Probably, my decision would not surprise much as I have given hints of it in the last few months. But at this time I am making it official.
Before anything else, I must say that I leave very proud and deeply thankful to boxing and everything that I have achieved. I never imagined getting this far as I put on a pair of gloves for the very first time when I was 15 in my native Margarita City. I think I was able to put the name of my country Argentina very high after winning two world titles and fighting against the best in the world.
I had a tough career and I fulfilled many of my dreams. I am a very happy man with my family and friends by my side these days.
I know many of you think that I still have things to do and battles to fight, and I respect that, but this is something that I had in my mind in the last few months.
Only those who know what a real challenge is, like the ones I always had, may understand that you have to be absolutely motivated to approach them. Only through a great physical and mental effort can you mix in the ring with best of the world if winning is your goal. I always wanted to win and today I do not feel motivated enough and do not have the fire inside me to climb those mountains again. That is why I announce my retirement.
At this time when I take a look back at my career, I want to thank so many people that helped me to have what I call a successful career.
To Ricardo Linari, who was the person who discovered me, I am very thankful. To one of my first trainers, Ricardo Ferreiro. Those two were the first ones that had faith in me when I was only a teenager.
To my cousin “Pileta”, who was always by my side, for the good and bad times.
To my advisor Sebastián Contursi, who advised me in first international steps and was able to take me to the highest level.
To my last trainer, Robert García, who was able to transform me to fight the best of the best with real chances to beat them. To other important trainers that I had like Rudy Pérez and Rafael Liendo.
To my conditioners, Raúl Robles, Cruz “Pensa” García, Alex Ariza, and Cicilio Flores. To doctor Walter Quintero, who was always there to help me and my family.
To don Gilberto and Gilberto Jesús Mendoza at the World Boxing Association (WBA), for always believing in me.
To my sponsors and friends, Hugo Basilotta, Héctor “Etín” Ponce, Marcelo Rossini, Leonel Duarte, and Jorge Pablo Brito, who always supported me in a country like mine where unfortunately companies and commercial brands do not generally support boxing.
To Universum and Golden Boy Promotions, for giving me the opportunity of showing my boxing to the world.
To Al Haymon, a crucial person in the last steps and probably the most successful of my career.
To my parents, Olga and Américo. To my wife Mariana. To my son Nahuel and my daughter Emilia. To all of them, thanks for standing by me for such a long ride.
Last but not the least, to my dear fans, who always supported and cheered me either from their homes or from the stands of all the arenas where I fought. I will never forget that chanting: “Chi-nooooo, Chi-nooooo”!
At this time, I start a new stage in which I will remain close to boxing, advising and unconditionally supporting “Team Maidana”, aiming for new generations to reach the highest levels.
I will be there for our world champion Jesús Cuellar. For new great prospects like Brian Castaño, my brother Fabián Maidana, Alan Castaño, who are already making some noise internationally. For Javier Maciel. I will be there and for the new kids like Neri Romero and Luis Verón.
And most likely I will be there for many others who will join us along the road looking for great challenges. My goal is to pass the baton over to them now.
Thank you all…
MARCOS “EL CHINO” MAIDANA
