IRISH middleweight Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan plans to take time out from boxing after a crushing loss to Mexico’s Jaime Munguia.
The Cork boxer was retired by his corner towards the end of the 11th round in Texas at the weekend, in what was the ruthless Munguia’s first fight in that weight class.
O’Sullivan was on the receiving end of a number of low blows throughout the contest, but referee Mark Calo-oy only docked a point once, in the sixth round.
The unbeaten Mexican now has 35 straight victories and has targeted the best in the division.
Thank you very much Mike for the love and support it means a great deal to me. I'm feeling good on my way back to Ireland to see my family. I'll be back 💚🇮🇪☘👊👍 https://t.co/EBPWQ2oF5N
— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) January 13, 2020
"When I had him hurt, that’s when he would hit hard, so I had to let him get tired, then find the finish,” said Munguia after the fight. “I was confused whether to attack or not. I want to fight the best in the division, Golovkin, Canelo or Charlos.”
O’Sullivan had Munguia rattled in the third round but could not press home his advantage.
The 35 year-old had acknowledged that he needed to knock out the Munguia to earn a career-best win and he came close to doing so in the closing seconds of the third. He hammered Munguia with a left hook to the head on the counter and had the Mexican dazed.
Munguia recovered, and in the latter rounds and wore O’Sullivan down with brutal body shots.
Potential world title shot
It remains to be seen whether the gutsy Cork fighter – who has now lost out to four world champions – has anymore to give. A world title shot at light middleweight is still on offer from Golden Boy and O'Sullivan has dropped hints he wishes to continue.
But he will take time out before confirming.
"I think he is strong at middleweight and he can do good things at the weight,” O’Sullivan said of his opponent afterwards.
“Golden Boy said they are going to get me a world title shot at light middleweight. I think he was stronger at 160lbs than he was at 154lbs.
On the way home from Chicago to my family great to be able to enjoy a cool refreshing beer on @AerLingus can't wait to see me family and give them the biggest hugs and kisses ever 😊💕 pic.twitter.com/sRDeDZikEx
— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) January 13, 2020
"He was the bigger guy in there, but I nearly took him out a few times as well. I rocked him a few times.
