On the steps of the Cornwall Civic Complex on Friday, August 12, 2022, Tony “The Lightning” Luis held a press conference to announce his retirement from professional boxing. The overcast sky was fitting for the somber news, shared with Tony’s father, Jorge Luis, as well as close friend and fellow pro boxer, Joe Bowman, in attendance.
In front of friends, family, fans, and the media, Luis (34) reminisced about the first time he watched Mike Tyson fight at nine years old looking through his dad’s VHS collection. From there his obsession with boxing grew, until his first amateur fight at 12-years-old in October 2000. He signed his first professional contract in May 2008 at the age of 20.
At the height of his career, Luis was considered one of the 15 best fighters on the planet in the Lightweight Division. “Since that time, my journey has taken me to Vegas, to New York, to right back to where it all started. Here,” said Luis, “14 years professionally, 24 years in total, more than half of my life I’ve given my mind, body, and soul to this sport.”
“I’m tired, guys. Last weekend I lost to a very good fighter, but a fighter I would have had the legs to hold off and beat a few years ago. I’m not shaking punches off the way I used to, and I will not let the sport retire me, I will retire from the sport.”
Tony talked about the different hats he’s worn over the years, including full-time student, child and youth case worker, father, husband, son, and most recently, security for OPG. He said that while balancing everything was tough at times, he did it because he loved it.
Fans will be pleased to hear that despite his decision to step back from professional boxing, it won’t be the last time we see Tony Luis in the ring. During the press conference, Luis announced an upcoming gig as a colour commentator starting on September 9 and 10, with more details to come. Luis will also remain a big part of Champs Eastside Boxing.
