Cello calls it a day after fifth round stoppage

Peterborough professional boxer Cello Renda has today (September 2) announced his retirement from the sport.
Cello Renda has retired from boxing.Cello Renda has retired from boxing.
Cello Renda has retired from boxing.

He suffered a fifth round stoppage in Doncaster last night at the hands of Luke Crowcroft in an English super-middleweight title eliminator and this morning decided that was his final contest.

A former two-time Prizefighter finalist, Renda (33) shocked Leon McKenzie to claim the Southern Area belt in his previous fight and was a warm favourite to beat Crowcroft, who was 10 years younger.

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But he was down in the first and cut mid-way through the fight before the end came soon after.

Cello Renda in action.Cello Renda in action.
Cello Renda in action.

Renda said: “Wow what a career I’ve had . . . but it’s time to call it a day. I’ve had the most unbelievable 14 years as a pro cementing my legacy in Peterborough

“I’ve fought some of the best in the business and won titles at three different weights, got to two prizefighter finals, won a British title eliminator, won fight of the year, knockout of the year, boxed on sky sports, won the Peterborough Sports Personality of the Year and won the Southern Area title. Wow! I’m 33 years-old and it’s a young man’s game.”

Renda had 44 fights, winning 29 of them, and there was never a dull moment when he was in the ring. Always involved in tear-ups, what Renda lacked in title belts he made up for completely with heart and guts and fought out several full-blooded battles.

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A career-highlight was reaching the Prizefighter final against multi-time world title challenger Martin Murray in 2008, where Renda was edged out via a split decision and walked away from York Hall with a handsome cheque for £16,000.

Then one year later came his most memorable moment against Paul Samuels.

As the pair traded blows at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke-on-Trent, both unbelievably landed punches at exactly the same time with Renda and Samuel identically hitting the canvas.

It was a turn of events rarely seen in boxing and instantly made Renda a household name in the United Kingdom.

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