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Three-time world champion Danny Green admits he’s nearing the end of his decorated boxing career, declaring he wants to retire from the sport while he’s still on top of his game.
Despite suffering defeats to Antonio Tarver and Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in his past two bouts, Green says he’s feeling fresher than ever ahead of Wednesday night’s catchweight (84.9kg) encounter against American Danny Santiago at Challenge Stadium.
Green is advertising the bout as his final appearance in his home town of Perth.
The 39-year-old has already retired once before – a brief hiatus in 2008 – and gave a big hint on Monday that retirement would again be on the cards soon.
“What goes up must come down,” Green said.
“Everything’s got to come to an end. I’m 39 years old and I don’t want to fight past my use-by date.
“Going into this preparation and going off my last performance, I’m not doing that.
“In my last fight, I was a round away from becoming a world champion for the fourth time, from taking the cruiserweight title from Krzysztof Wlodarczyk.
“My form in this preparation still suggests I’m not fighting past my use-by date.
“But I know I can’t do it forever and I want to leave this game hopefully on top of my game.”
Green wouldn’t bite when asked if the fight against Santiago could be his last.
But with a re-match against arch rival Anthony Mundine looking more and more unlikely, Green may decide the time is right to bow out of the sport.
For the moment, Green is looking fresh, mean and ready to pound some flesh.
The West Australian has purposely taken a lighter approach with his training loads this time around in a bid to ease the burden on his body.
“We haven’t hammered my body so much in training camp,” Green said.
“We’ve approached it far more intelligently.
“I’m a hard worker. It’s what I’ve forged my career on.
“But Angelo (Hyder) and I have learned that later on in my career, the longer it goes, my body responds to less work.
“We finished our pad work last night and my brother said to me after: ‘That’s the best I’ve ever seen you physically look’.
“If I showed everyone the footage of last night, they would agree my speed and power and my movement is as good as it’s ever been, so I’m pretty happy.”
Green has compiled a record of 31 wins (27 by knockout) and five losses over his career.
Santiago, also known as The Bronx Bomber, boasts a similar record, with 31 wins (19 by knockout), five losses and a draw.
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