A. Souwer retired from professional kickboxing (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram ONE Championship)
One of the greats in the history of kickboxing has hung up his gloves. This Friday morning (15), after losing to Marat Grigorian in ONE Championship: First Strike, Andy Souwer announced his retirement from the sport. At 38 years old, the Dutchman has been competing professionally since 1998.
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In his farewell to the sport, Andy Souwer was defeated by technical knockout in the second round after a leg injury prevented him from continuing to fight. After the fight, the Dutchman gave his retirement speech.
“I told you something about my story, it's been 24 years as a professional, wow. 24 years as a professional. I've fought a lot throughout my life, but this is very difficult. Especially knowing my wife and kids are watching. I lost again. In recent years I have had a very difficult journey in my private life and in the world of sport and martial arts. Thanks to martial arts, I got up. This helped me a lot throughout my life. It brought me a lot of fortune, not in the form of money, but also a lot of dedication, spiritual respect and made me a good human being. That's what my coaches gave me and I want to thank everyone. I'm too emotional right now to thank everyone, but what's really important right now is that the future looks great with Marat (Grigorian) in the top 4. There are several great fighters, almost all of them are former opponents of mine. I think it's time to say goodbye, guys”, said an emotional Andy Souwer.
A professional for 24 years, Andy Souwer has become one of the main faces of the Dutch kickboxing school, one of the strongest in the world. During his career, the fighter reached four K-1 World Max finals, winning two of them, in 2005 and 2007. Souwer had victories over notable opponents such as Buakaw, Albert Kraus, Nieky Holzken and more.
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