The day after Jake Paul knocked out Andre August in the first round Friday night, August’s trainer said it could be the last time the boxer fights.
“I think my boy’s going to retire,’ trainer Justin Deshone told USA TODAY Sports on Saturday. “I don’t think he wants to fight anymore.’
August, 35, was 10-1-1 entering his cruiserweight fight with Paul in Orlando, Florida, and had planned to fight again, according to Deshone. But that changed after Paul knocked out August at 2:32 of the first round with a devastating right uppercut.
Not long after the fight, Deshone said, August talked about his plans as a pro boxer.
“It was like, ‘This is it, bro,’ ‘ Deshone said.
The knockout isn’t the only thing that prompted talk of retirement, according to Deshone, who pointed out that August is the father of two young children.
“I think it’s moreso his kids,’’ Deshone said. “He’s become more of a family man.’
Deshone said August was “good and healthy’ after the fight but is not granting interviews.
Paul, 26, improved to 8-1 (with five knockouts). He said he plans to make an announcement about his fight plans.