VIDEO: Defeat sees world’s oldest boxer hang up his gloves

Ward (58), recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest active professional boxer, made a comeback after a three year retirement and won his previous fight by knockout to get a shot at the super-cruiserweight Masters title.

And Ward, who represented Team Body and Soul on the gym’s latest show, threw everything into his entertaining four round fight against Leicester’s talented Arek Drezek, losing narrowly on points.

“I’m the first to admit I lost to the better man,” he said after the fight. “I think it’s time for ‘The Legend’ to call it a day, so this is my official retirement.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the people of Mansfield and everybody who has supported me throughout my career.”

Steve will now pass on his vast knowledge of the fight game to up and coming boxers, working as a coach for Team Body and Soul in the new year.

Fight fans at the show were treated to a second memorable title fight as Body and Soul’s Ian Clarke and Sleaford’s Dan Cooper staged what will surely be recognised as one of the semi-pro fights of the year.

For three exhausting rounds they traded knockout punches as they battled to be Masters light-heavyweight champion.

Fans of each boxer were sure their man had done enough to win, but after an anxious wait it was Clarke who lifted the belt and he will defend his title on Body and Soul gym’s next show on 21st February.

Nick Golubs of Body and Soul will challenge for a Masters title in February after his opponent in his middleweight eliminator, Lee Green of Leicester, had to retire after the first round with a jaw injury.

On the undercard, five fights ended with knockouts.

Body and Soul’s Adam Gostowski stopped John Wade in 25 seconds with a body shot, Dom Allcock’s sweeping left hook knocked Doncaster’s Gareth Simpson off of his feet in the opening round, and Team Block’s Luke Morten beat Nottingham’s gutsy Simon Morrell in the first round. Also, Stapleford’s Gareth Evans defeated Wigan’s Danny Payne in the second and Nottingham’s Casey Page halted Chesterfield’s Dean Ragan in the third.

Kirkby’s Deano Rowley and Fitness Factory’s Adam Joseph recorded points victories against Wigan’s Carl Sweeney and Birmingham’s Andrew Cosnett respectively, while Body and Soul’s Wes Dolan’s bout against Fighting Fit’s Les Wade ended in a draw, as did the exhibition fight between Fitness Factory gym mates Luke White and Carlo DeFazio.