Nathan Heaney, the Stoke-on-Trent middleweight boxer, will retire from professional boxing following his WBA Continental middleweight title bout against Gerome Warburton in Birmingham. The fight, scheduled for tonight at BP Pulse Live, marks the conclusion of Heaney’s career, which included a difficult loss to Warburton earlier this year in March. Heaney enters the rematch seeking to end his career on a high note by claiming the title.

Reflecting on his career, Heaney identified his victory over Denzel Bentley in November 2023 as a defining moment. Bentley, now a world champion, was defeated by Heaney in what the boxer described as one of the greatest achievements in Stoke-on-Trent’s sporting history. Entering that fight as a 9-1 underdog, Heaney impressed by outboxing Bentley, a performance he regards with pride.

Heaney’s journey in boxing began at the age of seven, initially encouraged, if somewhat reluctantly, by his father. Despite his early involvement, Heaney aspired to be a footballer for his hometown club, Stoke City. However, by age 17, he recognized that a football career was unlikely, especially as his amateur boxing success became more evident. Heaney’s determination grew as he realized his potential in the sport. Although he did not secure the ABA title he had aimed for, he continued to compete in the amateur ranks, accumulating around 90 fights before turning professional.

Upon turning pro at 26, Heaney was driven by a desire to avoid regret, committing fully to his boxing career even without initial guarantees of success. His professional debut attracted an audience of 60, a figure he steadily increased over time. Eventually, Heaney achieved a long-held goal by signing with promoter Frank Warren, a leading figure in the sport. The partnership lasted six years, during which Heaney experienced many significant moments and deepened his love for boxing.

As he approaches retirement, Heaney prepares to face Warburton once more, hoping to finish his career with a final victory.