Canadian cruiserweight champion Rob “Raging Bull” Nichols (11-4-1, 6 KO’s) went from being an avoided fighter in the amateur boxing scene to a Canadian champion. His professional career began in 2008 and as much as he would have loved to stay busy it was difficult to train while working and providing for his family aside from being able to keep opponents. In nine years he fought a total of sixteen times and things did not always go his way but he stayed determined.

On March 10th, Nichols unknowingly had his last fight against Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford. It was a fight that came short notice for both fighters but things did not go Nichols way and he suffered his first career stoppage loss. After taking some time to reflect on his fight, Nichols took to social media to send out a heartfelt retirement message to his fans.

“Well, I’ve taken enough time to reflect on things to finally speak my mind. I didn’t win my fight and I want to praise to Ryan Ford who did a great job as my opponent. It was evident to myself, and my coach during the fight that being a part time boxer will never match up to the full-time fighter. Trying to work and put in the necessary time the gym, and to get quality support to be at a high level of competition, requires not only more dedication than I currently can give but [also] more financial backing than I am able to get. Everything I have done up to this point has been with the support of my family and my friends and I am glad to have made it this far, but this is as far as it is going to go.

I am announcing my retirement as a professional boxer. I set out to win a Canadian title and I am very happy about accomplishing that goal. I would never have gotten to where I am now without the support and guidance of my coach Sterling Craigg. We started on this venture together back in 2008, and we made a pact that we would end it together as well. I thank Jane Chevalier and Luke Logan for also having worked my corner, I’ve appreciated their help every time we’ve been in the ring. To Brad Foster and the people at KP gym, you’ve all treated me extremely well and I’m very grateful for the support I’ve been given over the time that I have trained there.

I’m one about giving credit where credit is due, so I will give thanks to Dekada for the opportunity to fight for the Canadian Cruiserweight and Mel Lubovac at KO boxing for having me on their show several times over the years. It was not the ending I was hoping for, but it was good to be able to finish my boxing career in Edmonton back where it all started.

Thanks to all the many people that trained and sparred with, to all the gyms I went to, and to all the people I’ve met with and spent time with during my run as a professional boxer. My identity has for a long time been associated [with] boxing, but like anything in life… change comes to us all.

Thank you to everyone, and thank you for everything.
Rob ‘Raging Bull’ Nichols”