Newport's Nathan Howells Brings An End To Storied Professional Career

 

Credit: Huw Fairclough

After 15 professional contests, a Welsh title challenge, a Celtic title triumph and a number of memorable wins on the road, Nathan Howells has announced his retirement from boxing. 

The 32-year-old entered the paid ranks back in October of 2021 and did what many fail to do at any point during their first 10 bouts - face an opponent with a winning record on their pro debut. 

Howells' supporters rallied him along as he picked up a comprehensive points win over Mexico's Christian Lopez Flores at the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff. 

He remained unbeaten in his opening nine bouts but tasted defeat for the first time in his tenth when he was outpointed by Port Talbot's Conor McIntosh in his attempt at becoming the Welsh Area super-featherweight champion. 

His resilience prevailed however as he made it two victories on the spin before he stepped up to challenge the late John Cooney for the Celtic super-featherweight title at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

Written off by everyone but his close friends, family members and team, Howells stepped into the liosn den in what was his toughest test to date. 

After producing the performance of a lifetime, Howells stopped Cooney in the penultimate round of their showdown to win the first title of his career and become Newport's first ever Celtic super-featherweight champion. 

Howells was ordered to make the first defence of his Celtic crown against former rival Conor McIntosh next, but unfortunately fell short in his attempt at cementing his place as the mandatory challenger for the British super-featherweight title as he suffered a 6th round stoppage defeat to his countryman. 

He bounced back yet again however and returned for what would prove to be the 15th and final outing of his professional career, a points win over Ricky Leach at the Galleries in Bristol last month. 

Making a name for yourself on the small hall scene can sometimes prove to be difficult for a number of domestic fighters, but Nathan Howells did very well in the five years that he spent as a professional fighter. 

As he prepares to shift his focus to spending more time with his family, and enjoying his football at Newport Corinthians FC, Howells can be extremely proud of what he achieved and for putting his city on the map. 

Article by Kailem Lowe

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