boxing. "Have something to fall back on at the end of your career, and that way you won't have to stay too long in the sport and risk unnecessary health issues," he said .
"I will always be involved in boxing. This could involve managing, sponsoring and possibly promoting fights. I want to thank everybody who helped me make it to the top - every promoter, manager, trainer, sparring partners and sponsors, my fans, my family and God for protecting me throughout my career, allowing me to finish my career while my brain cells are still intact."
Ndou is looking forward to the next life chapter.
"Without sounding like I am beating my own drum, I am the most educated world champion fighter there has ever been.
"With seven university degrees to my credit, I do not see why I can't become an influential leader to my people in South Africa as a politician and possibly the president in the future."
Ndou hangs up his gloves
Highly educated boxer and former world champion Lovemore "Black Panther" Ndou has hung up his gloves, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career which began in 1993.
The former IBF junior welterweight and IBO welterweight champion - who boasts seven university degrees - was the first ever active boxer who doubled as a practicing lawyer.
Ndou, who turned 45 yesterday, told Sowetan from New South Wales in Australia, where he has lived since 1995: " I am officially retired from boxing. It has been a long and successful career for me. My legacy in that regard is already solidified. In the last few months, I was contemplating having one more fight in South Africa. However, after giving it some serious thought, I have now decided against it.
"I think I have achieved more than what I expected as a boxer. I remember the first time I laced up boxing gloves, my dream was just to win the National Amateur title. I have won two world titles in two weight classes as a professional. This exceeded my modest goals and I can truly reflect upon these titles as my greatest achievements."
Ndou runs a law firm in Australia. He was once the chief sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather Junior, and the boxer from Musina in Limpopo has 49 wins (31 KOs), 13 losses and two draws. Ndou beat the then revered Phillip Ndou in 2009 and Bongani Mwelase in 2010.
Ndou said he used his earnings to pay for his studies to prepare for life after boxing. "Have something to fall back on at the end of your career, and that way you won't have to stay too long in the sport and risk unnecessary health issues," he said .
"I will always be involved in boxing. This could involve managing, sponsoring and possibly promoting fights. I want to thank everybody who helped me make it to the top - every promoter, manager, trainer, sparring partners and sponsors, my fans, my family and God for protecting me throughout my career, allowing me to finish my career while my brain cells are still intact."
Ndou is looking forward to the next life chapter.
"Without sounding like I am beating my own drum, I am the most educated world champion fighter there has ever been.
"With seven university degrees to my credit, I do not see why I can't become an influential leader to my people in South Africa as a politician and possibly the president in the future."
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