Timothy Bradley Retires After 13 Years of Pro Boxing

Timothy Bradley, who won world title belts in two weight classes and fought Manny Pacquiao three times, is retiring from boxing.

Bradley made the announcement late Saturday night on his social media accounts.

Bradley, who will turn 34 on Aug. 29, has not fought since losing by unanimous decision to Manny Pacquiao on Apr. 9 of last year. There was talk a few months ago of Bradley facing unbeaten Jose Ramirez, but the idea of retirement began to weigh heavily over the last several weeks.

"I have spent the past couple days trying to find the right words to describe this point in my life," said Bradley in a statement. "No matter how long I sit and reflect, I still don't know if these words can do my thoughts justice, but I'm going to do my best to open my heart and share with all of you during this pivotal time."

Bradley grew up in Palm Springs, California, building a following amongst boxing fans during his teenage years until finally turning pro in August of 2004.

Bradley was a staple of Thompson Boxing cards early on in his pro career, eventually signing a promotional contract with Gary Shaw. Both Thompson Boxing and Gary Shaw would co-promote him over the next several fights.

After defeating Devon Alexander in January of 2011, Bradley would sign a promotional contract with Top Rank, facing and defeating Joel Casamayor later that November.

Bradley would score the biggest win of his pro career in June of 2012, winning a 12 round split decision over Manny Pacquiao in a bout many thought the popular Filipino did enough to win.

Over nine months later, Bradley survived a knockdown in the final round to outlast Ruslan Provodnikov of Russia in a thrilling fight that took place in Carson, California.

Bradley identified spending time away from his family during training camps that factored into his decision as well.

"It is no secret that a life of any professional athlete is not an easy one. Yes, it comes with a lot of fame and fortune, but also comes with fear and fatigue. A balance that has to be achieved by ambition and maintained through perspective. For over 23 years, boxing gave me purpose and it defined me."

"I was able to give 100 percent of myself to be the best and to always get up when I was knocked down. It was the biggest challenge in my life, but I embraced the sacrifice with every victory and milestone reached. Boxing gave me roots, it kept me off the streets, it gave me confidence, it taught me how to be a man and face every challenge head on and take the good with the bad. Yes, I missed holidays, birthdays, even missed hearing some of children's first words but more than time, it took my blood, sweat and tears, all things I can never get back. Which is why turning the page for me is bittersweet."

Bradley currently serves as a boxing analyst for 'Top Rank Boxing on ESPN' telecasts.

Francisco A. Salazar has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, RingTV, Boxingscene.com, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing