-
Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer
Summer Lynn, ESPN’s No. 4 welterweight and a rising prospect in the sport, announced Thursday that she is stepping away from boxing at age 22.
Lynn last fought in April, 2022, when she beat Jaica Pavilus by unanimous decision.
“Thank you to the people who reached out to see if I am doing ok,” Lynn wrote in an Instagram message. “Which I am doing better mentally and physically. I kinda went MIA for a year.
“I have decided to go my separate ways from boxing. As much as I love the sport, it was also very taxing on me and I wanted to explore what else there is for me out in the world.”
Lynn (7-0, 3 KO) began her pro career in 2019 and seemed to be on a fast track in 2021, with four fights. Then she fought once in 2022.
Lynn, from Chicago, had been trained in her career by Rick Ramos, who also works with Jessica McCaskill, Olivia Curry and other female fighters.
A message sent to Lynn seeking comment was not immediately returned to ESPN.
Lynn began fighting in multiple combat disciplines as a child, through high school and the first part of her adulthood.
“She’d been in the game so long and never got the big opportunity,” Ramos said. “When you’re making no money for 10 years, it’s exhausting and she’s got to make a life. She’s got tuition to pay. She’s got life to pay. It’s so unfortunate.
“Female boxing is not quite there yet to have a livelihood, you know. But she’s a great kid. What can I tell ya.”
Source: www.espn.com