Nathan Heaney, a Stoke-on-Trent boxer and former British middleweight champion, has retired from professional boxing after losing on points to Gerome Warburton in Birmingham on Saturday. The 37-year-old ended his career with a record of 19 wins in 24 contests.
Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Heaney praised his supporters for their send-off. He described looking out at around 2,000 Stoke-on-Trent fans who remained in the venue throughout the fight, singing even after his defeat.
"It's them that have made it all anyway, I've just won the titles, but they've made these nights what they are," he said. "To every single person who was there, thank you, you're very special people."
Career achievements
Heaney made his professional debut in 2017. He won the British middleweight title in November 2023 by beating Denzel Bentley. His first title defence was a draw against Brad Pauls in March 2024, followed by a rematch loss to Pauls four months later.
Reflecting on his career, Heaney said he was proud of his achievements. "I might be bang average, but I won many titles over the years. I became the British middleweight champion and to become the British champion is not average. It was a very big achievement," he told BBC Radio Stoke.