Cleverly says Maccarinelli has been great for boxing
Enzo Maccarinelli has denied reports that he has retired following Saturday's third-round loss to Russian Denis Lebedev in Manchester.
The 28-year-old Swansea boxer said in the build up to the fight that it could represent a "last-chance saloon".
And following the defeat, he suggested that retirement was a possibility after being left "devastated".
Reports on Monday claimed Maccarinelli has hung up his gloves, but he told BBC Wales: "No, I'm not retiring."
Since his emphatic defeat to David Haye in a title unification match last year, Maccarinelli overcame Mathew Ellis in two rounds before slumping to a surprise ninth-round knockout against Ola Afolabi in March.
His latest comeback was short-lived against Lebedev.
As early as the second round Maccarinelli was relying on single shots, while Lebedev, who is now unbeaten in 18 fights, with 13 knockouts, was never troubled.
A clean uppercut through the guard wobbled Maccarinelli in round three, before Lebedev pounced on him and pinned him on the ropes with left and right hooks.
One right in particular had the former WBO champion reeling before a merciful Terry O'Connor stepped in to end the contest.
"It looks like it [retirement], I'm just devastated," said Maccarinelli after the fight. "I don't think I've got it any more."
Fellow Welshman Nathan Cleverly believes Maccarinelli is right to seriously consider quitting boxing.
"Fighters can be on top of the world one day and the next their career looks over because they just fade," said Cleverly. "You see a lot like that.
"If their punch-resistance goes and their legs start to stiffen up then you know it's time to hang your gloves up."
He added: "Enzo's been great for the sport and I've read a quote saying he's probably going to pack it in now.
"But he's been great for the sport and he's a gentleman as well."
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