by David P. Greisman

Junior middleweight Pawel Wolak abruptly retired today, according to postings on his official Twitter and Facebook accounts just four days after he lost via unanimous decision in a rematch with Delvin Rodriguez.

“With heavy heart, I announce my retirement,” Wolak wrote on Twitter. “U need heart, passion, desire 2 compete, but the mind needs to know when it is time.”

The 30-year-old, who is 29-2-1 with 19 knockouts, expanded further on Facebook:

“I am at peace with my decision to retire from boxing,” he wrote. “I left it all in the ring and I have absolutely no regrets. I got to do what most people will never be able to and I couldn’t be more proud to have been part of the best sport in the world.

“I will stay active, busy and in boxing shape as I have done since 17 years old, but I hope to help other fighters in the NY area in their careers. The list of people to thank is too long but you all know you are. Thank you to my core team, my family, my friends and the fans who have made me a better husband, man, father, son and fighter. I am forever grateful.

“Thank you to Top Rank for always having my back and to the boxing media who have always been fair and treated me with respect. I am not going to do any interviews at this time. While I am retiring I am staying under contract for the duration of my contract terms with both Top Rank and my manager, Cameron Dunkin. Please direct all questions to Cameron. Onwards and upwards.”

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter at twitter.com/fightingwords2 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fightingwordsboxing, or send questions and comments to fightingwords1@gmail.com