Why so many boxers cannot stay retired: ‘I love fighting. It never leaves you’

Many professional boxers struggle to stay retired due to the deep psychological and physical pull the sport has on them, often leading to multiple comeback attempts. Former fighters frequently cite the adrenaline, identity, and passion for competition as reasons they return to the ring even after officially stepping away. The phenomenon raises questions about the mental and physical risks faced by aging athletes who cannot walk away from the sport they love.