Nathan Heaney retires after final defeat to Gerome Warburton
Nathan Heaney has retired from boxing after a points defeat to Gerome Warburton in Birmingham.
The 37-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent, a former British middleweight champion, closed out nine years as a professional with the loss to the Welshman, with the judges scoring the contest in Warburton's favour. BBC Sport
He confirmed the decision straight after the final bell. Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Heaney thanked the supporters who had travelled for his send-off, calling them "very special".
Heaney turned professional in 2017 and leaves the sport with 19 wins, one draw and three defeats from 23 fights. That record was built the hard way, largely on small-hall shows where he earned a reputation as a ticket-seller who spent years hand-delivering tickets to fans. BoxingScene
The peak came in November 2023, when he beat Denzel Bentley to win the British title at middleweight, the 160lb division. His first defence was a draw against Brad Pauls in March 2024. He lost the rematch four months later.
Heaney had said 2026 would be his last year in boxing so he could put everything into one final run. DAZN He also spoke of his dream of fighting at Stoke. In the end his farewell came in Birmingham on the Davies-Collins card, shown live on DAZN.
Tributes followed quickly. Promoter Frank Warren called him an "out-and-out Stoke legend", while Stoke-on-Trent City Council saluted Nathan 'Hitman' Heaney for stepping into the ring for the final time.
What makes this stand out is the connection. Heaney never held a world belt. He held something rarer in British boxing, a loyal crowd that followed him everywhere. He left to loud support, and on his own terms.
