Chris Van Heerden Retires; Russian Authorities Jail His Girlfriend For 12 Years
Chris Van Heerden has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 37.
He ends his career with a 28-3-1 record, which includes 12 knockouts. His last fight was in 2022, when Conor Benn knocked him out. The defeat was devastating, given what had transpired about Benn. Conor failed two VADA tests for Clomiphene, a substance known for being a masking agent for other PEDs. The defeat was hard to take, as Van Heerden never got back in the ring. Before the Benn loss, he had secured five wins in a row as he sought to push for a world title shot.
He won the IBO Welterweight Title before his retirement, which became his biggest milestone. He also held the IBF International Title. However, against elite-level opposition, he came up short. He was knocked out by Errol Spence Jr. in 2015. However, Van Heerden developed a reputation for never ducking anyone. Now, he has confirmed he will not box.
Van Heerden Reacts
“After much reflection, I have decided to announce my retirement. This decision comes from a deep place of gratitude and introspection, as boxing has given me so much over the years. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to travel the world and compete on international stages,” Van Heerden said
It has been quite a radical period for Van Herdeen. His girlfriend was arrested in 2022 when she visited Russia to see her grandmother. She had been accused of giving $50 to a Ukrainian charity just as Russia was going through a war with the country. It was a massive setback for the boxer, who had been dealing with the Benn loss.
He urged his fans to pressure the authorities to secure her release. Khavana pleaded guilty to the charges as she was accused of treason. She has been accused of ‘proactively collecting money in the interests of one of the Ukrainian organizations.’ Her lawyers argued that she pled guilty, hoping to get a reduced sentence. However, she has been jailed for 12 years. Despite the ongoing struggles, Van Heerden does his best to maintain a brave face.
Van Heerden’s Future
“Each fight taught me invaluable lessons, and I am proud to say that I spent more time on the winning side than the losing end. My journey was marked by minor battle scars, but I am grateful to walk away with no serious injuries – a testament to the discipline and respect I learned in the ring.
“Thank you for the support, camaraderie and unforgettable experiences. I will always carry the spirit of boxing with me, and I hope to contribute to the community in new ways moving forward. With heartfelt gratitude,” Van Heerden stated
The decision is understandable, as it is hard to see where Van Heerden goes next. He is not close to a world title shot or getting any younger. After having been a world champion, he has nothing else to prove. The boxer has bigger battles outside the ring, which must take precedence.
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