The end of an era as DelBey announces his retirement from the sport of boxing.
DelBrey was the biggest name and biggest draw the EBU has ever seen. He fought 12 rounder’s without taking a punch, went 50 fights without even losing a round, was the first EBU boxer to achieve a 10,000 live gate, the list of achievements goes on and on. Records were broken and will most likely never be topped.
DelBrey first boxed for the EBU 19 years ago. The 18 year old dazzled on his debut and scored a 4th round KO. People expected great things from then onwards.
At 20 he became the EBU Southern English Heavyweight Champion in a 5 round display of pure brilliance.
The English title was added at the age of 22 and he successfully defended that belt without ever looking close to being defeated.
At 25 years old, DelBrey challenged Martin Morris for the EBU British Heavyweight Championship. Morris was unbeaten and known as an exceptionally tricky opponent. DelBrey made easy work of the fight and won everyone round to score a points victory.
11 years of dominant displays followed. DelBrey beat so many rising stars that he seemed unbeatable.
He eventually faced off against his friend and former sparring partner. Havey managed to do what others had failed to do and make the fight competitive. DelBrey failed to get the win and had to settle for a draw.
The Rematch was one of the best fights I have seen. Both men hit the canvas, both men had success in exchanges. Havey pressed forward with a tactical attack. Going into the last round, DelBrey looked set to suffer his first defeat. He used to experience and made Havey walk onto a trap. Havey went down, got back up, and the result was another draw.
The 3rd fight was completely different. Havey’s ring control and timing didn’t factor into the battle. DelBrey bombarded with punch after punch and was comfortably winning the fight. As exhaustion set in, Havey exploded with a combination and knocked DelBrey out. It was his first, and only defeat.
Many believed DelBrey was finished. But two victories followed. Last week the EBU announced a teaser of their rankings. The said “DelBrey has moved up and will be the number one challenger for the British belt. He will be Havey’s mandatory very soon”
DelBrey countered “The last two fights have been all about getting it out of my system. I don’t want to be anyone’s mandatory. I have no desire for championship fights. Boxing has been such a huge part of my life and I have struggled with the thought of not being a boxer forever. I can now say that I accept and welcome the prospect. My career has been incredible. I think it will be a long time before any EBU boxer comes close to a reign of 11 years. I achieved everything that I wanted. I have my health and have made very good money. The time comes when you have to admit to yourself, and everyone else, that you cant do this anymore. That time is now. As of today, I’m a retired boxer. I would like to thank my team for their dedication and support. My family for the constant love and care. Every opponent that has played a part in my story. The biggest thanks goes to the fans. You have always supported me and turned out in the thousands. I cannot express my gratitude to you. Thank you”.
DelBrey retires with a records of: 71 wins – 1 loss – 2 draws – 52 KOs.
Havey, Former opponent. “As a youngster I idolised him. Being his sparring partner was unbelievable. He would train so hard and I knew I would need to do the same. Sparring him was a nightmare. I was 19 years old and believed I was unstoppable. So getting beatings from him every day was humbling. The three times that I challenged him for his belt have been the highlights of my career. Being his opponent was an honour. I wish him all the best for the future and a retirement filled with adulation”.
Martin Morris, former opponent. “I was 100% confident going into our fight. I didn’t underestimate DelBrey. I knew he was good. But I didn’t expect him to be capable of pulling of the combos and moves that he did. Even when I saw what he was doing in advance, I couldn’t stop it. He was on another level and the career that followed left me in awe. He will be remembered as the number 1 legend from the EBU”.
By Anthony Harris.
English Boxing Union 