The 35 year-old succumbed to a massive three punch onslaught by Ukrainian slugger Dmytro Kucher in the first round at York Hall on Friday night and has subsequently retired following seventeen years as a pro.
Missing out on the European cruiserweight title and a possible world title shot, the Swansea man made his difficult announcement after the stoppage.
“Sorry guys. Felt good in there (but) got tagged. Absolutely devastated I had to end my career like that,” said Maccarinelli.
To his credit, Kucher took full advantage of his opportunity, shaking Maccarinelli to his boots with left hand, before adding two more blows that were equally as punishing.
There was no recovering from Maccarinelli, who has a long history of being taken out, but would certainly have been a longer-reigning world champion without his frailties.
A championship stint with the WBO between 2006 and 2008 will remain the highlight of Maccarinelli’s long career as the veteran bows out with a 41-8 record and 33 KO’s.
Also on the bill, Chris Eubank’s estranged son Nathanael Wilson moved his early career to 3-0 with a 40-35 points win over Liam Richards, prior to ripped light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde battering Hull-based Pole Grzegorz Semik in a two-round mismatch.
Tom Baker, Leon Woodstock, Jez Smith, Lucien Reid and DP Carr all extended their unbeaten records, whilst Ryan Garner stopped Ricky Leach on his debut.
The shock of the night came as little-known Vladimir Idranyi halted Charlie Duffield in the sixth round to improve to 6-18-2. Duffield drops to 3-1.
