BLACKWOOD heavyweight Hari Miles has revealed he is set to make a decision on his future in professional boxing early next year.
The former Team Calzaghe member announced on social media last month that he was hanging up his gloves with a view to moving into the world of bare-knuckle fighting.
However, the 31-year-old, who has a record of nine wins and a dozen defeats from 21 pro bouts, may yet stay put.
He is due to undergo a routine medical assessment next May but fears he might not pass due to the effect his time in the ring has had on his eyesight.
When asked if he had retired, he said: “It’s 50-50 at the moment. I’ve taken some time off since my last fight in October and I’m probably going to make a decision in January.
“It’s something that has been on my mind for a while because I don’t want to get that status as a journeyman.
“Also, I don’t think I’m going to pass my medical next May because of my eyes, that’s another reason why I’ve been thinking of finishing.
“I might have a couple more fights and go on until May, and maybe take on Dorian Darch for the Welsh title if we can get it on.
“If I don’t pass my medical in May I will finish, but if I know I am going to pass my eye test then I would stay as a pro.
“What I’ll probably do is book an eye test for early in the new year, see where I am then and make a decision.”
The Welshman is also set to talk to manager Dai Gardiner over his future.
Miles has been offered a contract by bare-knuckle promotions company UBBAD but hasn’t signed it as he doesn’t want to risk losing his boxing licence when it’s possible he could stay in the sport.
“They sent me a contract and put on Facebook that I was going to start bare-knuckle boxing but I haven’t signed anything,” he added.
“I love fighting, whether it’s with gloves on or not, so I’ll keep fighting, whether it’s at semi-pro level, on the unlicensed circuit or bare-knuckle.”
Miles’ last bout, a four-rounder at Bethnal Green’s York Hall on October 1, saw him suffer a points defeat to unbeaten Birmingham product Kash Ali.
Meanwhile, in the amateur ranks, Cwmcarn’s Caitlin Cromie won her fight for Wales as they secured eight out of 14 contests against Scotland on Saturday.
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