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Flintoff should retire, Las Vegas unlikely – McGuigan


Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
Trainer set to stand by fighter’s decision

Former world champion Barry McGuigan believes that ex-England all-round cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has gone as far as he can in professional boxing and should hang up his gloves.

McGuigan, who whipped Flintoff into shape along with his son Shane for the novice’s successful pro debut last Friday night, is against a second bout for the now TV star and sees retirement as the best option for the 34 year-old.

"I just hope he doesn't want to do it anymore because it was such a tough, difficult job to get him into that type of shape," McGuigan told Sky Sports. "He worked exceptionally hard but it was a real trial.”

Talk has already surface that Flintoff is hoping to box in the fight capital of the world in Las Vegas following his 39-38 victory over Richard Dawson, although McGuigan is not sure that a trip Stateside is a good idea.

"But could we reproduce this, let's say for example if he wanted to go to America? I don't think we could.

"He's such a loveable lad, everybody loves him, the support he has is extraordinary, but don't know that he should be doing it again to be perfectly honest.

"But that decision is his decision and if he wanted to do it I would want to protect him as best I could and help him as much as I could," said McGuigan.

The fans undoubted support for Flintoff at the Manchester Arena was incredible on the night, although ‘Freddie’ has plenty of those in the professional game who believe his exploits are belittling boxing and have made their feelings known.

A second fight for Flintoff may now be a bridge too far for the likeable sportsman without the total backing of his team and a retirement announcement may be just around the corner for the one-time professional fighter.

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